In their latest Coach’s Blast Message to coaches with swimmers attending the upcoming Olympic Trials in Omaha, USA Swimming has included reminds about the doping control standards at the competition.
Their message regarding doping control is as follows:
NOTE: Anyone competing at the 2016 Olympic Trials is eligible to be tested!
1) Status of medications:
a. It is your responsibility to:
i. Check the status of all substances you plan to put in your body. This may be done by:
1. Calling USADA’s Drug Reference Line at 1-800-233-0393 or 719-785-2000.
2. Checking online at www.globaldro.com.
3. If you plan to consume a medication via your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectal, skin (topical, injection or IV) or any other method of administration, you must check with USADA first.
4. You should keep detailed medical records of all treatments you receive as you may be asked to document the method of administration of a substance or provide other details including the medical diagnosis. There are strict requirements surrounding the use of IVs and Injections. Call USADA at 1-800-233-0393 or 719-785-2000.
2) Filing of TUE forms:
a. It is your responsibility to know that:
i. Some medications require an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) BEFORE you use the medication.
ii. Once you file your TUE with USADA you should email [email protected] to confirm receipt.
iii. You will hear back from them regarding the status of your TUE application. This will be sent via email. If you don’t hear from them, follow up!
iv. Make sure you know the expiration date of any Therapeutic Use Exemptions that you have on file. It takes 21 days to obtain TUE approval – FILE NOW!
The doping rules are basically the same as the general USA Swimming doping control rules.
We saw today what can happen if a TUE form isn’t filed properly, as Brazilian Etiene Medeiros tested positive for doping in what may have just been a paperwork error.
Find the full version of the most recent Coach’s Blast here.