Four surprising anti-doping facts
Did you know...?
Anti-doping rules apply to every member of a sport
It’s a common misconception that anti-doping rules only apply to high-performance athletes, or HP athletes and their coaches. In fact, they apply to all members of sporting organisations whatever their level of competition. In fact, we’ll be kicking off a big campaign on the topic in the coming weeks, so keep an eye open!
Testing can happen at any time
While everyone is bound by the rules, we typically test only high-performance athletes, and we can test those athletes at any time, anywhere. It could be right as you’re getting breakfast for the kids or at the end of a tough training session. We can even test during a sanction, something that recently left a banned athlete with an additional seven-year sanction after testing positive for steroids.
Though the timing can occasionally be awkward, we do our best to make sure you have a comfortable experience. And we’re always keen to hear how we’re doing. An easy way to send us your comments is via the QR code card you receive after your test.
Understand the testing process
We monitor banned athletes
When we sanction an athlete, we don’t just forget about them. It’s common for us to monitor their activities to make sure they’re abiding by the terms of their sanction. And as they approach the end of their sanction, we reach out and support them with anti-doping education in preparation for their return to sport.
Check out our anti-doping education
Training with banned athletes risks a ban
A ban from sport means a ban from coaching and training as well as playing. But what you may not realise is that getting coaching from, or training with, a banned athlete also breaks anti-doping rules. Anyone who does this puts themselves at risk of a sanction.
If we hear about a banned athlete offering coaching, we take steps to address it – which includes raising awareness of the risks across the Kiwi sporting community.