USARA Statement on Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods in AR
Over the last several weeks, the adventure racing community has engaged in multiple conversations regarding performance-enhancing substances and methods, anti-doping measures, and various other topics regarding the use of medications and other substances in adventure racing and sport more broadly. In tandem with these public conversations, USARA has engaged in ongoing internal discussions about this issue.
Historically, USARA has adhered to a de facto policy of following international anti-doping standards set by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), but the organization has not had a formal or public written policy. Anyone who has engaged in more serious conversations regarding this matter, or researched its various complexities, knows that it is a complicated one with no easy answer for a sport and community as small and resource-limited as ours.
That said, USARA does not condone the use of performance enhancing substances or activities, and we do not believe the answer is to ignore the issue simply because we lack some of the resources that larger sporting communities have. Not only does doping undermine the integrity of the sport and competition but it also contributes to long term health issues that may impact athletes for the rest of their lives.
Looking ahead, USARA will continue to discuss this topic with the aim of codifying our existing informal recognition of WADA’s rules and regulations within the United States adventure racing community. In undertaking this process and in the final written policy, we believe that the number one priority is to help better educate the AR community regarding this important topic. We are already talking about developing more robust resources to accomplish this goal; in the meantime, please explore the following links if you are eager to learn more.
WADA’s Prohibited List of Substances and Methods serves as the foundation for learning about what is banned under WADA rules and regulations.
WADA’s rules and regulations concerning Intravenous Infusions and/or Injections help explain the reasons for restricting the increasingly common use of IVs as a recovery aid.
The Global Drug Reference Online helps athletes learn about various medications and whether they violate WADA’s rules and regulations.
Certified for Sport helps athletes educate themselves about supplements to avoid accidentally using banned substances.
