St. Vincent Taekwondo Federation

Anti-Doping Policy

The St. Vincent Taekwondo Federation (STF) is committed to maintaining the integrity of Taekwondo and ensuring fair play by enforcing a strict Anti-Doping Policy. This policy aligns with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and the anti-doping regulations of World Taekwondo (WT) and the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU).

1. Purpose

• To protect the health, rights, and safety of all STF athletes.

• To ensure fair and equal competition by preventing doping in any form.

• To uphold the reputation of Taekwondo as a clean sport in St. Vincent and internationally.

2. Scope

• This policy applies to all athletes, coaches, officials, medical personnel, and support staff associated with the STF.

• It covers all STF-sanctioned training, competitions, and related activities, both domestic and international.

3. Definition of Doping

• The presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites in an athlete’s sample.

• The use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method.

• Refusing or failing to submit to sample collection without compelling justification.

• Tampering or attempting to tamper with any part of the doping control process.

• Possession, trafficking, or administration of prohibited substances or methods.

4. Prohibited Substances and Methods

• The STF adopts the current WADA Prohibited List, which is updated annually.

• Athletes are responsible for knowing what substances and methods are prohibited.

• Prohibited substances include performance-enhancing drugs, anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, masking agents, and other banned categories.

5. Responsibilities of Athletes

• Comply with this Anti-Doping Policy and WADA regulations.

• Submit to doping controls and testing when required by STF, PATU, WT, or WADA.

• Ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body, whether intentional or accidental.

• Declare all medications and supplements to the STF Medical Officer before use.

• Cooperate fully during doping control procedures.

6. Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

• Athletes with a legitimate medical condition requiring a prohibited substance must apply for a TUE.

• TUE applications must be submitted with medical evidence and approved before use of the prohibited substance.

• The STF will follow the WADA International Standard for TUEs.

7. Testing Procedures

• Testing may be conducted in-competition and out-of-competition by STF, WT, PATU, or WADA.

• Sample collection will be carried out according to WADA International Standards.

• Athletes will be notified of testing and must report to the designated doping control station without delay.

8. Results Management

• All samples will be analysed by WADA-accredited laboratories.

• The STF will notify athletes of any adverse analytical findings.

• Athletes will be given the opportunity to request analysis of the B-sample.

• Confidentiality will be maintained until a final decision is made.

9. Sanctions

• Violations of this policy may result in disqualification, forfeiture of results, suspension, or permanent ban from STF activities.

• Sanctions will be determined in accordance with the WADA Code and WT Anti-Doping Rules.

• Support personnel found complicit in doping will be subject to sanctions, including bans from involvement in STF activities.

10. Education and Awareness

• The STF will conduct annual anti-doping education programs for athletes, coaches, and support staff.

• Educational materials will include updates on the WADA Prohibited List, safe supplement use, and consequences of doping.

11. Appeals

• Athletes and other individuals have the right to appeal doping-related sanctions.

• Appeals must be submitted in writing within the timeframe specified in the sanction notice.

• Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel in accordance with STF and WADA procedures.

12. Review of Policy

• This Anti-Doping Policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with changes to the WADA Code and international best practices.

By participating in STF activities, all athletes, coaches, and support personnel agree to comply with this Anti-Doping Policy and understand that violations will result in disciplinary action in line with international anti-doping regulations.