Anti-Doping Guidelines

LGFA’s policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping.  The Irish Sports Council is committed to the challenge of combating doping in sport and promoting fair play through the implementation of the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Programme. As part of this programme, players and athletes across the full spectrum of sport in Ireland may be required to submit to drug testing both in and out of competition.  LGFA require Counties and Clubs to play an important role in raising awareness for anti-doping and promoting a drug free sport at all levels.

Remember Strict Liability applies :

•        What does this mean ?

•        It means that each player is strictly liable for the substances found in his or her bodily specimen, and that an anti-doping rule violation occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in bodily specimen, whether or not the player intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.

We recommend that all players and player support personnel including managers, coaches, medical personnel, nutritionists and officials complete the following course: 

#cleangreensport e-leaning course.

The course covers key topics in anti-doping including the following:

• Anti-doping rule violations
• Testing procedures blood & urine
• How to check medications
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions
• The risk of supplements and herbal remedies
• Consequences of doping

At the very end a certificate of completion will generate, which all athletes and coaches are encouraged to save this for own records.

If you would like to have a look at the course, you can create a login here http://elearning.sportireland.ie/login/index.php

Further information is also available on this link:

http://learning.gaa.ie/Antidoping

LGFA advises all members to read and understand YOUR responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules and download an app today to check your medications.

Irish Anti-Doping Rules

The Anti-Doping Rules of Ladies Gaelic Football Association are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as per Official Guide Rule 95: The Anti Doping Rules of  LGFA are the same as the Irish Anti- Doping Rules as amended from time to time.

What do LGFA members need to know ?

 (1) WADA Prohibited List – Checking Medications & TUE Policy

The World Anti-Doping Agency issues a Prohibited List annually.  For information on the Prohibited List see:

https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do/prohibited-list

Note: Recreational Drugs are tested in-competition.

Check the status of over-the-counter and prescribed medications in relation to the Prohibited List, based on where you purchase the medication:

Republic of Ireland:

	Drugs in Sport Database on www.eirpharm.com
	For instant access to the Drugs in Sport Database, download the free ‘Medication Checker’ App available for iPhone and Android for Eirpharm – find it in the Apple iTunes Store or on Google Play
	Medications bought in the Republic of Ireland can be checked by your G.P., Consultant or Pharmacist in a monthly publication called MIMS Ireland. Ensure the current months edition is checked.

Northern Ireland/ UK/ Canada/ USA:

Medications bought in Northern Ireland, U.K., U.S.A and Canadacan be checked on www.globaldro.com

If a medication is prohibited, you must check and adhere to the Irish Sports Council TUE Policy at https://www.sportireland.ie/anti-doping/athlete-zone/athlete-zone/therapeutic-use-exemptions

Supplements?

Players need to be aware that there are risks associated with the use of sports supplements with many positive drug tests associated with their use.

If a player is contemplating supplementation as a nutritional strategy, we advise that you seek professional assistance from a professional sports dietician. Only batch tested supplements should be used. Batch tested products can be checked using the following link:

Informed Sport

LGFA Player Requirements:

Player seeking permission to use a medication containing a substance on the WADA Prohibited List must seek a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to do so.  LGFA players are permitted to apply retroactively (get a Post-test TUE).  You need to ensure that your medical practitioner has a full medical file in place (see below for further details)

Post-test TUE: If you are drug tested and the lab report shows a prohibited substance in your sample, the Irish Sports Council will contact you to offer the opportunity to make a Post-Test TUE application for the substance, within specified timelines. You will need to supply a complete medical file documenting your medical history, diagnosis and medical justification for using a prohibited medication as opposed to a permitted alternative.

A player’s medical file would typically consist of:

1. A detailed medical history (when diagnosed, previous episodes, previous hospitalisations, related symptoms, etc.)
2. The results of any relevant medical tests, laboratory studies, etc.
3. Any other supporting information which will confirm that the player has a legitimate therapeutic requirement to use a prohibited medication to treat a medical condition
4. For asthma TUE applications, the medical file should also specifically include a comprehensive report of the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)

Ladies Gaelic Football Association Parental Consent form for Drug Testing should be completed by any underage players (under 18 years of age) playing on the Adult County Team – these forms are submitted to County Boards at commencement of Season and are available by contacting info@lgfa.ie or 01 8363156.

Declaring Medications and Supplements: 

It is very important that you declare ALL MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS taken within the last 14 days if you are drug tested. The Doping Control Officer will ask you to list all medications, supplements, etc. you have taken within the last two weeks on the Doping Control Form.

Where can I get more information?  

The Irish Sports Council is the body responsible for the administration of anti-doping testing, education and administration. There is more information on their website and a copy of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules is available from www.irishsportscouncil.ie/antidoping or you can contact them directly on 01 8608800.

It is recommended to supply all members of the LGFA Adult County Teams with an Information Wallet Cards.  These are supplied to County Boards at Congress in March and are also available for order direct from the Irish Sports Council website http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Anti-Doping/

The Irish Sports Council Anti-Doping Unit can also be contacted at:
Anti Doping Unit, Irish Sports Council, Top Floor, Block A, Westend Office Park,
Blanchardstown, Dublin15.

Tel: 00353 1 8608800
Email: info@sportireland.ieortireland.ie www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Anti-Doping