Did you know that competitors at national and international levels, can have their urine and/or blood tested anytime, anywhere by their International Federation, their National Anti-doping Agency or a Major Event Organizing Committee?
No? Well, now you do know!
Specially trained and accredited doping control personnel carry out the tests in-competition and out-of-competition.
In-competition you can be chosen at random, by finishing position or by being targeted for a particular reason. Out-of-competition you may be tested anytime, anywhere and with NO advance notice. We like to talk about Savate as an ethical sport, sharing the Olympic values of participation, fair-play and respect, and promoting personal development as well as mastery of technique. We discuss the aesthetics and effectiveness of our sport, and also its educational value for those who participate. For ethical reasons and for the health of our athletes, the FISav is committed to following the World Anti-Doping Code, providing education programs, and sanctioning those who violate anti-doping rules.
To show our commitment to doping-free sport, FISav has now joined the World Anti Doping Agency SAY NO! TO DOPING campaign which promotes the importance of clean sport, and raises awareness of the risks of doping. Athletes who use drugs to cheat their way to a medal undermine the values of sport - they don't "play true". Sadly, they will never know if they could have been a real champion. The use of performance-enhancing substances can also have serious long-term health consequences.
FISav has designed a special SAY NO! TO DOPING tape to remind athletes and coaches of these issues, and to encourage the pursuit of athletic excellence through natural talent - "playing true". The tape, designed by FISav President Dr Julie Gabriel and Gilles Le Duigou, President of the FISav competitions commission, can be used to secure laces on gloves and boots.
It was first used in competition at the Championnat du Monde combat final between Mariko Hara (Japan) and Anne-Jelina Begue (Mauritius) in February. Both fighters and their coaches were delighted to support the campaign.
Look out for the tape at international competitions this year, and wear it to show your support for doping-free sport!
FISav President, Dr Julie Gabriel, with Mr Rob Koehler, Director, Education & Program Development, WADA, at a recent symposium in Lausanne:
The young savateurs of Cambridge show their support for drug-free sport:
