On 16 December 2014, The Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) hosted the first formal Global DRO Seminar for more than 250 sports pharmacists. The seminar included the presentations from the representatives of the founding Global DRO partners which includes the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES).
JADA joined the Global DRO family in 2013, and this Global DRO Seminar was the first opportunity for Japanese sports pharmacists to hear how each international partner country has implemented Global DRO and developed it as part of their anti-doping programmes.
Global DRO is an online and mobile tool that allows athletes to check the prohibited or permitted status of licensed medication according to the latest World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List. In 2014, there were more than 486,216 searches between the four partner countries, speaking to the popularity and effectiveness of the resource.
The speakers illustrated how Global DRO has strengthened the Drug Reference resources available for athletes, athlete support personnel, doctors, pharmacists and parents in each country. JADA shared their unique example of the Japanese Sports Pharmacist System, and the representatives from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Canada also discussed the delivery of their health professional education programs.
In his keynote speech, USADA’s Science Director, Dr. Matt Fedoruk, illustrated the practical importance of Global DRO and the value of providing education and resources regarding anti-doping rules to health professionals, including pharmacists and physicians, as they play a vital role in protecting clean athletes.
“We are seeing a stronger need for close cooperation between the medical community and the anti-doping community in order to best protect clean athletes and sport,” said Dr. Fedoruk. “Implementing clear and consistent processes, and providing easy access to accurate information are important parts of any effective anti-doping program.”
Shin Asakawa, JADA CEO, also echoed: “I am delighted to host this first Global DRO Seminar, opened to JADA’s certified sports pharmacists. We have benefited as part of this international collaboration Global DRO team. Along with the JADA Sports Pharmacists System, we can strengthen a ‘Clean Sport Triad’ and ensure the athletes receiving the appropriate information at anywhere and anytime.”
UK Anti-Doping Medical Education Officer Anne Sargent said, “JADA should be applauded for engaging with sports pharmacists and recognising the crucial role they play in protecting clean sport through the influence they have on athletes.
“This inaugural conference provided an important platform to share best practice and for delegates to gain an increased understanding of Global DRO and its value in assisting athletes and athlete support personnel.
“UKAD is committed to continue working together with international partners to enhance anti-doping programmes globally for the benefit of clean athletes.”
Cori McPhail, CCES Manager of Education and Technology, was delighted to participate in the workshop and applauded JADA for their leadership in this area, “JADA is the most recent member of the Global DRO family, but like those of us already involved, they have demonstrated a clear commitment to providing their athletes comprehensive and reliable information about the medication they may need to take. Global DRO allows each of our agencies to support the training and competition schedules of our respective athlete populations with credible information they can access from anywhere. Thanks to our friends and colleagues at JADA for hosting a very productive and beneficial session.”
The Global DRO is an expanding platform and is provided by the valued partnership between the US, Canada, the UK and Japan.
About:
Global DRO
The Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Global DRO does not contain information on, or that applies to, any dietary supplements. Visitors can search the Global DRO for specific information on products sold in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Japan. Global DRO was brought about through a partnership between UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) is an official Global DRO licensee.
Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA)
The Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) was founded in 2001 as a cooperative effort of all stakeholders in Japan. Supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), JADA endeavours to lead the anti-doping activity with its key activity areas of education, information, awareness raising, research, doping control and the JADA Sports Pharmacist Program, as well as international cooperation. It strives to promote and strengthened a value-based education programme in Japan in view of developing people and society through sport. “Sport for Tomorrow”, Tokyo 2020’s government legacy commitment, is delivered by JADA as part of three pillars. “2020 GLOBAL PLAY TRUE” is at the heart of Tokyo’s commitment in delivering and leaving legacy on the spirit and core values of and through sport to the society.
United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs. In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use necessary medications, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization that manages the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD)
UKAD is the national organisation dedicated to protecting a culture of clean sport. Every day, we are raising awareness of the issues through our extensive education and testing programme. As well as helping athletes to understand and follow the rules, we also prosecute offenders.
Ultimately, we are working for everyone who loves sport – whether competing, training or spectating. Together, we’re creating a level-playing field where all athletes know they can compete fairly and in the true spirit of sport.
UK Anti-Doping is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through implementation and management of the UK’s National Anti-Doping Policy. For more information on what we do, please click here.
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