Major Games advice

Some substance categories and methods are prohibited during both the in- and out-of-competition periods, that is, all year. Other substance categories are only prohibited during an in-competition period.

The substances which are prohibited at all times includes masking agents and those substances which, when used in training, may have long-term performance-enhancing effects, such as anabolic steroids.

Unless otherwise stated, the in-competition period begins 12 hours before a competition which the athlete is participating in and finishes at the end of any associated testing. An athlete should not have any prohibited substance in their system during that time. Some events may declare a different in-competition period. For example, at the Olympic Games the IOC declares that in-competition testing for all sports can take place from the opening to the closing of the athlete village, which is a period of around a month and even includes once a sport has finished all competition. Athletes should check with their NGB, IF or event organisers how their in-competition is defined.

If you are planning to travel abroad should you adhere to the following advice:

• Take enough medication to continue any treatment for the duration of the trip
• Check the status of all products before you travel on Global DRO
• Check the medication is permitted in the country of travel and whether it is permitted to take through Customs
• Carry the UK Anti-Doping Advice Card which includes essential information
• Tell any medical staff that you are an athlete
• Be as vigilant as possible with regard to your diet and buying food
• Any products purchased overseas should be carefully checked. The ingredients in common medications often contain different substances from those included in the UK.

Some countries have different customs regulations that may prohibit the import of certain substances or methods. Athletes carrying a prohibited substance or method for a legitimate medical condition should carry the following documents at all times:

• The prescription from the prescribing doctor including the name of the substance, the dose and the frequency of use
• The Therapeutic Use Exemption Certificate to demonstrate that an authorised anti-doping organisation has permitted the use of a prohibited substance or method for a medical purpose.

As an elite athlete you should be fully aware as to which organisation has anti-doping responsibility at any competitions you are attending. You are advised to contact your NGB for guidance.