First ITF Anti-Doping Conference

On Sunday,March 27, 2022, the first ITF Anti-Doping Conference was held virtually with more than 60 participants from at least 16 countries. Sbn. Sabina Mason, chairperson of the ITF Medical and Anti-Doping Committee, together with all members of the Committee presented in English and in Spanish an introduction to Anti-Doping rules, regulations, and processes. The highly specialized members of the Committee who are mostly medical doctors, presented in detail why it is important to comply with Anti-Doping rules, what harm and consequences could follow from doping and how a doping test at, e.g., the World Championships would look like. Practical advice was given in the talk especially regarding the danger of food supplements with possible prohibited substances and how to proceed in case a competitor needs to take prohibited substances due to a medical treatment.

The exciting 45min talk was followed by an equally interesting Q&A session, where many questions displayed the great need for information regarding Anti-Doping rules. It became clear, that complying to Anti-Doping rules is not only optional but essential to every competitor in ITF Taekwon-Do. In consequence, it is also important for every coach to know the rules and processes regarding Anti-Doping to support their students in an optimal way. And in addition: sanctions to violations (e.g., ban for participation at competitions and teaching ITF Taekwon-Do of up to 4 years) could be applied to both, competitors and coaches.

This first ITF Anti-Doping Conference was the start of a series of activities of the ITF Medical and Anti-Doping Committee to actively educate the ITF world. In case you missed the first ITF Anti-Doping Conference, please have a look at our Anti-Doping page with a lot of information and links (https://itftkd.sport/anti-doping/). If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write to the ITF Medical and Anti-Doping Committee via [email protected].

Without a doubt, the work of the ITF Medical and Anti-Doping Committee is one building block to fullfil the ITF’s slogan “improve our life”!