Juniors

World Record or British National record competitions entry forms will require parental consent for drug testing. These entry forms must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the junior, giving approval for drug testing to be carried out. If a Junior is selected and they refuse the test or signed parental consent is not given this will be treated as having ‘failed’ the drug test. This means that the archer could be banned for a minimum of two years. It is therefore vital that the parent/legal guardian give written approval for a test to be carried out - It is not acceptable for a club official to sign the form on behalf of a parent/guardian.

Which Events?

All Fita Stars and World Record events at home or abroad, are liable to drug testing and all competitors (Senior and Junior) must provide a sample if requested. Failure to give a sample will be treated as a ‘failed’ drugs test as will a positive test result. A minimum of 2 years ban may be applied.

Details of all Fita Stars and World Record or British National record status events run by GNAS or by Clubs affiliated to GNAS are sent to UKSport. UK Sport will then choose which events they wish to attend and to carry out random drug testing. They don’t inform GNAS which events they want or are going to attend. All competitors and especially MB’s (Senior & Junior) and above at these events can be tested. The Drug Testing Unit in attendance may test all winners and a randomly selected sample of other competitors.

Currently UKSport test at about 3 events and a number of squads each year, but in the run up to the 2008 and 2012 Olympics the UKSport anti doping agency will be doubling the amount of testing they have done within archery up to present - during 2006 and beyond they have indicated they will attend more events rather than squads.

For further information on Drug testing please contact the GNAS Medical Officer, sportscotland or UK Sport.