The IOHA’s policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping.
The IOHA is fully committed to ensuring doping has no place in the sport of Handball. The IOHA works with Sport Ireland and the International Handball Federation in its anti-doping efforts.
Anti-Doping Rules apply to athletes and athlete support personnel. The Irish Anti-doping Programme seeks to preserve the spirit of sport. By virtue of their participation in IOHA activities, members, including minors, agree to abide by the Anti-Doping Rules.
Membership of the IOHA means that all athletes may be selected for testing. Your membership of the IOHA commits you to agreeing to be tested. In the case of a minor (U/18) the prior written consent of the parent or guardian is required via the initial membership process at Club level, or at selection for competition/training squads or through competition entry forms.
Clubs play an important role in raising awareness for anti-doping. Club management is responsible for promoting an ethos of drug free sport within their club at all levels.
Irish Anti-Doping Rules
The Anti-Doping Rules of the IOHAare the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.
Under the Irish Anti-Doping Rules, the Irish Sports Council carries out drug testing on behalf of the IOHA.
Full details on the Irish Anti-Doping Programme are available at: Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Rules
International Federation Rules
The IOHA must also adhere to the rules of our International Federation the IHF.
Full details on the International Federation Anti-Doping Programme are available at: IHF Anti-Doping
Athletes/Squad members attending International Events need to check in particular the regulations regarding Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) requirements of the International Federation in relation to competing at International Events, for e.g. if an Irish Sports Council TUE Certificate of Approval is accepted or if an athlete needs to re-apply to the International Federation etc. Athletes should verify the rules and regulations with their medical officer/ team manager or Anti-Doping Officer.
What do members need to know?
In principle any athlete competing in Handball can be tested so each athlete regardless of the level at which they are competing needs to be aware of the anti-doping rules.
The World Anti-Doping Agency issues a Prohibited List annually.
For information on the Prohibited List see Sport Ireland Therapeutic Use Exemption
Note: Recreational Drugs are tested in-competition.
Republic of Ireland:
Drugs in Sport Database on www.eirpharm.com
For instant access to the Drugs in Sport Database, download the free ‘Medication Checker’ App available for iPhone and Android for Eirpharm – find it in the Apple iTunes Store or the Android Market.
Medications bought in the Republic of Ireland can be checked by your G.P., Consultant or Pharmacist in a monthly publication called MIMS Ireland. Ensure the current month’s edition is checked.
Northern Ireland/ UK/ Canada/ USA:
Medications bought in Northern Ireland, U.K., U.S.A and Canada can be checked on www.globaldro.com
If a medication is Prohibited, you must check and adhere to the Irish Sports Council TUE Policy at https://www.sportireland.ie/anti-doping/athlete-zone/athlete-zone/therapeutic-use-exemptions. As per this policy, if you compete at international level, check the IHF TUE Policy at https://www.ihf.info/anti-doping
Athletes need to be aware that there are risks associated with the use of sports supplements with many positive drug tests associated with their use. For more information, read the Irish Sports Council Supplements and Sports Food Policy at Supplements and Herbal Remedies
Athletes on the Registered Testing Pool receive training from the Irish Sports Council directly, but will also be supported by the IOHA Anti-Doping Officer. RTP Athletes and RTP Athlete Support Personnel should consult Registered Testing Pool
Anti Doping Unit
Sport Ireland,
The Courtyard,
Sport Ireland Campus,
Snugborough Road,
Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15,
D15 PNON
Tel +353 1 8608800
https://www.sportireland.ie/anti-doping/report-doping
For any queries regarding anti-doping in the IOHA please contact the IOHA Anti-Doping Officer
Mr. Michael Moloney
T: 01 6251165 (IOHA Office)
E: ioha@olympichandball.org