Anti-Doping in Baton Twirling & Majorettes

Twirl Ireland Federation guarantees that all athletes and officials who are designated as members must accept the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF) Anti-Doping Rules compiled in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Anti-Doping Rules, like Competition rules, are sport rules governing the conditions under which sport is played. Athletes accept these rules as a condition of participation. Anti-Doping Rules are not intended to be subject to or limited by national requirements and legal standards applicable to criminal proceedings or civil proceedings. The Anti-Doping Rules represent the consensus of a broad spectrum of stakeholders with an interest in fair sport and should be respected by all courts and adjudicating bodies.

Anti-doping programs seek to preserve what is intrinsically valuable about sport. This intrinsic value is often referred to as "the spirit of sport"; it is the essence of Olympism; it is how we play true. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind, and is characterised by the following values:

·       Ethics, fair play and honesty

·       Health

·       Excellence in performance

·       Character and education

·       Fun and joy

·       Teamwork

·       Dedication and commitment

·       Respect for rules and laws

·       Respect for self and other Participants

·       Courage

·       Community and solidarity

Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport. For that reason, BTSAI rejects and abhors any use of drugs and any performance enhancing elements that could be used by athletes to alter their play or performance.

ANTI-DOPING OFFICER

The Twirl Ireland executive has appointed Nicole McHugh from Phoenix Baton Twirlers as the national Anti-Doping Officer (ADO) . Nicole has been an athlete for many years and is delighted at the opportunity to take on this new crucial role as the main liaison person between Twirl Ireland and Sport Ireland on all Anti-Doping issues. Find out more about the roles of the ADO by clicking below

education

Sport Ireland have a comprehensive e-learning programme covering all aspects of anti-doping for athletes and athlete support personnel.

SPORT IRELAND

Sport Ireland is the designated National Anti-Doping Organisation in Ireland and performs the functions and obligations of a National Anti-Doping Organisation as referred to in the UNESCO Convention. Under the Act, sport is defined as including recreational sport and competitive sport. Twirl Ireland have adopted and incorporated the Irish Anti-Doping rules into our constitution, recognising the authority and responsibility of Sport Ireland for leading the Irish Anti-Doping Programme. Twirl Ireland authorises Sport Ireland to carry out doping control on the athletes under its jurisdiction or control.

report doping

The Intelligence programme is a vital part of the Anti-Doping programme and seeks to collect any information that will assist in the detection, deterrence, enforcement or prevention of an Anti Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

medications

Athletes and coaches are responsible for ensuring they check medications to ensure an athlete’s medicine is not on the prohibited list. Sport Ireland launched the Med Check website in 2024 where you can search your medication to see if it is on the prohibition list

WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. WADA’s governance and funding are based on equal partnership between the Sport Movement and Governments of the world.

International Baton twirling federation

As a condition of membership of the IBTF, Twirl Ireland has adopted the rules and regulations as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA.

Anti-Doping Officer

The ADO role is primarily in ensuring members of TIF are informed and educated about the anti-doping rules, and in adhering to the rules, ensuring that all athletes and athlete support personnel participate in an environment that is drug-free and promotes the spirit of sport.

The ADO will act on any communications from Sport Ireland and IBTF, dealing with the following areas:

•  Irish Anti-Doping Rules

•  NGB Requirements

•  Education

•  Providing an Anti-Doping update at the TIF AGM

•  Testing

•  Management of the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) if applicable

As part of education, the ADO must ensure that the core areas of information in Anti-Doping are shared with athletes and relevant personnel and that they understand it and know where to get further advice.

This information includes:

·           WADA Prohibited List

·           Checking Medications & Applying for Therapeutic Use

·           Exemptions

·           Sample Collection Procedures

·           Anti-Doping Rule Violations

·           Supplements in Sport

·           Registered Testing Pool Requirements

·           International Federation Rules Ethics in Sport

SportIrelandhaveacomprehensivee-learningprogrammescoveringallaspects of anti-doping for athletes and athlete support personnel.

To contact the current ADO, please email ado@twirlireland.com