Don't be a dope!
Credit: Lynne Walker
You are responsible for knowing what goes into your body.
UPDATE The 2024 Anti-Doping Policy comes into force on 1st January 2024. Scottish Orienteering have a short article (with links to the policy) in their news.
Scottish Orienteering published an article in the December 2021 Score altering us all to the fact that the rules regarding anti-doping apply to ALL of us who are competing in sport. Anyone who is a competitor in sport in the UK can be tested - in or out of competition (and up to 12 months after your last competition). We need to avoid anti-doping issues by avoiding banned substances - so how do you go about this?
Scottish Orienteering now have a webpage dedicated to anti-doping and this page is compliant with UKAD (UK Anti Doping). The Scottish Orienteering page details what is involved - how we can ensure 'Clean orienteering', TUEs (Therapeutic Use Exemptions) and Scottish Orienteering policy documents. One of the most important things is how to check your medications and any supplements. It is advised that you avoid taking supplements and instead get what you need through your diet. From the NHS website "Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter."
The most important thing for all of us to understand is the principle of Strict Liability.
"An athlete is solely responsible for any prohibited substance or method they use, attempt to use or that is found in their system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was an intention to cheat or not."
Hilary & Lynne have both done various UKAD courses so please ask them if you have any questions in the first instance.