Clean at Challenge Roth: What is allowed in sports and what is considered doping?
In order to participate in Challenge Roth without the fear of receiving a positive test result during a potential doping control, we would like to provide you with information about the anti-doping regulations.
The National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA) is the authority for clean sport in Germany. It works to protect clean athletes from doping and to ensure equal opportunities and fair play in sports. The following rules are implemented by NADA for German sports.
What do the anti-doping rules mean for me?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes a list of prohibited substances and methods each year, known as the Prohibited List. Many of these substances are active ingredients in medications and are used for the treatment of diseases. If athletes abuse these substances to enhance their performance, it is considered doping.
When you register for Challenge Roth, you commit to adhering to the anti-doping regulations set by WADA. For example, you must be available for doping controls after the competition or, if you need to use a medication containing a prohibited substance, you may only do so under certain conditions.
How can I find out if my medications are doping-relevant?
The NADAmed medication database (www.nadamed.de) of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) contains a variety of medications and active ingredients available in Germany, which you can check for free at any time. NADAmed is also available via the free NADA2go app.
Please always check if there are permitted treatment options for your condition. This is almost always the case, so you do not need to resort to substances that are on the prohibited list. If your medication is allowed, no further action is necessary.
What should I do if there is no allowed alternative?
Athletes who need to use prohibited substances for medical reasons may do so under certain conditions. For example, it must be ensured that the performance level is not increased beyond that of a healthy athlete by the therapy.
Elite athletes are categorized into so-called test pools depending on their performance level and the risk assessment of their sport. This primarily applies to professional top-level sports. Test pool athletes may only use prohibited medications
if they have obtained a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). The TUE must be applied for through NADA or the international sports federation.
Most athletes participating in Challenge Roth practice sports in their free time and are not part of a test pool. These athletes can initially participate in Challenge Roth without applying for or receiving approval for a TUE. However, if they are subjected to a doping control during the competition, they must apply for a retrospective TUE. NADA will contact the affected individuals in writing.
For more information on medical exemptions, visit here.
Be cautious with certain medications
The following types of medication are frequently used, even by athletes. However, athletes should note that these medications are either partially or entirely prohibited in sport. A TUE may be required for their use (see above).
Glucocorticoids (Cortisone)
Glucocorticoids, also known as cortisone, are commonly used, especially in orthopedic treatments for injury-prone sports. The anti-doping rules are particularly complex here, as they differentiate based on the method and timing of administration. Glucocorticoids are prohibited in competition if administered by any injectable, oral, or rectal route. This includes, for example, injections into joints or tendons, as well as tablets or suppositories. Additionally, glucocorticoids cannot be detected in a competition doping test, even if the administration ended before the competition. If glucocorticoids are detected in a competition doping test, athletes must apply for a retrospective TUE. Outside of competition, all of the above-mentioned forms of administration are allowed. The use of cortisone-containing nasal sprays, inhalers, or creams on the skin is not restricted. For more information on cortisone in sport, visit here.
Asthma Medications
For many years, most asthma medications containing beta-2 agonists were prohibited. Currently, certain beta-2 agonists (Salbutamol, Salmeterol, Formoterol, and Vilanterol) are allowed for inhalation by WADA, even in combination with inhaled cortisone. However, when using these medications, the following maximum allowed doses must be adhered to:
• Salbutamol: max. 600 μg within 8 hours; max. 1600 μg within 24 hours
• Salmeterol: max. 200 μg within 24 hours
• Formoterol: max. 36 μg within 12 hours; max. 54 μg within 24 hours
• Vilanterol: max. 25 μg within 24 hours Other beta-2 agonists, such as Reproterol or Indacaterol, are prohibited and may require a TUE. For more information on asthma medications in sport, visit here.
Infusions
The intravenous administration of more than 100 ml of fluid within 12 hours is prohibited according to WADA rules, both in and outside of competition. Infusions over 100 ml are allowed only in hospital treatments, surgeries, and clinical diagnostic examinations, as long as the substances contained are permitted.
For prohibited infusions, athletes must apply for a TUE before use or after a control, depending on their test pool. A TUE can only be granted if certain criteria are met, including that the infusion is medically prescribed and no permitted alternative is available. Lifestyle infusions with vitamins or trace elements do not meet these criteria!
Cannabinoids
The use of cannabis and cannabinoids is prohibited in competition. The detection of cannabinoids during a competition doping control can still result in a violation of anti-doping regulations and be sanctioned in sport. Due to the long detection window of THC, it is recommended that athletes refrain from using cannabis in elite sport. Athletes planning a therapy with cannabis or THC-containing medications should inquire in advance regarding the TUE requirements via email (medizin@nada.de).
Where can I find more information? To check medications and active ingredients, athletes can use the NADAmed medication database: https://www.nada.de/medizin/nadamed Detailed information on anti-doping can be found in the NADA brochure Anti-Doping Basics: https://www.gemeinsam-gegen-doping.de/fileadmin/GGD/Angebote/Broschueren/PDF/NADA_ANTI_DOPING_BASICS_Auflage_4_Dez24.pdf Information on medical issues can also be found at www.nada.de/medizin, or you can send inquiries directly to medizin@nada.de. For answers to questions on other topics, you can contact us at kommunikation@nada.de.
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SPRICH’S AN - The Anonymous Reporting System
Every tip can be crucial to uncovering doping-related misconduct and structures or clearing up misunderstandings. If you have seen something that you believe violates anti-doping rules, you can share it with us to help uncover doping violations. Tips submitted through this portal are anonymous and will be treated confidentially. This secure communication platform allows you to protect your identity while actively
contributing to the resolution of doping violations or criminal behavior.
For the reporting system, visit: www.bkms-system.net/NADA