Anti Doping— Table Tennis England

Table Tennis England enforces a stringent Anti-Doping Policy that adheres to guidelines recommended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

All athletes have the right to compete in sport knowing that they, and their competitors, are clean. The use of performance-enhancing drugs and doping activity severely damages the legacy of sport and undermines the integrity of true athletes.

The anti-doping rules of Table Tennis England are the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping (or its successor), as amended from time to time. Such rules shall take effect and be construed as the rules of Table Tennis England.

You can find the UK Anti-Doping Rules Here.

What is anti-doping?

Anti-doping is integral to clean sport. As an athlete, it’s important you are clued up on the anti-doping rules so that you can continue to enjoy and achieve success in your sport.

UK Anti-Doping is the national body responsible for protecting clean sport in the UK. We ensure that sports bodies in the UK comply with the World Anti-Doping Code which governs clean sport.

100% me – supporting athletes to be clean

100% me is UK Anti-Doping’s prevention programme and is designed to help you throughout your sporting journey. 100% me supports, informs and educates athletes throughout their careers by providing anti-doping advice and guidance.

What is strict liability?

As an athlete, one of the most important things to be aware of is the principle of strict liability. This means that you are personally responsible for any banned substance found in your system, regardless of how it got there and whether or not you had an intention to cheat.

What are the anti-doping rules?

The World Anti-Doping Code outlines eight Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) which govern clean sport. Athletes – and athlete support personnel – may receive a ban from sport if any of the following ADRVs are committed:

Returning a positive test
Using, or attempting to use, a banned substance or method
Refusal or failure to provide a sample when requested
Tampering, or attempting to tamper, with any part of the testing process
Possession of a banned substance or method
Trafficking, or attempted trafficking, of any banned substance or method
Administering, or attempted administering, of a banned substance or method to an athlete;  or encouragement, aiding and/or covering up of any involvement in an ADRV
Receiving of any combination of three filing failures and/or missed tests in a time period of 18 months (for athletes who are part of the National Registered Testing Pool).  The Prohibited List Key advice to staying clean
Understand the importance of checking medications

Before taking any medication (whether from a doctor or bought over the counter) you must check it for banned substances. Medications can be checked online at Global DRO. It is important to note that medications bought in one country may contain different ingredients to the same branded medication in another country.

Know the risk with using nutritional supplements

You are strongly advised to be very cautious if you choose to take any supplement such as vitamin tablets, energy drinks, or sport-nutrition formulas. This is because there is no guarantee that any supplement is free from banned substances.

All athletes are advised to assess the need for the use of supplements in the first instance and to assess the risk before making a decision to use supplements. Visit the UK Anti-Doping website for further advice including information on the Informed Sport programme and case studies of athletes who have been caught out.

Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required

If you need to use a banned substance or method to treat a genuine medical condition, and there are no reasonable alternatives, you may have to apply for a TUE. You can find out more about whether you need a TUE and how to apply for one (including emergency TUEs) by clicking here.

Understand what happens in a test (also known as Doping Control)

You should feel prepared when notified that you are to be tested by Doping Control. If you are selected for testing, you should take a representative with you so they can support you. You should know your rights and responsibilities, including what may happen if you are unable to provide a sample.

UK Anti-Doping recommends that you follow your normal hydration routines and that you follow the instructions given by the Doping Control Officer. You should be prepared to provide details of any substances you have taken – this needs to be written on the Doping Control form. This is your test and your sample. Find out more about testing and your rights and responsibilities in the Athlete Zone.www.100percentme.co.uk

All banned substances and methods in Code-compliant sports are outlined on the Prohibited List, which is updated at the beginning of every calendar year but may also be updated throughout the year. The latest Prohibited List can be found on the WADA website.

Know where to look for support and advice

Please do not hesitate to ask questions about the anti-doping rules. As well as asking your NGB, coaches and support personnel, you may also contact UK Anti-Doping directly, who will be able to answer any questions and provide guidance.

Help keep sport clean

We all have a responsibility to report doping in sport and help keep it clean. A 24-hour dedicated phone line, hosted by Crimestoppers, is ready to take your call if you have any suspicions or concerns about incidences of doping in sport. You can provide information in complete confidence by calling 08000 32 23 32 or via a secure online form. All information is passed securely to UK Anti-Doping’s intelligence unit for investigation.