Anti Doping

The Malta Basketball Association’s policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every player, coach and/or member has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping.

Doping is the use of drugs included in the Prohibited List to gain an advantage over others in competition. Besides being detrimental to the reputation of sports, such performance-enhancing drugs pose a significant risk to the health of athletes especially young athletes.

More info on Anti Doping: please click here
All club personnel have a responsibility to ensure that all their club members are aware of the Anti-Doping Rules and that there is an atmosphere supporting a drug free sport within the club. Click here to access the local Anti-Doping Rules.

The consequences of not adhering to Anti-Doping rules can be severe for athletes and their support personnel such as coaches and parents. The MBA is fully committed to ensuring doping has no place in the sport of basketball and works with the local NADO and FIBA in its anti-doping efforts.

Rules apply to athletes and athlete support personnel. By virtue of their participation in the MBA activities, members, including minors, agree to abide by the Anti-Doping Rules.

The MBA advises all members to read and understand the anti-doping rules and to understand one’s responsibilities under the rules.

Say No to Doping: (Video) Click here to view

What do members need to know?

Doping Control: Guide for Athletes (Click here)

In principle any athlete competing in basketball can be tested so each athlete regardless of the level at which they are competing needs to be aware of the anti-doping rules.

Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Sanctions: Click here

The World Anti-Doping Code

WADA Code is the document which harmonises regulations regarding Anti-Doping across all sports and all countries in the world so that all athletes have the benefit of the same anti-doping policies and procedures irrespective of the sport, nationality or the country in which they are tested. The Code first came into effect on 1st January 2004 and the new revised Code came into effect on 1st January 2009. The Code operates in conjunction with five International Standards: List of Prohibited Substances and Methods; Testing and Investigations; Therapeutic Use Exemptions; Laboratories and Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.

What is Wada? – (Video) click here to view

(1) WADA Prohibited List – Checking Medications & TUE Policy
The World Anti-Doping Agency issues a Prohibited List annually. For information on the Prohibited List click here.

Note: Recreational Drugs are tested in-competition.

Click here to download the 2017 WADA Monitoring Program

Click here to download the 2017 WADA Summary of Modification

Click here to check the status of over-the-counter and prescribed medications in relation to the Prohibited List. ATHLETES MUST BE AWARE OF WHAT THEY ARE CONSUMING AND SHALL ALWAYS ASK AND CHECK WITH THE DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST IF THE MEDICINE PRESCRIBED IS ALLOWED FOR ATHLETES OR NOT.

(2) What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

A TUE is a permission granted to an athlete to use a medication which is the only medication used to treat the athlete’s condition or illness and which contains a substance or method included in the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the criteria for granting a TUE?

The criteria for granting a TUE are based on:

whether the athletes will suffer significant health problems if the medication is not taken
whether the medication produces a large performance-enhancing effect
whether there is no other alternative medication or procedure to treat the condition

Can an athlete submit a TUE application directly to WADA?

No. WADA only accepts TUE applications from International Federations (IF) and National Anti-Doping Organisation

How can athletes apply for a TUE?

A TUE form must be completed in full and signed by the prescribing doctor and all relevant supporting documentation and evidence confirming the diagnosis must be attached.

The athlete must forward the application form to the relevant anti-doping organization depending on whether the athlete is an International-level or a national-level athlete. International-level athletes must submit their form to the International Federation whereas national-level athletes should submit their form to NADOMALTA. The Athlete must apply for a TUE no less than 30 days before he/she needs the approval (e.g. for a competition or sports event).

The Application form can be found here or can be obtained from the International Federation.

For more info on TUEs, click here.

(3)Supplements
Athletes need to be aware that there are risks associated with the use of sports supplements with many positive drug tests associated with their use. For more info on supplements, please click here.

WADA DOES NOT RECOMMEND ATHLETES TO TAKE SUPPLEMENTS BECAUSE OF HIGH RISK OF CONTAMINATION (FROM STUDIES CARRIED OUT: COLOGNE LABORATORY REPORT 2001). YET, IF ATHLETES WANT TO CONSUME SUPPLEMENTS THEY CAN LESSEN THE RISK BY CHECKING IF THEY HAVE BEEN BATCH TESTED.

Checking supplements: Please click here

Alcohol: Click here for more information on alcohol

Cannabiniods: Click here for more information on Cannabiniods

Narcotics: Click here for more information on Narcotics

Stimulants: Click here for more information on Stimulants

Diuretics: Click here for more information on Diuretics

Anabolic Agents: Click here for more information on Anabolic Agents

Links: World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) National Anti Doping Agency (NADO)

What Happens in a Drug Test?

The Doping Control Process: (Video) Click here to view

What Happens In A Drug Test?

The first step is athlete selection. The athlete may be randomly selected or it may be a targeted test. Once the athlete has been selected the next step is notification

Notification

A Doping Control Officer (DCO)/Chaperone will notify you if you have been selected for testing either urine blood or both. They will explain your rights and responsibilities and ask you to sign the doping control form. You must report immediately to the Doping Control Station. The Doping Control Officer/Chaperone will stay at your side at all times until the process is finished. All athletes have rights and responsibilities relating to Drug Testing in Sport.

Rights Of An Athlete During A Doping Control

Request to see testers ID cards
Bring a representative to accompany you during the sample collection
Bring an interpreter to accompany you during the sample collection (if necessary)
Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station (DCS) for a valid reason***
Be offered a choice of sample collection equipment including sample collection vessel and kits
Request information regarding the sample collection procedure
Record comments about the sample collection procedure on the Doping Control Form
Receive copies of all documentation you have signed
***For in-competition testing valid reasons include:
Participation in a victory ceremony
Fulfilment of media commitments
Competing in further Competitions
Performing a warm down
Obtaining necessary medical treatment
Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified
Responsibilities Of An Athlete During A Doping Control
- You must stay within sight of a tester at all times until you have provided your sample and are permitted to leave
- Comply with the sample collection procedures and that the first sample you provide, after notification, is at the Doping Control Station and that you retain control of your urine sample until it is securely sealed
- You should avoid excessive re-hydration as a there is a requirement to produce a sample with a suitable Specific Gravity for analysis
- Report immediately for a test unless there is valid reason for a delay
- You should produce identification such as a Driving Licence, Passport.
- You must co-operate with the testers during the sample collection procedure
- If you choose to consume food or fluids prior to providing a sample it is at your own risk
Will A Minor Be Tested?

The decision to test athletes is not based on age; it is based on the level that the athlete is competing at. Minors competing at national level may be tested. When a minor is providing a sample they have the right to request their representative to be present in the toilet area. The representative will not witness the passing of the sample but are present to watch the actions of the Chaperone/DCO who is witnessing the sample.