CAMS adopts new anti doping policy

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November 10, 2008

Most CAMS members will be aware that as a high profile, responsible and Internationally recognised sport, CAMS is required to have an Anti-Doping Policy for motor sport. This policy must be compliant with all other Australian Government accredited sports and therefore with the policies of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the FIA and the World Anti Doping Authority (WADA).

As a consequence, CAMS position on the use of illegal substances and other prohibited drugs and doping practices in sport and in general is very strong.

The Anti Doping policy applies to competitors, drivers, co-drivers, crew members and officials.

In order to avoid any confusion, CAMS condemns the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in sport. Competitors will be tested and those who test positive will be prosecuted and sanctioned appropriately to the fullest extent of the policy.

It is underlined that the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices is contrary to the ethics of sport and potentially harmful to the health and safety of CAMS members, competitors and officials.

CAMS believes the only legitimate use of prohibited substances in sport is under the supervision of a physician and then only for a clinically justified purpose.

The CAMS Anti Doping Policy is one which every competitor must abide by, or face the consequences of sanctions which include:

For first offence :

- up to two years competition license suspension, which includes any form of FIA sanctioned motor sport worldwide,
- being placed on the register for out of competition drug testing,
- being prohibited from holding a position in CAMS for a given period,
- being required to repay financial assistance from CAMS or the ASC, and
- disqualification from events from the date of the offence.

For second offence:

- an automatic two year license suspension.

For third offence:

- a life ban from motor sport.

In some cases, a life ban will apply for a second offence.

For further information on the CAMS Anti Doping Policy click here

Notwithstanding, CAMS (and WADA) understands that in order for some athletes who suffer from a medical condition to sustain a reasonable quality of life, they may only be able to be treated with drugs which are classified as banned or prohibited substances, and that the use of such drugs by the athlete would not offer any advantage over their fellow athletes.

In these cases athletes (drivers and co-drivers) may request approval for the use of an otherwise prohibited substance, provided it is for legitimate therapeutic reasons. This is called a Therapeutic Use Exemption or TUE.

Under the requirements of the Anti Doping Policy to be introduced in 2009, persons seeking a TUE must apply to direct to the relevant Australian Government authority, which is the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee or ASDMAC.

Conditions for which a TUE will be granted are significantly tighter than previously and application for TUEs must be accompanied by a detailed report from your chosen medical practitioner. If approved ASDMAC will contact the applicant and issue a letter of authorisation which will be required to be presented to the Drug Control Officer if you are chosen to give a sample for a drug test.
Once a therapeutic dispensation has been given, an athlete will not receive any sanctions if tests for the drug prescribed are positive.

Further information is available at www.asdmac.org.au