Anti-Doping

Key Points

• Compliance with WADA Code and FA Anti-Doping Regulations is mandatory
• Mandatory whereabouts reporting for elite players
• Prohibited substances include steroids, stimulants, and masking agents
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) required for legitimate medical treatments
• Both in-competition and out-of-competition testing applies
• Players are responsible for what enters their body
• Refusing or evading a test is treated as a positive test

Detailed Information

The FA Anti-Doping Regulations are designed to protect the health and rights of Participants and ensure fair competition. Key provisions include:

1. Presence of a Prohibited Substance

Any presence of a prohibited substance in a sample constitutes a violation. This is a strict liability offence – intent is not required.

2. Use or Attempted Use

Using or attempting to use any prohibited substance or method is a violation, regardless of whether it shows up in testing.

3. Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit

Any violation of sample collection requirements, including refusing to provide a sample, is treated as seriously as a positive test.

4. Whereabouts Failures

Three filing failures or missed tests within a 12-month period constitutes a violation.

5. Tampering or Attempted Tampering

Any interference with the doping control process is a serious offence.

Whereabouts Requirements

Players at Premiership, EFL, and international level must submit whereabouts information to enable out-of-competition testing. This includes:

• Daily overnight address
• Regular training/activity locations and times
• Competition schedule
• One 60-minute slot per day for testing availability

Common Prohibited Substances

• Anabolic steroids and testosterone
• Stimulants (including some common cold medications)
• EPO and blood doping methods
• Diuretics and masking agents
• Beta-2 agonists (without TUE)
• Certain supplements that may contain banned substances