Information on Drug Testing and the implementation of WADA regulations.

By way of brief explanation the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) only applies to those athletes who are considered to be elite, and whose names have been recorded in each sports' international governing bodies data base e.g. Peter Bromby for sailing.

Bermuda signed the WADA agreement last year and any country not signing was not allowed in the Olympics.

Those named athletes are subject to random testing at any time and must supply information on their whereabouts at all times.  The main aim of these tests is to detect performance enhancing drug taking.

On the local level the Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport (BCDS) is responsible for random drug testing of registered athletes, and for pre international competition testing, this testing, done locally, is for illicit drugs, although NSGB's can request further testing if they desire.

However these tests done overseas can be expensive ($350.00).  If a person is randomly selected or is required to be tested prior to international competition and fails to appear for that test they are considered the same as guilty. Viz the Football players!!

Unfortunately the BEF does not have a representative on the BCDS right now.  Any offers?