Archery Ireland
Anti-Doping
Archery Ireland
Anti Doping Rules
Sport Ireland Anti Doping is the national anti-doping organisation of the State. It’s functions include the implementation of guidelines, codes of practice, standards of good conduct, fair play and the elimination of doping in sport. As well as planning, implementing and evaluating education and information programmes. Further information can be found here on the Sport Ireland website.
Archery Ireland
Anti-Doping policy
The following document should be used as a vital reference by any archer who uses, or plans to use, prescription (or other) medication to ensure that there is no infringement of the anti-doping rules.
Archery Ireland
Guidelines on the use of Alcohol & Prescription Medications
Alcohol
Alcohol has been considered a banned substance at any competition under World Archery rules since the start of 2018, when it was removed from the prohibited list by the World Anti-Doping Agency. World Archery has continued to test for alcohol at its international events, and no person on the field of play shall consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol.
The ban on alcohol in archery is based on the same principles as other banned substances under the World Anti-Doping Code, and that of strict liability. If the presence of any banned substance is found when an athlete is tested at a competition then they have violated the rules and will be subject to penalties. This means that it is the athlete’s responsibility to make sure they are free of alcohol at any time that they could be tested during a competition. Alcohol testing is performed by the testing of exhaled air. If the test of exhaled air exceeds the doping violation threshold of 0.1 per mille, a second test of exhaled air will be performed 10 minutes later using a different breathalyser. If the second test of exhaled air still exceeds the threshold, this will result in a positive alcohol test. If the presence of alcohol is found, then they will have broken the rules.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a banned substance in archery. No person on the field of play shall consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol as prohibited in 2.3.4. Alcohol Test. Athletes selected for Anti Doping Sample collection shall also be tested for alcohol. Tests may be carried out at any time during the Competition at any International Event at the discretion of the person designated by World Archery to conduct the Alcohol Test, or by the Organising Committee if World Archery has not designated any such person.
The alcohol test is performed by the testing of exhaled air. If the test of exhaled air exceeds the doping violation threshold of 0.1 per mille, a second test of exhaled air will be performed 10 minutes later using a different breathalyser. If the second test of exhaled air still exceeds the threshold, this will result in a positive alcohol test.
If you take sport seriously then be aware of the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol slows down reaction times, increases body heat loss and reduces stamina. If you have consumed alcohol within 48 hours of training or a competition your performance will be impaired.
Endurance
Sugar in the blood is the source of energy for all body functions. Alcohol reduces the body’s ability to produce this sugar and as a result lowers the capacity to concentrate for long periods of time or to perform strenuous activity.
Body heat loss
Alcohol affects the body’s temperature regulation and can lead to increased heat loss; this can result in hypothermia if you are shooting an outdoor competition. The longer you shoot or train, or the colder the weather, the greater the risk.
Reaction times
The relaxant properties of alcohol can continue well after you have finished drinking. Alcohol affects the central nervous system and slows down the information transfer and processing ability of the brain. This in turn affects your speed of reaction, coordination,accuracy, sight and balance – all the things most important for staying on top in any sport.
Sport injuries
Alcohol increases the bleeding and swelling around soft tissue injuries (sprains, bruises and cuts, which are most common sport injuries) so you take longer to recover. Alcohol also masks pain making the need for treatment seem less urgent; rapid treatment reduces recovery time. If you have been injured, avoid alcohol.
Muscle cramps
During exercises your muscles burn sugar and produce lactic acid. Too much lactic acid leads to muscle fatigue and cramps. The alcohol left in your system after a few drinks the night before contributes to the lactic acid loading and dramatically increases the risk of cramps.
Vitamin and mineral loss
The B-group of vitamins and minerals such as zinc are involved with the conversion of food into energy and also help to repair body tissue after injury. Even small amounts of alcohol reduce the levels of these vitamins and minerals in the blood stream.
Some points to think about
The consumption of alcohol before, during or after sport is strongly discouraged. Alcohol has no positive effect on achievement. Alcohol, even in very small amounts causes blood vessels to dilate and consequently the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Muscles get less energy and the result is reduced performance. (example: The speed of a sprinter (100m) has been shown to reduce by 10% after drinking two glasses of alcohol)
Consider your alcohol consumption
One unit, a glass of beer (200cc), wine (100cc),or spirits (35 cc) contains 10-12 grams of alcohol. To metabolise one unit of alcohol takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. Eating a sandwich, taking a cold shower or drinking coffee does not speed up this process.
Alcohol taken within 48 hours of training or of a competition has a negative influence on achievement. Small quantities of alcohol can arguably reduce muscle shaking and anxiety, or ‘target fright’, and for these reasons alcohol is included in anti-doping regulations. If an athlete’s blood alcohol level is greater than what it would be without drinking alcohol at all then the athlete concerned is likely to fall foul of these regulations. When someone has drunk alcohol the night before a competition or training, there can still be too much alcohol in the system the following day.
Alcohol reduces blood sugar levels.
Alcohol causes dehydration.
Check Your Meds
Guidelines on Anti-doping
All members of the Archery Ireland should be aware that all events organised by, or on behalf of the Archery Ireland/ World Archery are subject to the World Anti Doping Authority (WADA) rules. All training camps and competitions are notified to the Anti-doping section of World Archery and the details of all major Archery Ireland events are notified to the Sport Ireland. The main purpose of these rules is to protect the health and welfare of all people who participate in the sport, as well as ensuring fair play and integrity.
For full details of these rules see the World Archery web site or the Sport Ireland web site. These sites list all prohibited substances.
Medication
All people from time to time require medication for their health and well being. If you need medication consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice, or check out https://medcheck.sportireland.ie/ This site provides free Irish specific, accurate, up to date, comprehensive information and is designed to support, not replace the relationship between the user and his/her pharmacist and/or medical doctor. All the information relates to products that are available in Irish Pharmacies.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions “TUEs”
WADA regulations permit a scheme for Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) which is available for athletes who need treatment with a substance on the Prohibited list. These forms are available from the Sport Ireland, (web site or direct mail). International Level archers need a World Archery TUE as well. Before applying for a TUE, please check that the substance you are using is on the prohibited list. This will save you money (as your doctor must complete and sign the form) and will also the time of the Sport Ireland. TUEs should be completed at least 21 days in advance of competition.
Standard Therapeutic Use Exemption
Is completed where an athlete requests permission to use a prohibited substance or method for medical reasons.
Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption
Should be completed in the case of certain beta-2 agonists (formoterol, salbutamol,salmeterol and terbutaline 0 by inhalation, and non systemic glucocorticosteroids.(Relates to asthma inhalors mostly)
Supplements
Many people take supplements which are available in shops, health stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. These often lack complete information about the contents. If you use supplements you should enquire from the manufacturer as to their specific contents. These may be listed on the medcheck.sportireland.ie web site.
Personal Responsibility
All athletes are ultimately responsible for what they consume or inhale. If you take any medication or supplements it is your responsibility to educate yourself as to their contents. Advice is available on the https://medcheck.sportireland.ie/ web site or the Sport Ireland web site.
