Reports today that schoolboy rowers were forced to strip naked to provide urine samples to Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) officials attending a school rowing regatta in Sydney are concerning.
This example again raises questions over the changing focus and role of ASADA, who in recent months have also been accused of ‘dawn raids’ on athletes’ family homes, and had their tactics questioned over subjecting athletes to several tests over just a few days leading into major competitions.
These latest reports suggest that ASADA are now are testing participants in school sport without telling them that they are subject to the anti-doping regime.
We know through an answer to a question on notice in Senate Estimates in May last year that under the ASADA regime athletes are no longer required to attend regular face to face education sessions.
ASADA needs to recognise that education is not about surprising school kids with a test in the hope that one will be caught out in order to get the story published.
ASADA and the Minister need to make clear just who is subject to testing under the ASADA regime and inform all athletes of the process and their rights. It is not an exercise in ‘shock tactics’ as this statement from ASADA today implies:
‘The tests were designed to remind young athletes that doping was unsportsmanlike’
This is the second time this week that ASADA’s competency has been questioned. The Australian public need to have confidence in the anti-doping system.
The Minister must face these problems at ASADA, clarify their charter to ensure that Australia maintains its credibility in fighting drugs in sport.
*According to the ASADA’s Education Service Charter for 2006-07, all athletes in the Registered Testing Pool will be given an opportunity to attend face to face presentations within each State and Territory. Athletes will be advised of relevant dates for scheduled presentations in each State and Territory and encouraged to register their attendance.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059
