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If you are a sailor competing at any level in New Zealand, you could be subject to doping control by Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ).
Yachting is one of more than 70 sports in New Zealand who have agreed to the Sports Anti-Doping Rules and all athletes who are affiliated with the national sporting organisation are subject to drug testing. It’s important that all sailors are aware of their anti-doping responsibilities if they are tested.
A new drug testing video has been released by DFSNZ, featuring New Zealand track cyclist Luke Mudgway and Paralympic bronze medallist Rebecca Dubber. DFSNZ highly recommends all sailors watch the video for an overview of what happens at doping control so there are no surprises.
DFSNZ recommends clean sport education for sailors annually, but if you are unable to attend an education seminar, then e-learning is available to anyone at any time. DFSNZ’s anti-doping e-learning programmes provide comprehensive clean sport education to help athletes across all codes understand their responsibilities to clean sport and the risks associated with doping.
A common topic of discussion as an athlete is around therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs). At some point, you are bound to get sick or injured and you may need to take a particular medication as treatment or you are prescribed medication for an ongoing condition such as asthma, diabetes or Crohn’s disease. If you need to take a medication that is on the prohibited list, you can apply for a TUE.
Most sailors do not need to apply for a TUE in advance of competing. You will be able to apply for a TUE retroactively, and only if you’re tested and return a positive drug test. Only sailors who are selected or are on the long list for a New Zealand Olympic or Paralympic Games team (or in line with international federation rules) will need to apply for (and have approved) a TUE before competing. If you are uncertain about which category you fall into, please contact Yachting New Zealand or DFSNZ.
If you are unsure if your medication is on the prohibited list, there are many ways to check that it’s permitted in sport. DFSNZ has a medication check on the DFSNZ website, or alternatively call 0800 DRUGFREE at any time.
DFSNZ is available to answer any questions about clean sport, whether it be about testing, education, resources or videos. In the first instance, visit our website.
Your contact at Yachting New Zealand for all anti-doping matters is acting high performance manager Ian Stewart (ianstewart@yachtingnz.org.nz).
