[<<] [>>] by Brian Storey
12 Aug 2007 (International)

WCF Notice
12th August 2007

Important Message for All Players Participating in WCF Championships

The World Croquet Federation (WCF) is not currently a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) anti-doping code. This position will be reviewed by WCF member associations at the next WCF Council meeting on 6th February 2008, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

However, WCF does recognise that individual Member Associations may themselves be affiliated to the WADA code via their own National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO). As such, those members may initiate drug testing themselves or, be so required by their own National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO). In support of those Member Associations, WCF incorporated a requirement for all players playing in WCF events to comply with the WADA code. This can be found in the WCF Sport Regulations - Regulation 25.1

WCF has been advised that the Croquet Association of Ireland (CAI) is affiliated to the Irish Sports Council (ISC) for the purposes of the WADA code and as a consequence there is the possibility that players may be requested to submit to Anti-Doping testing, prior to, during and after, the forthcoming 2nd WCF Women's World Golf Croquet Championship in September 2007.

It is accepted that many croquet players will not have previously had to undergo drug testing procedures and will be unaware of what may constitute "prohibited substances and methods", "the testing system", "therapeutic use exemptions" and penalties for non compliance or failing to provide a sample for testing.

As a quick guide WCF has placed links to useful information relating to these at:-
www.wcfcroquet.org/Organisation/anti-doping.html

Discretionary Drugs

WCF has been advised by the CAI that in relation to the "Discretionary" prohibition of the drugs of Alcohol and Beta Blockers, the following apply:-

Alcohol

The CAI does not prohibit Alcohol in any quantity. Players are reminded of the general prohibition of the consumption of alcohol during a match within the WCF Golf Croquet Rules 2005 - Rule 14, which will apply to the above event.

Beta Blockers

The CAI does not prohibit Beta Blockers.

Therapeutic Use Exemption (Tue)

Players may take a range of different drugs for medical ailments that would otherwise be prohibited by the WADA code.

What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (Tue)?

Athletes, like all others, may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications. If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption may give that athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine.

What are the Criteria for Granting a Tue?

The criteria are:

• The athlete would experience significant health problems without taking the prohibited substance or method,
• The therapeutic use of the substance would not produce significant enhancement of performance, and
• There is no reasonable therapeutic alternative to the use of the otherwise prohibited substance or method.

Who Grants Tues?

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA has issued an International Standard for the granting of TUE's. The standard states that all International Federations (IF's) and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADO's) must have a process in place whereby athletes with documented medical conditions can request a TUE, and have such request appropriately dealt with by a panel of independent physicians called a Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC). IF's and NADO's, through their TUEC's, are then responsible for granting or declining such applications.

As WCF is NOT a signatory to the WADA code it cannot accept any responsibility for issuing TUE's and hence players who consider that they may be affected should contact their own relevant NADO for an application form and further guidance.

A list of NADO can be found via the WCF web site at:-
www.wcfcroquet.org/Organisation/anti-doping.html

11th WCF World Association Croquet Championship - New Zealand - 2008

The New Zealand Croquet Council (NZCC) has advised the WCF that it too is affiliated to their NADO, "Drug Free NZ", for the purposes of the WADA code.

Testing may take place at that event too.

WCF is awaiting clarification from the NZCC relating to the use of alcohol and Beta Blockers and further guidance will be issued in due course.

Consequences or Failure to Provide a Sample or Providing a Positive Sample at a WCF Event

As WCF is not affiliated to WADA, it has no role to play in any disciplinary processes resulting from failing to provide a sample or providing a positive sample.

Through the WCF Sports Regulations and their own disciplinary processes, responsibility for this rests with the host croquet association together with their NADO.

In normal circumstances, in accordance with WADA guidelines, if found guilty of such offences, players may expect to be banned from participation in the sport for between two to four years for a first offence and, for life for a second or subsequent offence.

Brian Storey
Secretary-General
www.wcfcroquet.org

quick links to useful information on the WCF Website