Federation of International Polo - FIP Anti-Doping Rules

FIP Anti-Doping Rules

At the FIP General Assembly held on 15 September 2003 in Chantilly, France, FIP accepted the World Anti-Doping Code (the "Code" pdf wada_anti-doping_code_2009 1.23 Mb). These Anti-Doping Rules are adopted and implemented in conformance with FIP's responsibilities under the Code, and are in furtherance of FIP's continuing efforts to eradicate doping in the sport of polo.

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 the requirements and legal standards applicable to criminal proceedings or employment matters. The policies and minimum standards set forth in the Code and implemented in these 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.

Fundamental Rationale for the Code and FIP's Anti-Doping Rules:

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 characterized 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.
Scope

These Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to FIP, each National Association of FIP, and each Participant in the activities of FIP or any of its National Association by virtue of the Participant's membership, accreditation, or participation in FIP, its National Association, or their activities or events. Any participant who is not a member of a Full Member national association and who fulfills the requirements to be part of the FIP Registered Testing Pool, must become a member of the Person's national association, and must make himself or herself available for Testing, at least three months before participating in International Events or events of his/her National Association.

To be eligible for participation in FIP events, a participant must be a member or registered with his or her national association. All Participants must personally sign the FIP World Anti-Doping Agency Acknowledgement and Agreement Form (Appendix 1). All forms from under-age applicants must be counter-signed by their legal guardians.
The National Association must guarantee that all athletes registered accept the Rules of the FIP, including these FIP Anti-Doping Rules compiled in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

It is the responsibility of each National Association to ensure that all national-level testing on the National Association's Athletes complies with these Anti-Doping Rules. In some cases, the National Association itself will be conducting the Doping Control described in these Anti-Doping Rules. In other countries, many of the Doping Control responsibilities of the National Association have been delegated or assigned by statute to a National Anti-Doping Organization. In those countries, references in these Anti-Doping Rules to the National Association shall apply, as applicable, to the National Association's National Anti-Doping Organization.
These Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to all Doping Controls over which FIP and its National Associations have jurisdiction.