Drugs

[Roy Hayward]

I am still very much a beginner at archery and have been attending a few tournaments in the SW of Eng. I have noticed that all the host clubs have, of course, been following the rules laid down by the `GNAS' which is right and proper and that they all expect one's acceptance that a drugs test may be taken. As an elderly archer I take certain pills to keep me alive and in reasonable shape and would hate to be disqualified if one of the ingredients of my life-savers was deemed to be a prohibitive substance. I wonder how I stand on this and, if I have to abide by the decision of whoever has the authority, I would clearly have to give up the sport if some minor element in the composition of a pill is regaed as 'suspect'. It also occurs to me to wonder how on earth any sort of so-called, 'inappropriate substance' can ever be 'performance enhancing' as we all know there are so many suibtle reasons for an innacurate and variable result in the scores on a target. Frankly, I cannot imagine there is any sort of chemical substance that can guarantee a higher number of golds than one is normally capable of. Any observations partcularly from those who do the tests and have the authoratative say in the matter.?? And I also wonder how many archers have been found to be taking enhancing substances over the last - say - five years?

[clickerati]

Moved to a more appropriate forum.

[Kellog]

Roy, We as a sport comply with the internation standards as far as drugs as concerned, so its not specific to archery, here is the official list of forbidden substances; a lot of them are relaxants (to aid with the mental side of the sport).


Don't worry if you happen to be on any of these, there is a "therapeutic use exemption", so if you're proscribed these for medical reasons you can get a medical statement to confirm it.

However as far as I understand it drugs testing doesn't really apply until MB, and I know I've certainly never known anyone be tested.

[GreenPea]

I've only ever seen drugs testing used at international competitions, where they test the top 3 positions and then random other competitors. Other than that I've not seen it used in other competitions, and I guess that the only reason someone would be tested in other situations is if they were actually seen taking something.

Originally Posted by Roy Hayward

It also occurs to me to wonder how on earth any sort of so-called, 'inappropriate substance' can ever be 'performance enhancing' as we all know there are so many suibtle reasons for an innacurate and variable result in the scores on a target. Frankly, I cannot imagine there is any sort of chemical substance that can guarantee a higher number of golds than one is normally capable of.

As far as what drugs can do to help your performance, people may take drugs to keep their heartrate steady as they don't want to lose their nerve in a head to head situation or important competition.
I hope this helps

Nesta-x-

[Shirt]

Get a TUE, form is on the GNAS website.

And drugs testing doesn't really matter at MB level either. It's more along the lines of when you start to shoot for England/GB, or if you go to an open-entry championship (EFAA W/EFAC, etc) that it might happen.

[disbloke]

First off http://www.uksport.gov.uk/generic_template.asp?id=12170 is the link to UK sports Anti-doping page. There is a series of links one of which gives a full list of prohibitive substances.

Follow this link and go to search and you can do a search of any drugs you are taking to see if they are prohibited. This is much more useful as it allows you to do a sports specific check.http://www.didglobal.com/page/choose%20country

When it comes to testing WADA have now made noises that they are likely to be testing more regularly than they have been previously. It will still mean that realistically until you reach MB you are unlikely to find yourself tested. However, if you enter and WRC or open internationals you could be unlucky and get picked out as a random test. If the testers turn up at a shoot they are likely to test the medal winners but if they want to do randoms they will just pick names off the target list irrespective of placing.

It is in anyones interest to apply for a TUE if they are taking any prohibitive medication. WADA will not accept "I've only just started" as a good enough reason not to ban you.

I'm sorry if this seems a little heavy handed but I'm merely letting you know what the situation is.

[disbloke]

Oh yeah. You also wanted to know when the last time someone was caught:

2005 IPC Archery World Championships 01.10.2005, Tomasz Lezanski, Poland Male, 2 years ineligibility 01.10.2007

It was due to a medication he had been taking for years but had never applied for a TUE..........

The moral of this story, get yourself a TUE if you need one.

[Ffish]

Interesting that alcohol is allowed in most sports, with a few exceptions, such as automobiles, motorbikes and powerboating (for obvious reasons), but then they go on to mention that it's also banned in boules (!), billiards and specifically archery....
How many of us get a pint (or two) in during the break of most tournaments??

[Roy Hayward]

Mny thanks for so many helpful replies. I sall never become an MB in a month (or more) of Sundays but maybe we should all consider the implications and know where we all stand. End of subject!! I'll try to think of something else to tease the little grey cells sometime!!! RH

[tel]

Originally Posted by Roy Hayward

Mny thanks for so many helpful replies. I sall never become an MB in a month (or more) of Sundays but maybe we should all consider the implications and know where we all stand. End of subject!! I'll try to think of something else to tease the little grey cells sometime!!! RH

If any of the happy band that make up BoM suddenly started shooting MB scores I'd certainly be looking for the sample bottle!