Age Group Athletes
Professional Athletes
Athlete Support Personnel
Therapeutic Use Exemption
1. Do the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules apply to me?
As a condition of participation in each IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® event, all registered athletes are required to acknowledge and abide by IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules. In accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules, all registered athletes are subject to in and out of competition testing and are encouraged to learn and understand all applicable rules and obligations prior to registering for events (including, without limitation, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s anti-doping rules governing Prohibited Substances and Therapeutic Use Exemptions). When in doubt, athletes are encouraged to ask questions and to seek advice from qualified medical professionals.
2. Who is subject to testing by IRONMAN?
Any athlete registering and competing in an IRONMAN event is subject to both in and out of competition testing. This includes both professional and age group athletes.
3. Where can I access the various rules that apply to athletes competing in IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events?
You can find links to all the relevant rules in the RESOURCES section here at IRONMAN.com.
4. What happens if I qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship?
Each age-group athlete who accepts a qualifying slot for the IRONMAN World Championship or the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is subject to IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules and will be required to sign the IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 SERIES ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM ACKNOWLEDGMENT & RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER. The waiver serves to provide additional notification of and consent to IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Program, which includes IRONMAN’s efforts to combat, deter, and test for doping in accordance with IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules.
5. What type of testing does IRONMAN conduct on athletes?
IRONMAN may conduct blood and/or urine testing in both in and out of competition settings.
6. How can an athlete or their support personnel determine if a substance or treatment method is prohibited?
Athletes should check the status of all medications and treatments by visiting WADA’s website to review the Prohibited List or use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). It is important to check the status of all medications, supplements and treatments on an annual basis as the list is updated annually (effective January 1). Even if a particular substance or method isn’t banned this year it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
7. What if my physician wants to prescribe a medication or treatment method on the prohibited list?
Please refer to our Therapeutic Use Exemption area for an explanation of the process you must follow.
8. How does an athlete know if they need to submit whereabouts?
Athletes who are enrolled in IRONMAN’s Registered Testing Pool will be notified directly of their inclusion. We will also provide specific instruction in regard to what system you will use and how to access that system.
9. Why does IRONMAN ask athletes to provide a list of their Athlete Support Personnel?
The recent revision of the WADA Code resulted in Athlete Support Personnel now being subject to IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules. In that regard, IRONMAN wants to provide applicable information to Athlete Support Personnel. We send an email to any reported support personnel to educate them on the various resources that would be beneficial to both they and their athletes.
1. What rules apply to me as a Professional IRONMAN athlete?
As a condition of participation in each IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® event, all registered athletes are required to acknowledge and abide by IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules. In accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules, all registered athletes are subject to in and out of competition testing and are encouraged to learn and understand all applicable rules and obligations prior to registering for events (including, without limitation, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s anti-doping rules governing Prohibited Substances and Therapeutic Use Exemptions). When in doubt, athletes are encouraged to ask questions and to seek advice from qualified medical professionals.
You can find links to all the relevant rules in the RESOURCES section here at IRONMAN.com
3. Can I access my test results?
Yes, you may review your results in ADAMS. If you do not have an ADAMS login/password, please reach out to us and we will be happy to assist.
4. How can an athlete or their support personnel determine if a substance or treatment method is prohibited?
Athletes should check the status of all medications and treatments by visiting WADA’s website to review the Prohibited List [http://list.wada-ama.org/] or use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). It is important to check the status of all medications, supplements and treatments on an annual basis as the list is updated annually (effective January 1). Even if a particular substance or method isn’t banned this year it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
5. What if my physician wants to prescribe a medication or treatment method on the prohibited list?
Please refer to our Therapeutic Use Exemption area for an explanation of the process you must follow.
6. Do I need to submit whereabouts?
Athletes should check the status of all medications and treatments by visiting WADA’s website to review the Prohibited List [http://list.wada-ama.org] or use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). It is important to check the status of all medications, supplements and treatments on an annual basis as the list is updated annually (effective January 1). Even if a particular substance or method isn’t banned this year it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
7. How often do I need to submit my whereabouts?
If you’ve been notified that you are part of IRONMAN’s Registered Testing Pool, you must submit complete and accurate whereabouts on a quarterly basis, as follows:
December 31st
March 31st
June 30th
September 30th
8. When do I have to submit updates to my schedule?
Athletes who are enrolled in IRONMAN's Registered Testing Pool must submit updates to your schedule anytime it changes from that which you've previously submitted.
9. What is a whereabouts failure?
There are two types of Whereabouts Failures:
Missed test: If IRONMAN attempts to locate an athlete for testing and they are not found at the location provided on their quarterly whereabouts, a missed test may be issued.
Filing Failure: An athlete in IRONMAN’s RTP fails to submit complete and accurate whereabouts by the specified quarterly deadlines will result in a filing failure.
Three Whereabouts Failures declared against an athlete within a 12-month period will result in a period of ineligibility for 12-24 months.
10. Why does IRONMAN ask athletes to provide a list of their Athlete Support Personnel?
The recent revision of the WADA Code resulted in Athlete Support Personnel now being subject to IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules. In that regard, IRONMAN wants to provide applicable information to Athlete Support Personnel. We send an email to any reported support personnel to educate them on the various resources that would be beneficial to both they and their athletes.
11. I am a professional athlete who is currently enrolled in IRONMAN’s Registered Testing Pool. I am planning to retire from sport.
Any athlete who wishes to retire must notify IRONMAN and their National Governing Body, in writing, in order to be considered officially retired.
1. Who is defined as an Athlete Support Person?
Any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff, official, medical, paramedical personnel, parent or other person working with, treating or assisting an athlete participating in or preparing for IRONMAN Competition.
2. How do I know if I'm designated an Athlete Support Person?
There are two ways you may be identified as an Athlete Support Person:
Simply serving in one of the capacities noted above classifies one as an Athlete Support Person. Formal notice of this designation is not necessary for you to be accountable to this role and the associated rules.
You may have been identified by an IRONMAN athlete. All IRONMAN Professional Member athletes are asked to provide a list of the Athlete Support Personnel. If you've received notice from IRONMAN that you've been identified as an Athlete Support Person, this means that one of our Professional Members have advised us of your relationship to them in this capacity.
3. What does serving as an Athlete Support Person mean to me from a practical perspective?
You have significant influence on this athlete. Your influence and guidance can help the athlete avoid an Anti-Doping Rules Violation, especially as a result of inadvertent doping. It also means that you are subject to IRONMAN's Anti-Doping Rules including, without limitation:
WADA's World Anti-Doping Code
List of Prohibited Substances and Methods
IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules
4. How can I best support my athlete?
Reinforce the importance of knowing and following IRONMAN's Anti-Doping Rules with your athlete.
Ensure they are fully aware of the need, risks and consequences of any product they intend to use.
Advise them to:
INFORM - anyone they work with that they are subject to Anti-Doping Rules
INVESTIGATE - all treatment methods and all medication against the WADA Prohibited List, even if they've used it before.
INQUIRE - ask for a second opinion and advice if they are unsure of anything
5. What is a TUE?
The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) process, outlined below, is a means by which an athlete can request approval to use a prescribed prohibited substance or method for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.
Athletes should advise all medical personnel of their obligation to abide by the anti-doping rules of their sport and that any medical treatment received must not violate these rules.
Athletes should also check the status of all medications and treatments by visiting WADA’s website to review the Prohibited List - http://list.wada-ama.org/ or use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). It is important to check the status of all medications, supplements and treatments on an annual basis as the list is updated annually (effective January 1). Even if a particular substance or method isn’t banned this year it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
If the medication is not prohibited, athletes can start using the prescribed medication or treatment.
If the medication is prohibited, athletes should check with their prescribing physician or the sport’s medical personnel if there are any alternative medications or treatments that are permitted.
If there are no permitted alternatives, athletes should contact their National Anti-Doping Organization.
Only in emergency situations (e.g. allergic reaction, exacerbation of asthma, onset of Bell's palsy) should treatment begin without the necessary approval.
6. What tools are available to help athletes navigate their responsibilities?
Athletes, as well as their coaches, trainers and doctors need to stay informed about the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Program, their National Anti-Doping Organization’s efforts and competing clean. IRONMAN encourages everyone to know and understand their rights and responsibilities with regard to anti-doping.
7. Can athletes take supplements?
Strict liability: Athletes are solely responsible for anything they use, attempt to use or is found in their system, regardless of how it got there and whether there was an intention to cheat or not- The biggest cause of inadvertent doping is the careless use of supplements.
All athletes have the responsibility to research any products they intend to take, prior to use.
There is no guarantee that any supplement is free from banned substances. Assess the need for supplement use, if required then assess the risk, lastly assess the consequences.
8. What should my athlete consider with respect to medications when traveling abroad?
Take enough medication to continue any treatment for the duration of the trip.
Check the status of all products before you travel
Check that the medication is permitted in the country of travel and whether it is permitted to bring through customs
Any products purchased internationally should be carefully checked. The ingredients in common medications can and do contain different substances from country to country.
Some countries have different customs laws that may prohibit the import of certain substances into a particular country. Athletes carrying a prohibited substance for a legitimate medical condition, should carry the following documents at all times:
The prescription from the prescribing doctor including the name of the substance, the dose and the frequency of use
The Therapeutic Use Exemption Certificate to demonstrate that an authorized anti-doping organization has permitted the use of a prohibited substance for medical purposes.
9. Can I opt out of the designation of Athlete Support Person?
As long as you remain engaged with an IRONMAN athlete in any of the noted capacities, you are an Athlete Support Person and therefore, subject to the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules.
1. What is a TUE
The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) process, outlined below, is a means by which an athlete can request approval to use a prescribed prohibited substance or method for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.
Athletes should advise all medical personnel of their obligation to abide by the anti-doping rules of their sport and that any medical treatment received must not violate these rules.
Athletes should also check the status of all medications and treatments by visiting WADA’s website to review the Prohibited List - http://list.wada-ama.org/ or use the Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). It is important to check the status of all medications, supplements and treatments on an annual basis as the list is updated annually (effective January 1). Even if a particular substance or method isn’t banned this year it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
If the medication is not prohibited, athletes can start using the prescribed medication or treatment.
If the medication is prohibited, athletes should check with their prescribing physician or the sport’s medical personnel if there are any alternative medications or treatments that are permitted.
If there are no permitted alternatives, athletes should contact their National Anti-Doping Organization.
Only in emergency situations (e.g. allergic reaction, exacerbation of asthma, onset of Bell's palsy) should treatment begin without the necessary approval.
2. Do the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Rules (and therefore TUE requirements) apply to me?
As a condition of participation in each IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® event, all registered athletes are required to acknowledge and abide by IRONMAN’s Anti-Doping Rules. In accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules, all registered athletes are subject to in and out of competition testing and are encouraged to learn and understand all applicable rules and obligations prior to registering for events (including, without limitation, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s anti-doping rules governing Prohibited Substances and Therapeutic Use Exemptions). When in doubt, athletes are encouraged to ask questions and to seek advice from qualified medical professionals.
Please refer to IRONMAN’s Competition Rules for additional guidance and information.
3. How can an athlete or their support personnel determine if a substance or treatment method is prohibited?
Visit WADA’s website and review the Prohibited List- http://list.wada-ama.org/. It is important to check the Prohibited List on an annual basis- even if a particular medication isn’t banned this year, it does not necessarily mean that it won’t become prohibited in a subsequent year.
4. Are legally prescribed substances ever prohibited?
YES, it is possible that a medication prescribed by a physician is on the WADA Prohibited list. Therefore, it is imperative that athletes verify the status of a medication before you begin taking it. In the case of a true emergency, however, athletes should follow doctor’s instructions and contact IRONMAN as soon as feasible if it is determined that a prohibited substance was taken.
5. What should an athlete do if they need to use a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method for a legitimate medical reason?
Athletes must seek a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) from their National Anti-Doping Organization (“NADO”) or Regional Anti-Doping Organization (“RADO”), as applicable, in accordance with the policies of those organizations.
6. How do I complete a TUE Application?
After you consult with your relevant NADO or RADO regarding your use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for a legitimate medical reason, and if they advise that you should apply for a TUE, they will provide you with instruction on how to complete a TUE application in accordance with their Rules.
If you need further assistance to identify and connect with your applicable NADO or RADO, or to ensure you are completing the correct application, please email [email protected] and we will assist you.
The IRONMAN TUE Application should only be completed after an athlete has contacted their National Anti-Doping Agency or Regional Anti-Doping Agency and the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Agency to confirm that their TUE Application should be submitted to the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Program and not to another Anti-Doping Agency with jurisdiction.
7. Does IRONMAN need to know if I receive a TUE from my NADO?
If you obtain a TUE from another Anti-Doping Organization be certain that they know you intend to compete in events under the authority of the IRONMAN Group, they will ensure that the IRONMAN Anti-Doping Program is notified.
