FEATuRES
>;The why’s and wherefores of anti-doping
source: WADA-AMA
As an athlete it is your responsibility to know
what can lead to an anti-doping violation. The rule
states, “It is each rower’s personal duty to ensure
that no prohibited substance enters his or her body.”
Frequently asked questions:
The list of prohibited substances is lengthy and
reads like the goings-on in a pharmaceutical
factory. The substances prohibited at all times
come under five groups:
1. who carries out the testing? It can be done by
FISA, WADA, national anti-doping organisations
(NADOs) and the IOC prior to or during the
Olympic Games.
•;anabolic;agents
•;hormones;and;related;substances
2. how are the athletes that will be selected for
testing chosen? There are criteria in the rules
that include the rowers’ results, the amount
of domestic anti-doping testing conducted
by a national anti-doping organisation, when
doping is suspected and a random element.
•;beta- 2;agonists
3. what kind of sanction will the athlete receive
if found guilty of doping? According to the
World Anti-Doping Code, the suspensions that
may be handed down by the FISA Doping
Hearing Panel range from being unable to
compete in rowing for several months through
to life. If one member of a crew has a confirmed
positive doping result, the entire crew is
disqualified. For example if the crew has won
a medal, the whole crew is disqualified from
the event and they lose the medal. But only the
guilty rower is suspended from competition.
Arbitration for Sport. As well, WADA may
appeal the decision if they think it is not
in agreement with the World Anti-Doping
Code.
source: WADA-AMA
•;hormone;antagonists;and;modulators
•;diuretics;and;other;masking;agents
There are also substances that are prohibited solely
in competition. They include: stimulants, narcotics,
cannabinoids and glucocorticosteroids.
5. Is there doping in rowing? Luckily, rowing
has one of the lowest records of positive
doping cases of any sport, but there are still
some cases. Many are the consequence of
the inadvertent use of the wrong medicines
but there are still some cheaters out there, even
in rowing.
On top of this there are prohibited methods:
■ M.S.B.
•;enhancement;of;oxygen;transfer
•;chemical;and;physical;manipulation
•;gene;doping
4. Is there a right to appeal a disqualification
or suspension by the FISA Doping hearing
panel? According to the World Anti-Doping
Code, athletes or officials having received
suspensions from a positive anti-doping result
may appeal the decision before the Court of
