WHAT IS THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE?

The World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) is the first document to harmonize regulations regarding Anti-Doping in sport across all sports and all countries of the world. The Code provides a framework for Anti-Doping policies, rules, and regulations for sport organisations and public authorities. As part of an extensive and unprecedented consultation process, WADA solicited comments from its stakeholders throughout the Code’s development incorporating their suggestions into the document. The Code is a living document, and WADA ensures it evolves regularly by engaging in extensive consultation and thorough review of the Code and its associated International Standards on a periodic basis. Amendments to the original Code 2003 is amended 2009, and 2015. The last amendments and new version will be on power 2021.

For all anti-doping enquiries please contact antidoping@intrl.sport

IRL COMPETITIONS

The IRL abides by the World Anti-Doping (WADA) standard for testing and testing procedures. Players participating in IRL approved competitions, and other competitions run by IRL members, are responsible for complying with the World Anti-Doping Code and all relevant International Standards. All players have a right to enjoy competitions that are properly organised under rules that aim to ensure fairness and prevent doping.

Members are responsible for complying with the Code and the IRL Anti-Doping Rules. Member Associations will make agreements in writing with players that confirms the players’ support for the Anti-Doping Rules and the other IRL rules and regulations.

All players affiliated with a national federation shall be subject to in-competition testing by the IRL, the players’ national federation, and any other Anti-Doping Organisation responsible for testing at a competition or event in which they participate. All players affiliated with a national federation shall also be subject to out-of-competition testing at any time or place, with or without advance notice, by the IRL, WADA, the players’ national federation, the National Anti-Doping Organisation of any country where the player is present. 

WHAT IS DOPING?

Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following anti-doping rule violations:

1. Presence of Prohibited Substance: Presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in a player’s sample

2. Use of Prohibited Substance/Method: Use or attempted use by an player of a prohibited substance or method

3. Refusing Sample Collection: Refusing, or failing without compelling justification, to submit to sample collection after notification as authorized in applicable anti-doping rules, or otherwise evading sample collection

4. Failure to File Whereabouts & Missed Tests: Violation of applicable requirements regarding player availability for out-of-competition testing, including failure to file required whereabouts information and missed tests (i.e., any combination of three missed tests and/or filing failures within an 18-month period may be deemed a doping violation)

5. Tampering: Tampering or attempted tampering with any part of the doping control process

6. Possession: Possession of a prohibited substance and prohibited method

7. Trafficking: Trafficking or attempted trafficking in any prohibited substance or method

8. Administration: Administration or attempted administration to an player of a prohibited substance and/or method; or assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up or any other type of complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation or any attempted anti-doping rule violation.

9. Complicity (assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up or any other type of intentional complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation)

10. Prohibited association

11. Acts to discourage or retaliate against reporting to authorities

WHAT SUBSTANCES AND METHODS ARE BANNED?

The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), updated annually by WADA.

The Prohibited List (List) identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, at all times (i.e. in- and out-of-competition) and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.

It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body and that no prohibited method is used.

The List only contains the generic names of the pharmaceutical substances. The List does not contain brand names of the medications, which vary from country to country. Before taking any medication, an athlete should check with the prescribing physician that it does not contain a prohibited substance:

1. Check that the generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of any active ingredient is not prohibited (‘in-competition only’ or at ‘all times’).
2. Check that the medication does not contain any pharmaceutical substances that would fall within a general category that is prohibited. Many sections of the Prohibited List only contain a few examples and state that other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s) are also prohibited.
3. Be aware that intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than 50mL per 6-hour period are prohibited, regardless of the status of the substances.
4. Be aware that since 1 January 2022, all injectable routes of administration will now be prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period.

Note: Oral administration of glucocorticoids remains prohibited in-competition. Other routes of administration are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.

1. Be aware that as of 1 January 2024, the narcotic tramadol will be prohibited in-competition.
2. If you have any doubt, contact IRL.

An athlete will only be allowed to use a prohibited substance for medical reasons if the athlete has a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance that IRL has granted or recognized [embed for example a link to ADO’s TUE section of the website ].

Useful Online Databases

The following National Anti-Doping Organizations make online country-specific drug reference databases available for checking the status of a medication bought in that country.

 

• GlobalDRO (for Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand)
• A list of other country-specific databased can be found here.

Note: WADA IRL do not take responsibility for the information provided on these websites.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD PLAYERS KNOW ABOUT BANNED SUBSTANCES AND METHODS?

Players should always check with IRL to find out what additional substances and methods are prohibited in their sport. Also, players should always make their doctor aware that they are bound by the specific rules of their sport. Those who are unsure of what a product contains should not take it until they are sure it is not prohibited. Ignorance is never an excuse.

WHAT SHOULD PLAYERS KNOW ABOUT USING SUBSTANCES?

Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. It is WADA’s position that a good diet is of utmost importance to players. The use of dietary supplements by players is a concern because, in many countries, the manufacturing and labeling of products may not follow strict rules, which may lead to a supplement containing an undeclared substance that is prohibited under anti-doping regulations. A significant number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, and taking a poorly labeled dietary supplement is not an adequate defence in a doping hearing.

RISKS OF SUPPLEMENT USE

Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labeling or contamination of dietary supplements.

The use of supplements by athletes is a concern because in many countries the manufacturing and labeling of supplements may not follow strict rules, which may lead to a supplement containing an undeclared substance that is prohibited under anti-doping regulations. Pleading that a poorly labeled dietary supplement was taken is not an adequate defense in a doping hearing.

Risks of supplements include:

• Manufacturing standards, which are often less strict when compared with medications. These lower standards often lead to supplement contamination with an undeclared prohibited substance, for example when manufacturing equipment isn't cleaned to the required standards and contains remnants of ingredients from a previous product.
• Fake or low-quality products which may contain prohibited substances and be harmful to health.
• Mislabeling of supplements with ingredients wrongly listed and prohibited substances not identified on the product label.
• False claims that a particular supplement is endorsed by Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) or that it is “safe for athletes”. Remember, ADOs do not certify supplements and the product label may contain misleading messaging.

Athletes should do a risk-benefit assessment if they are considering the use of supplements. The first step of such an assessment is to consider whether a “food-first” approach meets the athlete’s needs. Whenever possible, such assessment should be done with a support of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with the global and IRL Anti-Doping Rules.

Checking your supplements

If, after careful consideration, an athlete chooses to use supplements, they must take the necessary steps to minimize the risks associated with supplements. This includes:

• Thorough research on the type and dose of the supplement, preferably with the advice of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with Anti-Doping Rules.
• Only selecting supplements that have been “batch-tested” by an independent company.
• Remembering what supplement they take, keep some of it in case they get a positive result, and keep any proof of purchase and declare it on the Doping Control Form (DCF).

Remember, no supplement is 100% risk-free but athletes and athlete support personnel can take certain steps to minimize these risks.

Neither WADA nor IRL is involved in any supplement certification process and therefore do not certify or endorse manufacturers or their products. WADA and IRL do not control the quality or the claims of the supplements industry.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL CONDITIONS?

Players, like all others, may at times experience a medical condition that requires them to use particular medicines. The substances that a player may be required to take to treat a condition could fall under the List. However, by applying and obtaining a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) from the IF or NADO, and player may be allowed to take the necessary medicine. Players who need to apply for a TUE should request more information about the TUE application process from their IF (for international-level players) or NADO (for national-level players).

WHAT DOES ‘STRICT LIABILITY’ MEAN?

• The principle of strict liability applies to all athletes who compete in any sport with an anti-doping program. It means that athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance, or its metabolites or markers found to be present in their urine and/or blood sample collected during doping control, regardless of whether the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or method. Therefore, it is important to remember that it is each and every athlete’s ultimate responsibility to know what enters their body.
• The rule which provides that principle, under Code Article 2.1 and Article 2.2, states that it is not necessary that intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the athlete’s part be demonstrated by the Anti-Doping Organization to establish an anti-doping rule violation.

WHY IS DOPING DANGEROUS?

Doping can result in severe health consequences but also comes with sport, social, financial and legal consequences. For an athlete, doping could spell the end of their sporting career, reputation, and prospects both in and out of sport.

SPORT CONSEQUENCES

The sanctions for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) can include:

• Provisional Suspension. The athlete or other person is temporarily banned from participating in any competition or activity while waiting for the results management process to be complete or until the final decision is rendered.
• Ineligibility. The athlete or other person is not allowed to compete or participate in any other activity, such as training, coaching, or even access to funding due to an ADRV. This period of ineligibility can be for up to 4 years or even life depending on the circumstances of the ADRV.
• Disqualification of results. The athlete’s results during a particular period, competition or event are invalidated, which comes with forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
• Public Disclosure. The Anti-Doping Organization (ADO) informs the general public of the ADRV.
• Fines.

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

The health consequences to an athlete can include:

• Physical health. Medications and medical interventions have been developed to treat a particular condition or illness. Not an otherwise healthy athlete. Depending on the substance, the dosage and the consumption frequency, doping products may have particularly negative side effects on health.
• Psychological health. Some doping substances may have an impact on the athlete’s mental health. Anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders or psychosis are direct consequences from doping.

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES

Some of social consequences of doping include:

• Damage to reputation and image, which can be permanent with media attention, and future clean performances can be met with skepticism.
• Damage to future career prospects.
• Isolation from peers and sport.
• Damaged relationships with friends and family.
• Effects on emotional and psychological well-being.
• Loss of standing, fame, respect and credibility.

FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES

The financial consequences of doping can include:

• Fines that an Anti-Doping Organization (ADO) may have included in their anti-doping rules including costs associated with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).
• Loss of income/financial support, such as government funding, other forms of financial support and by not participating in the competitions.
• Loss of financial support due to withdrawal of sponsor.
• Requirement to reimburse sponsor, if included in the contract.
• Reimbursement of prize money.
• Impact of damaged reputation on future career prospects.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

In addition to the sport, health, social and financial consequences listed above, doping can come with other legal consequences, such as:

• Some countries have gone beyond the World Anti-Doping Code and made using a prohibited substance a criminal offence (e.g. Austria, Italy, France).
• In some countries, ADRVs related to trafficking, possession or administering a prohibited
  substance or some substances on the Prohibited List are considered a criminal offence.

WHAT DO ATHLETES AND ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTI-DOPING?

Athletes, their support personnel and others who are subject to anti-doping rules all have rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). Part Three of the Code outlines all of the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the anti-doping system.

Athletes’ Rights

“Every athlete has the right to clean sport!”

Ensuring that athletes are aware of their rights and that these rights are respected is vital to the success of clean sport. WADA’s Athlete Committee (now Athlete Council) drafted the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act (Act). This Act is made up of two parts. Part one sets out rights that are found in the Code and International Standards. Part two sets out recommended athlete rights that are not found in the Code or International Standards but are rights that athletes recommend that Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) adopt for best practice.

Athlete rights outlined in the Code include:

• Equal opportunities in their pursuit of sport, free of participation by other athletes who dope
• Equitable and fair testing programs
• A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application process
• To be heard, to have a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a fair, impartial and operationally independent hearing panel, with a timely reasoned decision specifically including an explanation of the reasons of the decision
• Right to appeal the hearing decision
• Any ADO that has jurisdiction over them will be accountable for its action and an athlete shall have the ability to report any compliance issue
• Ability to report Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) through an anonymous mechanism and not be subjected to threats or intimidation
• Receiving anti-doping education
• Fair handling of their personal information by ADOs in accordance with the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) and any local applicable law
• To pursue damages from another athlete whose actions have damaged that athlete by the commission of an ADRV
• During the sample collection process, right to:
• See the identification of the Doping Control Officer (DCO)
• Request additional information about the sample collection process, about the authority under which it will be carried out and on the type of sample collection
• Hydrate
• Be accompanied by a representative and, if available, an interpreter
• Request a delay in reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons (International Standard for Testing and Investigations Art. 5.4.4)
• Request modifications for athletes with impairments (if applicable)
• Be informed of their rights and responsibilities
• Receive a copy of the records of the process
• Have further protections for "protected persons” because of their age or lack of legal capacity
• Request and attend the B sample analysis (in the case of an Adverse Analytical Finding)

Athletes’ Responsibilities

Athletes’ rights to clean sport come with corresponding responsibilities, and athletes may be tested in- and out-of-competition, anytime, anywhere and with no advance notice.

Their clean sport responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Complying with the IRL Anti-Doping Rules [and relevant policies if applicable] (in line with the World Anti-Doping Code)
• Being available for sample collection (urine, blood or dried blood spot (DBS)), whether in-competition or out-of-competition
• Remaining within direct observation of the Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone at all times from notification until the completion of the sample collection process
• Providing identification upon request during the sample collection process
• Ensuring that no prohibited substance enters their body and that no prohibited method is used on them
• Ensuring that any treatment is not prohibited according to the Prohibited List in force and checking this with the prescribing physicians, or directly with the IRL if necessary
• Applying to the IRL if no alternative permitted treatment is possible and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is required [embed link to documents or TUE section]
• Reporting immediately for sample collection after being notified of being selected for doping control
• Ensuring the accuracy of the information entered on the Doping Control Form (DCF)
• Cooperating with IRL investigating ADRVs
• Not working with coaches, trainers, physicians or other athlete support personnel who are ineligible on account of an ADRV or who have been criminally convicted or professionally disciplined in relation to doping (see WADA’s Prohibited Association List)

Athlete Support Personnel Rights

Athlete support personnel and other persons also have rights and responsibilities under the Code. These include:

• Right to a fair hearing, before an independent hearing panel
• Right to appeal the hearing decision
• Rights regarding data protection, according to the ISPPPI and any local applicable law

Athlete Support Personnel Responsibilities

Athlete support personnel’s responsibilities under the Code include:

• Using their influence on athlete values and behaviors to foster clean sport behaviors
• Knowing and complying with all applicable anti-doping policies and rules, including the IRL Anti-Doping Rules (in line with the Code)
• Cooperating with the athlete doping control program
• Cooperating with ADOs investigating Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)
• Informing the relevant IF and/or NADO if they have committed an ADRV in the last 10 years
• Refraining from possessing a prohibited substance (or a prohibited method)*, administering any such substance or method to an athlete, trafficking, covering up an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) or other forms of complicity and associating with a person convicted of doping (prohibited association). These are ADRVs applicable to athlete support personnel under Article 2 of the World Anti-Doping Code and Article X of the IRL Anti-Doping Rules.

* Unless the athlete support personnel can establish that the possession is consistent with a TUE granted to an athlete or other acceptable justification. Acceptable justification would include, for example, a team doctor carrying prohibited substances for dealing with acute and emergency situations.

IRL Recommendation to Athlete Support Personnel

Here are some ways athlete support personnel can support their athletes in their education on clean sport:

• Share the Athlete’s Anti-Doping Rights Act with your athletes
• Register and take a course suitable to you on the WADA’s ADEL platform or IRL internal site
• Follow the IRL pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where the main updates about anti-doping will be published
• Contact antidoping@intrl.sportl for any questions you may have

WHAT ARE DOPING CONTROLS?

Worldwide doping controls—or player testing—are carried out in accordance with the Code and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). Players who compete at the international and national level may be tested anytime, anywhere. Specially trained and accredited doping control personnel carry out all tests.

THE 11 STEPS OF DOPING CONTROL

1. Player Selection
2. Notification
3. Reporting to the Doping Control Station
4. Selection of a Collection Vessel
5. Provision of Sample
6. Volume of Urine
7. Selection of a Sample Collection Kit
8. Splitting the Sample
9. Sealing the Samples
10. Measuring Specific Gravity
11. Completion of the Doping Control Form

 For all anti-doping enquiries please contact antidoping@intrl.sport

1. PLAYER SELECTION Player can be selected for doping control at any time and any place.

2. NOTIFICATION A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone will notify the Player that he/she has been selected for doping control. The DCO or chaperone will inform the Player of their rights and responsibilities. These include the right to have a representative present throughout the process. The Player will be asked to sign a form confirming that the Player has been selected for doping control.

3. REPORTING TO THE DOPING CONTROL STATION Player should report immediately to the doping control station. The DCO or chaperone may allow the Player to delay reporting to the station for an activity such as a news conference or to complete a training session. However, once the Player has been notified and selected for doping control, the DCO or chaperone will accompany the Player until the completion of the sample collection process.

4. SELECTION OF A COLLECTION VESSEL Player will be given a choice of individually sealed collection vessels. The Player may select one. The Player should verify that the equipment is intact and has not been tampered with. The Player should, at all times, maintain control of the collection vessel.

5. PROVIDING A SAMPLE During the sample provision, only the Player and the DCO or urine sample witness of the same gender is permitted in the washroom. The Player will be asked to wash hands. The Player will then be asked to raise or lower clothing so that the DCO or chaperone has an unobstructed view while the Player provides the sample.

6. VOLUME OF URINE The DCO shall ensure, in the Player’s full view, that he/she has provided the minimum required volume: 90 mL. If at first the Player is unable to provide 90 mL, he/she will be asked to provide more until that level is met.

7. SELECTION OF SAMPLE COLLECTION KIT Player will be given a choice of individual sealed sample collection kits to choose one. The Player should verify the equipment is intact and has not been tampered with and open the kit. Confirm the sample code numbers on the bottles, the lids and containers all match.

8. SPLITTING THE SAMPLE Player are going to split the sample, pouring at least 30 mL into the B bottle and the remaining urine of 60 ml or more into the A bottle. The Player will be asked to leave a small amount in the collection vessel. The reason for this is so the DCO can measure its specific gravity. Player should pour the urine unless he needs help. In this instance, the Player will need to provide consent of their representative or the DCO to pour on his/her behalf.

9. SEALING THE SAMPLES Next, seal both the A and B bottles. Player and the DCO should verify that the bottles are sealed properly.

10. MEASURING SPECIFIC GRAVITY The DCO is required to measure the sample‚ specific gravity. If it does not meet certain requirements, the Player will be asked to provide another sample.

11. COMPLETING THE DOPING CONTROL FORM On this form, the Player should provide information about any medication, prescription or non-prescription or dietary supplements the Player has taken recently. This form is also the place to note any comments the Player may have regarding any part of the doping control process.

Player will be asked for consent that sample could be used anonymously for research once the analysis of doping control purposes is completed. Player may say yes or no. 

Player should be absolutely certain everything is correct, including the sample code number and to be sure, too, that the laboratory copy of the form does not include any information that could identify the Player.

Player will be asked to sign the form.

At the completion of collection, Player will receive a copy of doping control form.

Modalities of collecting blood samples and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) analysis

• For a blood sample:
• The athlete will be asked to remain seated and relaxed for at least 10 minutes before undergoing venipuncture (only for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) blood samples).
• The Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will ask for the athlete’s non-dominant arm, apply a tourniquet to the upper arm, and clean the skin at the puncture site.
• The BCO will draw blood from the athlete and fill each Vacutainer blood tube with the required volume of blood.
• The BCO will place the Vacutainer tubes into the A and B kits (only one vial may be necessary if the blood sample is collected as part of an ABP program).

• For a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) analysis
• The DCO/BCO will assess the most suitable location for the puncture that is unlikely to adversely affect the athlete or their sporting performance (e.g., finger of a non-dominant hand/arm).
• The athlete will warm the sample collection site (especially in case the hands are cold).
• The DCO/BCO will disinfect the blood sample site with a sterile disinfectant pad or swab.
• The DCO/BCO will collect the blood from the fingertips (with cellulose based cards) or from the upper arm (with microneedles devices).
• The DCO/BCO will transfer the DBS samples into a secure kit that is labeled as A&B.

THE LABORATORY PROCESS

Player samples are packed for shipping by a secure process.

Player samples are sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory. When processing samples, that lab will adhere to the International Standard for Laboratories, ensuring the chain of custody is maintained. A sample is analyzed. B sample is securely stored. It may be used to confirm an Adverse Analytical Finding from the A sample. The lab will report the results of Player sample analysis to the responsible Anti-Doping Organisation and to WADA.

B SAMPLE PROCESS

Laboratories analyze samples solely by code numbers, not by player’s names. A laboratory that has analyzed a player, A sample reports the results simultaneously to WADA and to the particular Anti-Doping Organisation.

ADVERSE ANALYTICAL FINDING

If Player A sample reports a positive test in the language of the Code, an Adverse Analytical Finding, the organisation responsible for results management will conduct an initial review.

That review is focused on two parts:

1. Does the Player have a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the substance found in the sample?
2. Was the sample collection and analysis done according to procedures?

Player will be notified in writing of the results and rights regarding the analysis B sample.

If Player decides to request a B sample analysis, or if the Anti-Doping Organisation requests a B sample analysis, the Player may attend or choose to send a representative on his behalf.

In the meantime, a Provisional Suspension must be imposed when an A sample returns an Adverse Analytical Finding for a Prohibited Method or for a Prohibited Substance other than a Specified Substance. At the same time, the Code gives Players important hearing rights, should a Player choose to exercise them, in connection with the imposition of such a suspension. These opportunities can depend on the timing of an individual case.

If the B sample confirms the analysis of the A sample, the Anti-Doping Organisation will proceed with the results management process, including the Player’s right to a fair hearing.

If the B sample does not confirm the analysis of the A sample, no further action will be taken and, of course, any Provisional Suspension will be lifted.

WHAT IS IN-COMPETITION TESTING? 

ADOs coordinate in-competition testing so that there is only one organisation testing at an event. Unless provided otherwise in the rules of the relevant IF or event ruling body, in-competition means the period commencing 12 hours before a competition in which the player is scheduled to participate through the end of the competition and the sample collection process related to the competition.

Criteria for the selection of players are pre-determined, based on the regulations of the IRL or event ruling body. Sample collection takes place in accordance with the IST. Players are notified of their selection for testing. Samples are analyzed for “in-competition substances” as outlined in the Prohibited List. 

WHAT IS OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING?

Out-of-competition testing, or any testing done outside of an event, ensures that players can be tested at any time and at any place.

WHEREABOUTS

What are testing pools and why are whereabouts important for clean sport?

Out-of-competition testing with no-advance notice is one of the most powerful means of deterrence and detection of doping. To support this type of testing, IRL has created testing pools as part of its testing program.

Certain athletes in the IRL testing pools, such as those in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) are required to provide information on their whereabouts in ADAMS, WADA’s online anti-doping administration and management system.

IRL updates the composition of the testing pools (RTP) regularly/at least yearly. Athletes in the RTP are chosen based on set criteria.

How do athletes know they need to provide whereabouts?

Athletes who need to provide whereabouts in ADAMS are notified IRL of their inclusion in a testing pool as well as what information exactly is required of them, how to use ADAMS, deadlines to submit this information and any consequences if the information required is not submitted.

What do RTP/TP athletes need to know? 

Should athletes have any query on ADAMS, such as how to submit whereabouts, please refer to the ADAMS Help Center or contact IRL:

Tips for RTP/TP athletes

• Set a calendar reminder of the key dates/deadlines to submit quarterly whereabouts information
• For RTP athletes only: Set an alarm for the start of the 60-minute time slot
• Be as specific as possible when submitting your whereabouts information
• Make modifications to your whereabouts information when changes occur
• If you have any doubts, please contact IRL or use the ADAMS Help Centre if you require technical support with ADAMS
• Download the app Athlete Central in order to facilitate all the processes related to the whereabouts system
• Check the WADA Q&A Whereabouts
• Check the At-a-Glance: Athlete Whereabouts

What should athletes do if they wish to retire or return to competition after retiring?

All IRL-licensed athletes who decide to retire from competition must inform IRL.

For RTP athletes, as soon as the retirement is officially confirmed to IRL, the athlete will be withdrawn from IRL RTP with immediate effect. If an athlete wishes to resume competing, they will not be able to do so until they have given the IRL written notice of their intent to resume competition (i.e. by completing and sending a Return to Competition Form) and made themselves available for testing for a period of six months.

WHAT ARE THE ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN PROTECTING CLEAN SPORT?

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. WADA’s governance and funding are based on equal partnership between the Sport Movement and Governments of the world.

WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. WADA’s key activities include:

• Scientific and social science research
• Education
• Intelligence & investigations
• Development of anti-doping capacity and capability
• Monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program.

For more information about WADA, consult:

• WADA’s website– www.wada-ama.org
• Play True – “Beyond Winning” video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I8h6W53o8c

International Federation (IF) – International Rugby League

IRL are responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant anti-doping program for rugby league. Under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), IFs are required to carry out the following anti-doping activities:

• Providing education programs
• Analyzing the risk of doping in their sport
• Conducting in-competition and out-of-competition testing
• Management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for international-level athletes
• Results Management including sanctioning those who commit Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)

If you have any anti-doping queries, please contact your IRL at antidoping@intrl.sport

REPORT DOPING

Every time someone steps forward with information on doping, we move closer to a clean and fair playing field for all. As an athlete, athlete support personnel or any person aware of doping practices has a duty to report their suspicions to WADA, their IF or NADO, even if you are not sure about what you witnessed.

Many ADOs, including WADA, have online, confidential tools to report suspicious behavior. Every piece of information is important.

Report doping or any concern about doping here

IRL approach for the gathering of anti-doping information and intelligence are going through antidoping manager, who could be contacted at  antidoping@intrl.sport