The Russian Olympic Committee and the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) are continuing to conduct educational anti-doping online seminars for athletes and coaches.
Today, representatives of the National Olympic Sports Federations were briefed in detail on the updated edition of the World Anti-Doping Code and WADA International Standards, the All-Russian Anti-Doping Rules and the Anti-Doping Rules of the Russian Olympic Committee.
— For quite a long time I have been promoting anti-doping culture in our country, — said two-time Olympic champion in biathlon Anna Bogaliy in her welcoming speech. — It is vital to obtain this knowledge as early as possible, so as to prevent silly and accidental violations that could lead to bitter disqualifications. You should be as collected and self-disciplined as possible, monitor the records in the ADAMS system, follow the rules for accessibility and control what you eat and drink.
The Advisor to the Rector of the RIOU on Development of Anti-Doping Programmes Veronika Loginova spoke about the comprehensive revision of the documents regulating the fight against doping, both at the international and national levels.
— For two years, experts have been working on updating and revising the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code. Also, WADA International Standards have been reviewed and the new versions have come into effect, – said Veronika Loginova.
The World Anti-Doping Code is the fundamental document on anti-doping rules and regulations that are developed by the National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations and competition organizers. The new regulations developed on the basis of the Code include certain provisions that must be paid attention to by both athletes and coaches.
— I would like to remind you that changes have been made to the Regulations on the Russian Olympic Team. In order to qualify as a member, a candidate must complete the educational online courses developed by RUSADA or WADA, — added Veronika Loginova.
World Athletics independent international expert Margarita Pakhnotskaya drew the attention of athletes and coaches to several key anti-doping documents: the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods in Sports, as well as the Standards for Therapeutic Use, Processing of Results and Testing. She also clarified the main amendments made to the aforementioned standards.
— WADA has existed for over 20 years and for the very first time there has appeared an International Standard for Education (ISE). In my opinion, this is extremely important, — noted Margarita Pakhnotskaya. — This component of the fight against doping has been underestimated in the past. The rules of fair play must be introduced from a very young age. Any culture is formed and created exclusively through education. Also, starting from January 1, 2021, the World Anti-Doping Code affects all people involved in the field of sports: athletes, their parents and guardians, coaches, as well as team managers.
Margarita Pakhnotskaya stressed that the introduction of young athletes to doping control should not begin with the testing procedure, meaning that the National Sports Federations should pay even more attention to anti-doping education.
— Such events are organized every year. The only difference is that they usually took place in Novogorsk, and now events are being held online. Therefore, we already knew many points, but it was still interesting and important to refresh our memories , — said European champion in curling Alina Kovaleva in her interview to the ROC Information Service. — This information is essential for any athlete. Perhaps not everyone reads the rules and regulations, however, when such conferences are held, you cannot skip them and you are obliged to listen. Every year, there are some changes and innovations in the anti-doping legislation. We track them, discuss them and try to keep abreast of developments.
The educational seminar generated considerable excitement among athletes and coaches — around one thousand people followed it online. And after the event, the athletes talked about the benefits.
— I really liked the lecture — the information was presented in a constructive and interesting manner during 1.5 hours. Everything was clear and without any fluff, — said Kirill Grigoryan, bronze medallist in the 50 metre rifle prone event at the Rio Olympics, in his interview to the ROC Information Service. — Special thanks to Margarita Pakhnotskaya for the informative presentation. She was able to keep the attention of the audience from beginning to end. It is one thing to read dull documents, and quite another when they are presented to you in an interesting way. The main thing is that we received new information. For example, we learned that amendments had been made to the legal anti-doping documents: everyone involved in sport (coaches, doctors, etc.) shall be responsible for any violations of the Anti-Doping Code. We were also told that an article appeared on the protection of the rights of those who report in good faith against violators of the Anti-Doping Code, and furthermore the issue regarding the beginning of the competitive period was also discussed in detail.
Let us recall that on January 27, athletes and specialists representing the All-Russian Summer Sports Federations listened to a lecture on anti-doping rules applicable to the Tokyo Games. Furthermore, issues related to the specifics of medical support during the Olympic Games were also discussed.
Additionally, a special section has appeared on the official website of the ROC where athletes and members of national teams can get acquainted with the relevant materials in detail. For example, they can find information on anti-doping rules and WADA International Standards.
