December, 2005.
1. In March 2000 NZMS adopted a policy strongly opposed to the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs and methods by all participants and competitors. NZMS endorsed the stance taken by athletes and coaches who opposed drug use in all sports and supported the work done by the New Zealand Sports Drugs Agency and its testing programme.

 

A concern at this time was that swimmers taking prescribed medicines should not be discouraged from doing so and, although NZMS had a strong view against performance-enhancing drugs, Masters swimming throughout the world was exempted by FINA from drug-testing requirements.

2. Following an application by NZMS for funding from SPARC, NZMS’ drug policy came under closer scrutiny. Notwithstanding our position in respect to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, it was clear that it was a policy in name only as (a) our members were not being educated as to what drugs might and might not be permissible and (b), there was no enforcement of the policy. SPARC told us that we needed to review our policy and in 2003 NZMS notified all clubs of the intended review.

3. Clubs and members generally were in favour of a stronger drug policy proposed by NZMS. On 18 October 2003 the Executive passed a Resolution enabling it to suspend, disqualify or non-ratify the record of any registered Master swimmer who had committed a doping infringement as found by the governing body of swimming in New Zealand, or any other country. At this time, however, there was no formalised agreement with SPARC and no links had been established with the New Zealand Sports Drugs Agency.

4. At the Annual General Meeting of NZMS on 11 March 2004 a draft drug policy was presented and approved. This enabled NZMS to consult further with SPARC and the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency and during 2004 over 30 replies were received from swimmers who had been invited to complete questionnaires. From the questionnaires it was possible to conclude that only a few swimmers would be likely to be affected by strict enforcement of a drugs policy and most taking any medications which were on the prohibited list would be able to make Therapeutic Use Exemption Applications.

5. At the Annual General Meeting on 18 March 2005 the Executive was authorised to execute the SPARC model anti-doping policy and to take all further steps to institute a comprehensive anti-doping regime for NZMS commencing 2006.

6. SPARC has a model anti-doping policy and invited NZMS to sign its formal agreement. However, the agreement could be subject to some changes as, in October 2005, SPARC introduced new legislation into the House of Representatives. It is expected that any changes to the model anti-doping policy will be effected during the next four to six weeks and NZMS will then proceed to sign the SPARC anti-doping agreement or a variation of it.

7. Commencing with the first sanctioned Meet (the National Championships) in Auckland in March 2006, anti-doping rules will apply and competitors taking part in this event and all other sanctioned Meets who may be taking a substance thought to be banned or who propose taking such a substance, should apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Forms may be obtained from the website of Drug Free Sport New Zealand (the successor to the New Zealand Sports Drugs Agency, although yet to be confirmed by legislation) at its website, being info@drugfreesport.org.nz.

8. No actual testing of competitors is expected to occur unless requested by the Executive of NZMS. Any testing would be undertaken by Drug Free Sport New Zealand and any proceedings arising from testing would, consequent upon changes to our Constitution, expected to be effected at the 2006 AGM, be referred to the Sports Disputes Tribunal for hearing. All competitors competing in sanctioned Meets will be required on the entry form to sign an acknowledgment that they are aware of the anti-doping provisions and will abide in all respects by them.

9. In practice, once the new regime is bedded down, the Executive expects little difficulty. There never has been any reason to believe that members of NZMS are taking performance-enhancing drugs but bringing in an anti-doping regime does ensure the good reputation of this sector of the sport and puts in place a method of dealing with a problem which has plagued and been to the detriment of some other sports. It shows that we will have transparent systems in place and that we< wish our sport to stay drug-free, no matter the age of the competitor.

10. It is the responsibility of each swimmer to ensure that he or she is not taking any prohibited substance. The list of prohibited substances is constantly being added to and amended. Swimmers should:

(a) Take advice from their medical practitioner; and
(b) Check the website of the Drug Free Sport New Zealand, info@drugfreesport.org.nz, to see if any substance being taken is on the prohibited list and take advice so far as possible from Drug Free Sport New Zealand.
(c) If a substance is being taken which is on the prohibited list, an application for therapeutic use exemption form should be completed (see website) and sent.
(d) Contact NZMS if you have doubts about your obligations and responsibilities in respect to drugs and swimming and NZMS will do its best to help.