Clean sport-Principles and values
Why is Clean Sport important?
Every one of us has a responsibility to protect clean sport. Whenever we watch sport, it should be truly ensured that it’s the real. Cheating in any form undercuts the spirit of sport and the efforts of clean athletes. Every top athlete will have experienced moments when they are vulnerable and not performing their best. How athletes deal with these moments can have a significant effect on their future sporting careers.
As an athlete, athlete support personnel or sports administrator, you have anti-doping responsibilities that you need to be aware of and have to follow accordingly.
QATAR Anti-Doping is the Qatar’s National Anti-Doping Organization responsible for protecting clean sport in Qatar, and we are governed by a worldwide agreed set of rules (QATAR ANTI-DOPING RULES), protected globally by commitments from both governments and the sports movement.
Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:
- Health
- Ethics, fair play and honesty
- Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code
- Excellence in performance
- Character and Education
- Fun and joy
- Teamwork
- Dedication and commitment
- Respect for rules and laws
- Respect for self and other Participants
- Courage
- Community and solidarity
Principle of strict liability
In anti-doping, athletes are responsible for their actions: including what they eat and drink. This is known as the principle of ‘strict liability’.
This means that every athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their urine and/or blood sample collected during doping control, regardless of whether the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or method. Therefore, it is vital that athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know the rules and understand their responsibilities under the Code.
In anti-doping, the principle of Strict Liability applies – if it is in the athlete’s body, the athlete is responsible for it. Athletes must also know and understand the Prohibited List and the risks associated with supplement use. More information on the Prohibited List, medications and supplements is available in the Substances section.
It is a fact that athletes can be tested any time, any place. Many athletes fail a test due to their supplements being contaminated, or because they didn’t know that social drugs are banned too. Medications prescribed to them by a physician or bought over the counter at a pharmacy may also contain banned substances – it’s important to always check any medication you take via Global DRO and check if you need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).