Doping Information

General Overview

The process of taking prohibited drugs, chemicals, medications, etc. to gain a competitive advantage is known as doping. Unfortunately, many of these prohibited ingrediants can be found in common medical prescriptions, or even in over the counter medications such as cold medicines, etc.

At major speedskating events, drug testing is typically performed. Although it is primarily focused on the elite skaters, there is always some random testing of non-elite skaters as well.

Elite skaters, typically category 1, are informed of their status and are given a set of guidelines and links to web-based information regarding what is exceptable and what is not.

Non-elite skaters, typically category 2, are also subject to random drug testing and need to be familiar with the same rules and proceedures.

Here are some important points,

  • Any Junior C skater or above can be required to take a drug test.
  • Drug testing is usually conducted during, or just after, a competition. This is especially true for category 2 skaters.
  • If random drug testing is required after a competition, but the skater has left or cannot be found, then a positive test result is assummed.
  • Drug testing for category 1 skaters can also occur at random times and locations including; at school, at home, on vacation, etc. These skaters are told in advance that they are part of a testing pool and are required to report their where-abouts to the proper authorites at all times.
  • Some medications, drugs, over-the-counter suppliments, etc. are prohibited during competition, but are allowed for use out-of-competition.
  • There is a difference between when the effects of an ingrediant wear off and when that ingrediant leaves the skaters body completely. The timing varies with every skater. It could be days, weeks, or longer.
  • Medical exemptions for certain mediactions can be requested, but will not necessairly be approved.
  • USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) has listings of acceptable and unacceptable medications, however, please note that these are only partial listings. Over-the-counter items may not be listed but could contain prohibited ingrediants.
  • Penalties are severe for any skater that tests positive, regardless of the reason.

Here are some helpful links