Badminton Scotland’s values are a set of all the best qualities, behaviours, approaches and attitudes that show how we do things when we are at our best.  Our 5 values make our organisation unique.  They are at the heart of everything we do and the core of who we are and who we want to be.  They are principles and ethical standards that influence our actions and the choices we make which should be replicated throughout the sport.  Our values are:

  • Respect
  • Transparent
  • Inspiring
  • Inclusive
  • Innovative

All athletes have the right to compete in sport knowing that they, and their competitors, are clean.  Whether by accident or on purpose, doping is against the rules of the sport.  The use of performance-enhancing drugs and doping activity severely damages the legacy of sport and undermines the integrity of true athletes.  If you are a member of Badminton Scotland or play for social and recreational purposes these rule apply to you, regardless of what level you participate at.

Both participants and support personnel need to be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UK’s Anti-Doping Organisation (UKAD) regulations. All members of Badminton Scotland are bound by these rules and regulations.

Anti-Doping Regulations

Scottish Badminton is opposed to the use of drugs in sport and is a member of and subject to the anti-doping jurisdiction of the Badminton World Federation.  From 1 January 2009 the Anti-Doping Rules of Scottish Badminton are the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by the UKAD, as amended from time to time.  You can view these revised Anti-Doping Rules, by clicking here.

100% Me & Strict Liability

100% Me is an athlete education programme which reinforces the participant’s commitment to sport and their determination to perform without the need to enhance their performance.  You can find more information about this, as well as, resources and general advice on the UKAD website.

The underlying principle of Anti-Doping is strict liability.  This means that athletes are solely responsible for any prohibited substance which is found in their system or in their possession.  This is regardless of whether you had the intention to cheat or not.  Therefore, you must ensure that you complete the necessary research into any medication (prescribed or otherwise) or supplements you choose to take them.  It will not matter if you are not aware of the Anti-Doping rules, it is still your responsibility.  Therefore, being aware of the rule is extremely important.

Badminton Scotland’s approach is reflected in the BWF Integrity campaign, I am Clean, I am honest, I am Badminton.  This underpins all the ethics of Badminton Scotland and the clubs, players, coaches, officials and support staff we represent.  Clean Sport is embedded within our ethos and promoted at all opportunities.  This education strategy highlights the key areas, messages and information that will be disseminated to all badminton enthusiasts.

2022 World Anti-Doping Code

From 1 January 2022, a new version of the Code is in effect and it is important that all athletes and support staff make themselves aware of this and how it impacts them.

Under the Code, an athlete can be classified as being International Level, National level or a Recreational Athlete.  This is all based on their competition level.  Further information can be found on these different categories on the UKAD website.

There is also a new prohibited list which comes into effect on 1 January each year.

Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Under the 2022 WADA Code, there are 11 anti-doping rule violations:  These are:

  1. Presence of a prohibited substance in a sample.
  2. Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method.
  3. Evading, refusing or failing to submit a sample collection.
  4. Whereabouts failure.
  5. Tampering or attempted tampering with any part of doping control.
  6. Possession of a prohibited substance or prohibited method.
  7. Trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or prohibited method.
  8. Administration or attempted administration of a prohibited method.
  9. Complicity or attempted complicity.
  10. Prohibited association.
  11. Acts to discourage or retaliate against reporting to authorities.

 Medication and Supplement Use

The Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) provides athletes and support personnel with information about prohibited status of specific medications based on current WADA Prohibited List. Athletes should check all medication using the link here.

You should be extremely cautious when deciding to take any supplements.  There is no guarantee that they will be free from any banned substance. Prior to considering to take any supplements, you should consider the following:

  1. Assess the need.
  2. Assess the risk.
  3. Assess the consequences.

To reduce any risk, you should use informed sport to see if the product has been batch tested.

Testing Procedures

Any Badminton Scotland member can be tested both in and out of competition.  Testing is not confined to badminton athletes/players competing at national level or above and can be carried out at any time and any place. It is important that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities if you are selected for a doping control test.

All your rights and responsibilities are outlined in the 100%Me app or in the link above.  You should always complete the test as refusing one is an Anti-Doping rule violation and this could result in a substantial ban from the sport.  However, if you have any concerns about the test you should record these on the Doping Control Form.

All tests are completed by Doping Control Officers.  The main steps within the testing process are:

  1. Notification that you have been selected for a test.
  2. Reporting for the test.
  3. Providing a sample.
  4. Dividing and sealing the sample.
  5. Testing the suitability of the sample.
  6. Recording and clarifying the information.

To obtain further information about the process, your responsibilities and any modifications which can be made, you can use the link here to the UKAD web site.

TUE Information

The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) process is a means by which athletes can obtain approval to use a prescribed prohibited substance  or method for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.

A TUE is required in advance of being selected for doping control at the following levels of competition:

  • Athletes in UKAD’s national registered testing pool.
  • Badminton Scotland Senior Squad Athletes.

Information will be sent to all athletes in the above categories on an annual basis along with the updated WADA updated banned  list.  A retroactive TUE is required for athletes not listed in the above categories. Further information can be found using the link here.

Report Doping and Protect Your Sport

It is important that everyone helps and supports in protecting clean sport.  If you observe something, no matter how small, you should report this. There are a number of ways in which to do this:

Disciplinary Provisions

As the WADA code and UK Anti-Doping rules and regulations are applicable to all members of Badminton Scotland, it is a disciplinary offence to break any of these rules.  It is also a disciplinary offence for any member:

  1. to fail or refuse to co-operate with any code compliant anti-doping investigation or proceedings.
  2. to commit an act of misconduct related to anti-doping which does not amount to an Anti-Doping rule violation, with appropriate action taken where necessary.

Therefore, any breaches of these rules and regulations by individuals would result in disciplinary procedures commencing.

Other Useful Links

UKAD Logo | Anti Doping | Badminton Scotland