Anti Doping
Badminton Ireland'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. Badminton Ireland fully subscribes to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) procedures. According to these, under the strict liability rule, athletes are responsible for any substance that may be found in their bodies.
It does not matter how the substance got there. If an athlete tests positive the result is a disqualification and possible sanction or suspension.
Who can be tested?
All Badminton Ireland players may be required to take testing for anti-doping. Your membership of Badminton Ireland commits you to agreeing to test and in the case of a Child (U/18) the prior written consent of the parent or guardian is required via the initial membership process at Club level, or at selection for competition or through competition entry forms.
All club personnel have a responsibility to ensure that club members are aware of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules and that there is an atmosphere supporting a drug free sport within the club. A complete copy of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules are available through Badminton Ireland.
Once you join Badminton Ireland and enter a competition you are accepting the fact that you could be drug tested. To reassure parents of younger graded players, the reality at the moment is that drug testing only occurs at national level events. However all parents should be aware of the possibility of players being tested and what regulations are in operation.
Are you taking medication to treat a medical condition?
Athletes should check their prescribed and over-the-counter medications to see if they are permitted for use by athletes. If a medication is not permitted, the athlete may need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
Declaring Medications:
It is very important that you declare ALL MEDICATIONS 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?
Check out the following link for detailed information on the Sport Ireland website.
- Republic of Ireland: To check prescribed and over the counter medications please visit the 'Drugs in Sport Database' webpage
- Northern Ireland: To check prescribed and over the counter medications please visit the Drugs in Sport Database webpage
For up to date information for athletes including information on what happens on a drug test, how to check your medications and Therapeutic Use Exemptions visit the Athlete Zone link as per below:
Sport Ireland Athlete Zone
Athlete Zone Supplement Guidelines
Anti-Doping Rules
No matter what standard of player, it is imperative that you find out if you are allowed to take your medication while competing in a badminton event.
Anti-Doping iPhone App
Irish sportspeople can now check more easily that their medicines will not result in an anti-doping violation. The Irish Sports Council is pleased to announce the launch of an iPhone app which allows users to access the Eirpharm Drugs in Sport Database via their iPhone.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issues a List of Prohibited Substances and Methods that designates what is allowed in- and out-of-competition. The List also indicates whether particular substances are banned in certain sports. The app allows the user to check their prescribed and over-the-counter medications, purchased in Ireland, against the WADA Prohibited List.
The app allows the user to look up their medication by name or to search by ailment type. Useful features include the ability to email a search result to any email address, to save the search in the app history, and to re-check medications in saved history against current database listings. The iPhone app is available free of charge from the Apple iTunes Store by searching for the 'Irish Sports Council' or 'Medication Checker'.
Download the app from the apple store.
More information:
antidoping@sportireland.ie or contact the Anti-Doping Unit of the Sport Ireland on 01 8608800
What is inadvertent doping?
Inadvertent doping occurs when a player takes a medication to treat an injury or illness without realising that it contains a prohibited substance. It can also happen when an athlete takes a supplement that may contain impurities such as ingredients that are not listed on the label which could cause a positive test.
Players are responsible for checking the status of all substances and medications they consume - ignorance is no excuse. Ultimately athletes are responsible for what they ingest.
Who is the contact person for Anti-Doping at Badminton Ireland?
For any information in confidence on any of the above issues, please don't hesitate to contact:
Daniel Magee who is the Badminton Ireland’s Anti-Doping Officer
Email: dmagee@badmintonireland.com
Mobile: +353-86-7766207
Badminton Ireland condemns the use of prohibited substances or methods, a practice generally known as doping, in sport. The rules of the Badminton Ireland regarding doping are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by the Irish Sports Council and which came into force on the 1st of June 2004, as amended from time to time. The rules contained in the said Irish Anti-Doping Rules shall have effect and be construed as rules of the Badminton Ireland.