Drugs in Archery

[Mickle]

re. codeine being banned in Solpadeine

Solpadeine contains Codeine Phosphate, according to the drugs info database in the enclosed link is it not prohibited. Which is good, 'cos I'm prescribed co-codamal as well.

DID Global

In 20 years of shooting I've only seen drug testing at one tournament, trust my luck to be the victim!

[ASW1973]

Common sense should prevail BUT the response from GNAS is a little misleading in as much as if you did get drug tested it would not cover you in anyway, similarly you could not claim to be taking their advice. I have been drug tested 3 times in britain but quite a few times over the years in europe and this can include being tested randomly pre-event.
The rules are always the same that ignorance is not a defence similarly failure of a drug test leads to little or no chance of mitigation by the athlete.

[Little Miss Purple]

so lets all those on any snifter of medication flood gnas with these forms... but don't expect your shiny badges in a hurry!!

is gnas really about to test everyone at a random wrs / rs shoot?? ASW.. were you a bowman or below when you were tested.. and at which shoots??

[slartibartfast]

Originally Posted by Deadeye Doc

It's interesting to note that an Epi-Pen is mentioned.

In the UK - I don't know about the USA - these are only prescription only meds. Just what is meant by an "Emergency TUE" I have no idea! This is a life saving medication for individuals with acute hypersensitivities (anaphylaxis) to, for example, wasp stings. How one would not know about this in advance (should it happen at the competition for the first time, then the first-aider would be at a distinct disadvantage as Epi-Pens are not usually included in a first aid kit) beats me! The individual ought to be carrying the prescribed Epi-Pen for use in sch an emergency. Spending a day out shooting does suggest that there might possibly be flying biting insects about.

As I mentioned before, many "allergic" responses are intermittent, but asthmatics, as an example, often carry their medication for occasional use. Likewise, those with acute hypersensitivities ought to carry their Epi-Pen.

Just how capable an individual who required to use the Epi-Pen would be after using the Adrenaline of shooting a competitive score is open to debate. At least they would be alive.

I carry an epi-pen with me but have not had to use it so far. I applied for a TUE because I carry a banned substance, however I was informed by IPC and UK Sport that I could only apply for a TUE after I use the pen as it would only be granted in an emergency use case.

[ASW1973]

before i was mb i was tested at kirby muxloe and glasgow, as the random test not the top 3. Similarly a female archer i took to a european indoor tournament was randomly drug tested on the friday night, she was not representing her country or at the time a name per se.
The point is that if you take the responsibility to shoot at a competition with a drug waiver to sign then take that signature seriously as it is not possible to mitigate a positive result. It is a legally binding document, make an informed decision if you desire but don't advocate your decision to others when it is possibly destructive to their lifestyle.
It shocks me that anyone would be a) willing to sign a document that states they are not doing something they know they are.
b) they would be stupid enough to advocate publicly to others to do so.
This is about taking personal responsibility and is simply and immutably one of the rules of the sport

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Deadeye Doc

With all this discussion of drugs in sport I think it is worthwhile going back to thinking about why drugs are banned in sport. It is principally to stop cheating. People who take drugs to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents need to be caught.

I hate to say this, but isn't that a little backwards...?

The use of drugs is cheating because they are banned, not that they are banned because it is cheating. The rules define what is cheating and the rules say "don't use drugs". If they didn't say that then using drugs would not be cheating (by definition).

The reason anti-drugs rules were put in place is not "it's cheating", but (IIRC) originates with deaths in sport cycling before there were anti-drugs rules. If you don't ban drugs then (some) people will take them to get competitive advantage, at the expense of their health. That's not good for the image of sport (among other things...).

[Flying Whale]

Originally Posted by Rik

I hate to say this, but isn't that a little backwards...?

The use of drugs is cheating because they are banned, not that they are banned because it is cheating. The rules define what is cheating and the rules say "don't use drugs". If they didn't say that then using drugs would not be cheating (by definition).

The reason anti-drugs rules were put in place is not "it's cheating", but (IIRC) originates with deaths in sport cycling before there were anti-drugs rules. If you don't ban drugs then (some) people will take them to get competitive advantage, at the expense of their health. That's not good for the image of sport (among other things...).

Technically yes...maybe. Surely however in the end the intention in sport (other than winning) is (should be) to compare the athletes performance, not the performance they can achieve based on the drugs they can afford, or get away with.

I may be old fashioned, but I still think the amature ideals have a lot to recommend them, even to professionals. Professionals only succedd if they get paid. If the viewing/buying public get jaundiced by the use of drugs insport, then the money may not be there, and neither will the professionals be....

As I said I may be old fashioned. I still get a buzz out of watching good sportsmen and women. If they have to use drugs to get the edge, it is lost for me as a spectator and fan

[Flying Whale]

I never said anything was equal, or fair. You will always find people who have a naturally more advantageous physique. There have always been people who could afford better training opportunities and facilities.

In the end though if they have achieved the best results through their own natural physique, and their hard woirk in training that is the ideal.

I repeat again, I am an idealist. I know it is rarely achievable these days where there is money in many sports. That is why I enjoy watching many of these less these days than I used to.

[not dead yet]

plain old water tablets are banned due to the fact that they hide a multitude of sins....apparently

i'm on 2 different types