Council of Europe – Monitoring Group and Advisory Groups
The Advisory Group on Education met twice in Paris: on 15 April, when Bart Coumans gave a presentation about ‘Dietary supplements and education on the risk of food supplements’ and briefly on 13 October when the WADA Code Revision was discussed. Steven Teitler was present on behalf of the Doping Authority.
Both the scientific and legal advisory groups of the Council of Europe met (in June and July respectively) to discuss the 2013 prohibited list and the planned changes to the code. From a NADO perspective, there is a strong wish for more practical clarity and a say about the content of the WADA rules.
European Union
In 2012, a new initiative was launched in response to steps taken by the European Union to tackle the risks associated with the possible presence of doping in nutritional supplements. In the Netherlands, we have had the NZVT system since 2003. Over the years, a range of systems have been established in different countries and it is not always clear to what extent athletes, and elite athletes in particular, can rely on those systems. This international initiative aims to inform athletes and support staff, through SportAccord and the iNADO, about high-quality testing systems. It is expected to go operational in 2013.
Institute for National Anti-Doping Organisations - iNADO
Immediately after the iNADO was established, the Doping Authority joined this umbrella organisation. In the latter half of the year under review, the organisation took shape with the appointment of a director, the establishment of an office in Bonn, and with the gradual development of products and services for the members.
International Anti-Doping Arrangement - IADA
The Doping Authority was present at the annual meeting of this group of 11 countries.
Olympic and Paralympic Games, London
In 2012, the Doping Authority not only implemented an additional doping control programme the run-up to the Games in London, staff from the Doping Authority were also active during the Games. Five Dutch DCOs conducted doping controls on behalf of the organising committee in London. In addition, the elite sports information officer of the Doping Authority was active as a member of the WADA Athlete Outreach Team during the Olympic Games in London.
World Anti-Doping Agency - WADA
Over the course of 2012, there were many, wide-ranging contacts with WADA. There were almost daily consultations about the correct management of Dutch doping infringements, which is monitored by WADA. In addition, close collaboration with WADA developed in ongoing investigations, particularly in cycling, and that pooling of forces will probably become structural in the years to come.
As in other years, a response to the draft prohibited list was sent to WADA in the summer. The Doping Authority coordinates the Dutch response on behalf of the NOC*NSF, the NOC*NSF Athletes' committee and the Ministry of Sport. Once again, it was pointed out that the prohibited list must have a sound practical and scientific basis. Responses were also drafted in the course of the year to a range of technical documents associated with WADA’s International Standard for Laboratories.
Miscellaneous
A prevention officer from the Surinamese Anti-Doping Authority (SADA) completed a traineeship in the Doping Authority's Prevention department.