Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine
There is an increasing concern about the improper use of drugs and medicine in sport. Triathlon Australia is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of Relevant Persons and to providing a safe and clean environment for Participants in Triathlon, including by ensuring that science and medicine services are provided to athletes by appropriately qualified and supervised staff that are subject to the National Integrity Framework.
Illegal Drugs represent a widespread community problem and can pose a serious health issue for individuals. Triathlon Australia is aware of the availability and the prevalence of use of Illegal Drugs and seeks to deter Relevant Persons from the use of such substances.
The use of Illegal Drugs has a significant impact on the culture of sporting environments and the performance of individuals. Such use also brings Participants, Triathlon Australia and Triathlon into disrepute and does not provide a positive example for members of the community that may view our athletes as role models.
Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy Quick Facts
This Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy is designed to protect sports and athletes from harm caused by the improper use of medicines, supplements and illegal drugs.
Specifically, the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy provides a framework to:
• address and deter the use and distribution of illegal drugs in sport
• ensure that only appropriately qualified people provide science and medicine services to athletes
• ensure that medications and injections are only given to athletes as part of appropriate medical treatment
• ensure that supplements are used and distributed safely in sport with a focus on evidence-based use.
Who does the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy apply to?
The supplement, medicine and injection components of Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy apply only to Relevant Athletes and Relevant Personnel.
The illegal drug component of the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy applies to all members of your triathlon, including:
• Athletes
• Coaches
• Employees
• Medical Practitioners
• Officials
• Sports Science Sports Medicine Personnel
• Support Personnel
• Relevant Sporting Organisations
Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy Prohibited Conduct
The following actions and behaviours are breaches of the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy:
Unauthorised injection or possession of injection equipment.
The supply of non-compliant supplements to a Relevant Athlete.
A criminal conviction relating to or involving an illegal drug.
Illegal use of prescription or over the counter medication.
Failure to report the illegal use of substances.
What is the reporting process?
Actions that may be Prohibited Conduct under the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy must be reported to Sport Integrity Australia via the online form at: Sport Integrity Australia Report a Concern Online Form and any other entity as required by law.
What happens if someone commits a breach of the Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy?
Any alleged Prohibited Conduct that is reported will be dealt with under the Complaints Disputes and Discipline Policy. This could result in a sanction ranging from a warning, mandatory education to a ban from sport. Criminal conduct will be managed outside of this process by law enforcement.
Disclaimer: This website page information does not replace the National Integrity Framework Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy. The Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy applies and overrules this website page information in any instances.
Sport Integrity Australia e-Learning Education - Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine
Sport Integrity Australia has developed an e-learning education program which is an introduction to Illicit Drugs in Sport. The Illicit Drugs in Sport course follows the story of four athletes who have it all in front of them. Find out how they get on, and what decisions they could have made to turn the situation around.
Sport Integrity Australia e-Learning Education Course Name: Introduction to Illicit Drugs in Sport
