Introduction to Anti-Doping

Message from FITEQ

Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world.

The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:

• Health
• Ethics, fair play and honesty
• Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code
• Excellence in performance
• Character and Education
• Fun and joy
• Teamwork
• Dedication and commitment
• Respect for rules and laws
• Respect for self and other Participants
• Courage
• Community and solidarity

The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true. Teqball embodies these values – we believe in a clean and fair field of play, and doping stands in direct contradiction to what Teqball represents. 

Our goal is to empower all Teqers to stay on top of their game – not just athletes, but coaches, administrators, medical personnel and all other members of the athlete entourage. We encourage everyone to take the time to review this section – get informed, get empowered!

Why is anti-doping important?

Anti-doping rules exist for the same reason the other FITEQ sport rules exist – to define different aspects of the sport in order to maintain excitement and to ensure fairness on the field of play. All rules – and the fact that they are monitored and reinforced – are designed to prevent any participant from taking an unfair advantage over another.

The use of doping substances or methods to enhance performance is not only wrong, but are also harmful to athletes’ mental and physical health. To read more about the negative impact of doping on health and other consequences of doping, please go to the Consequences of Doping section of our website.

What is doping?

According to the World Anti-Doping Code and the FITEQ Anti-Doping Rules, doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). Most commonly, this means a presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample collected during Doping Control.

However, it’s not just a positive test that can result in a sanction. In fact, there are 11 Anti-Doping Rule Violations: 

1. Presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample
2. Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method
3. Refusal to submit to sample collection after being notified
4. Failure to file athlete whereabouts information & missed tests
5. Tampering with any part of the doping control process
6. Possession of a prohibited substance or method
7. Trafficking a prohibited substance or method
8. Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an athlete
9. Complicity in an ADRV
10. Prohibited association with sanctioned Athlete Support Personnel
11. Discourage or Retaliate other Persons from reporting relevant Anti-Doping information to the authorities.

Who is subject to the anti-doping rules?

The first four Anti-Doping Rule Violations on the above list apply only to athletes since they refer to the obligation not to take banned substances and the obligation to submit to testing. However, the remaining seven types of ADRVs apply to both the athletes and the Athlete Support Personnel, such as coaches therapists, or anyone else working with the athlete. National and International Federation administrators, officials and sample collection staff may also be liable for their conduct under the World Anti-Doping Code. 

Simply put, everybody involved in Teqball must respect the World Anti-Doping Code and may be liable for committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

Who governs anti-doping?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the independent international body responsible for harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries. The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations around the world. The Code is supplemented by 8 International Standards, including the Prohibited List that is updated at least annually. 

As a Signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, FITEQ is responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant anti-doping program for the sport of Teqball. FITEQ has therefore delegated the management of its clean sport activities to the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent organisation that manages anti-doping programs on behalf of International Federations and Major Event Organisers.

FITEQ’s anti-doping program is not limited to doping controls, it also includes activities like Risk Assessment, management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for international-level athletes, Results Management and Education. Check out the International Testing Agency’s website to learn more about the FITEQ anti-doping program.

In addition to the FITEQ anti-doping program, FITEQ athletes and their support personnel may be subject to anti-doping (i.e. testing or education) on the National level. You are encouraged to contact your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to find out more information about National-level anti-doping efforts in your country.

WADA, FITEQ, ITA and the NADOs coordinate all anti-doping efforts within the sport of Teqball. 

Principle of Strict Liability

The principle of strict liability is applies to all athletes who compete in any sport with an anti-doping program, including Teqball. It means that each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found 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 really important to remember that it is each and every Teqer’s ultimate responsibility to know what enters their body.

To protect yourself and your athletes, make sure you are familiar with the Prohibited List and with the risks associated with supplement use. More information on the Prohibited List, medications and supplements is available in the Medications and Supplements section.

Inadvertent Doping

Unintentional (inadvertent) doping happens mainly due to lack of information or having incorrect information. The most common example of inadvertent doping is the use of a prohibited substance without obtaining a Therapeutic Use Exemption or verifying the Prohibited List. Inadvertent doping is also often caused by taking supplements that contain prohibited substances.

Consequences of Doping

(1) Health

The use of Performance-enhancing Drugs (PEDs) may have long- and short-term impact on the athlete’s physical and mental health. 

Depending on the substance, the dosage and the duration of use, some PEDs have been proven to have severe side effects and can cause irreversible damage to an athlete’s body. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has outlined the negative impacts of several doping substances on their website. 

In addition to the physical aspects, scientific research has shown that there is a considerable correlation between the use of PEDs and mental health issues. Most commonly, it was found that the use of doping substances can trigger anxiety, obsessive disorders or psychosis.

(2) Social

Being associated with doping or a doping offence will have an impact on the person’s reputation and social relations. In the public view, athletes or other persons convicted of doping are often considered “cheaters” and experience many forms of stigma.

Doping has a significant negative impact on the person’s private life and social interactions as people may feel that they no longer want to be connected to someone who has damaged the reputation of a sport and displayed poor judgement. 

(3) Sanctions

An Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) will have an impact on an athlete’s ability to train and compete. For coaches and other athlete support personnel, a ban may mean that they are no longer able to work with athletes. A sanction resulting from an ADRV can range from a warning to a lifetime ban from all sport.

It is also important to note that individuals banned in the sport of Teqball will also be prohibited from playing, coaching or working with athletes in any other capacity in a different sport.

Beyond the legal consequences, an increasing amount of public authorities and governments have adopted legislations that treat doping as a criminal act. Consequently, in addition to being ineligible to coach or compete, you may face criminal charges in your country. Depending on the National legislation and the degree of the violation, charges can lead to fines, social service requirements and even incarceration. 

(4) Financial

A ban resulting from an Anti-Doping Rule Violation will have a significant financial impact on the individual. For athletes, this includes, but is not limited to, the requirement to return prize money or a financial sanction imposed as a result of an ADRV. Other effects of doping include termination of contracts and sponsorship deals, loss of government funding and other forms of financial support.