Drugs in Archery

[ASW1973]

a strange response by lmp!
BTW i was not casting aspersions actually stating what happens.
It is important to remeber that people take what is written on these forums as gospel and although i have been interested by what has been written by dead eye doc it i important to state that if you fail a drug test there is no recourse your carear is to all intents and purposes over at all levels. Similarly to sign a declaration form for drugs whilst knowingly taking a banned substance without a TUE is not something i would shout about in public as it is admitting breaking a very serious rule and could have repercussions

[Watch_Man]

A thread like this is useful in drawing attention to just how easy it is to inadvertently take a medicine which contains a banned ingredient. It has illustrated that there is not a widespread knowledge of what is and what is not allowed and what should and should not be declared on a TUE.

With so many archers of all abilities levels taking part in competitions where drug testing is possible I believe it is something that should be given more publicity and clarification. Archery is an unusual sport in that you have everyone from beginners to top Internationals taking part in the same competitions and while top experienced archers would be expected to know about drug testing it probably doesn't even cross the radar of some less experienced.

Wendy (archery_mum) was given a rehydration drink to try and it was only by chance she posted a thread here on AIUK and was very promptly given advice by a number of members NOT to use it. I am not suggesting there was anything wrong with the drink but after most posted similar opinions on the risks this particular drink went in the bin. It also led to her being guided towards a safe drink used by GB Cycling and GB Sailing.

[felixity]

on the subject of sports drinks briefly..i found this website by the bbc to make your own...then at least you know whats in them!

BBC SPORT | Health & Fitness | Make your own sports drink

[clickerati]

Originally Posted by ASW1973

Similarly to sign a declaration form for drugs whilst knowingly taking a banned substance without a TUE is not something i would shout about in public as it is admitting breaking a very serious rule and could have repercussions

how many archers on this forum have been drug tested, out of curiosity? chances are, it's only going to be at one or two high-level shoots, and probably only the top 3 archers will be tested.

that said, having read Deadeye Doc's very informative posts, although i'm a newbie, low-class archer and will likely never be drug tested, i will still have my gp complete a TUE for me, which I will send to GNAS, and therefore cover my bum. i'm not going to give anyone any opportunity to call me a cheat!

[Grepless]

Hi guys,
earlier this year I did get in touch with GNAS about Asthma and Diabetes medications since they are both on the banned lists, and I got a reply directly from the Performance Unit at GNAS towers - they were very helpful and understanding - here is the main text of the reply quoted verbatim :

"Thank you for contacting me, I shall attempt now put your members minds at rest.

You are correct, it would be a lot of work to process TUE applications for the 32,000 GNAS members that may be on prescribed medication and shoot on a serious but not the very top level. I would also require an army of staff to do so!

Therefore you will be pleased to know that common sense prevails!

GNAS have dispensation to allow its members to participate in tournaments without the need to declare any medication unless they are Master/Grand Master Bowman status or represent their country at International level.

Due to the Anti-Doping Rules any archer can be tested at any Record Status event. However, it is only the major events that would be targeted for testing. We advise that if an archer on medication has a reasonable expectation to finish in the top 10 at a Premier Shoot/National Championship/UK Masters/International Selection they should apply for a TUE.

I hope this information is of use, please feel free to diseminate it to any archers that come into contact with."

I think it makes it quite clear how GNAS work with the TUE and testing - unless you expect to finish in the top 10 and are MB/GMB the common sense approach should apply.

Hope this helps,

cheers

Grep.

[clickerati]

Originally Posted by Grepless

unless you expect to finish in the top 10 and are MB/GMB the common sense approach should apply.

thanks so much for sharing that. as this is very unlikely to me, i shan't worry.

[Little Miss Purple]

Grepless--- I'm soooo glad you have that from the horses mouth, I was saying the same thing to clicki last night!!

I'd thank you but felixity got it!!

[Random_guy]

I thought it was unlikely to be me too, and in general when shooting rounds (720, FITA etc) it is reasonable to assume you can judge whether or not you are likely to finish in the top ten. However, at norfolk last year I had a particularly good day in the H2H, which combined with my opponents' bad day, meant that i ended up 4th quite unexpectedly!

Fortunatley I haven't needed to take medication for my asthma for a number of years as its quite mild, and I wasn't tested anyway, but my point is, the unpredictable nature of H2H events means that you can never rule out an unexpected good performance.

[dell]

Also note that as this is an Olympic year, there will be a greatly increased number of drug tests being carried out, although focused on athletes going to Beijing..
Last year there were 37 drug tests on archers, 26 in competition and 11 out of competition.
Lots of info on UK Sport web site: Largest anti-doping programme ever for Britain's Beijing-bound athletes
Also look at 100% ME: 100%ME - It's what's inside that counts - Welcome to the 100% ME Website

[Grepless]

Originally Posted by Little Miss Purple

Grepless--- I'm soooo glad you have that from the horses mouth, I was saying the same thing to clicki last night!!

I'd thank you but felixity got it!!

OK - no worries - put the thanks on account

cheers

Grep.