The use of illicit drugs is harmful to athletes and Rowing Australia seeks to educate athletes to prevent the use of illicit drugs in sport. Further, the use of illicit drugs by athletes can bring the sport into disrepute and sets a poor example for other members of the community who view athletes as role models.
Rowing Australia wishes to prevent the use of Illicit Drugs in Sport through increased education for athletes and members in relation to the potential harms of the use of Illicit Drugs.
This policy is designed to help prevent the uptake of illicit drug use and reduce the drug-related harm to individuals, families and stakeholders of Rowing Australia and the broader community.
Rowing Australia will adopt a management approach which focuses on education and counselling in addressing the use of illicit drugs in the out-of-competition context.
Some illicit drugs may be legitimately used under the supervision of a physician for a clinically justified purpose. The possession and use of illicit drugs is subject to Commonwealth, State and Territory laws.
Rowing Australia has adopted and implemented an Anti Doping Policy and rules (adopted Jan 2009) which conform to the World Anti-Doping Code. The World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List includes illicit drugs which are prohibited in competition. This Illicit Drugs in Sport Policy differs from the Rowing Australia anti-doping policy in that it addresses the out-of-competition use of illicit drugs, concentrating primarily on education, awareness and prevention initiatives.
