Illicit Drugs

Policy Statement

Scottish Rugby considers that:

• Illicit Drug use represents a threat to the health and wellbeing of those who participate in rugby;
• through their actions, players and others can influence the lives and behaviours of others; and
• the use of Illicit Drugs can bring the sport into disrepute.

Scottish Rugby wishes to prevent the use of Illicit Drugs by those participating in rugby. It has therefore adopted a Regulation (SDR 21.2 : Illicit Drugs) with a view to protecting the health and wellbeing of players and to protect the image of the game.

All those under the jurisdiction of Scottish Rugby must comply with SDR 21.2 : Illicit Drugs.

Key principles:

• Primary responsibility for the health and wellbeing of each player lies with the individual player.
• Scottish Rugby has also adopted a Regulation (SDR 21.2 Illicit Drugs) in relation to the testing and sanctioning of out-of-competition use of certain Illicit Drugs.
• Scottish Rugby has adopted a Regulation (SDR 21.1 Anti-Doping) in relation to the testing of players for WADA Prohibited Substances (both in and out-of-competition), and the subsequent sanctioning of offenders. This Regulation conforms with both the World Anti-Doping Code and World Rugby’s Regulation 21 (Anti-Doping).
• First offences under SDR 21.2 Illicit Drugs shall ordinarily be dealt with through the provision of support and education. Second and subsequent offences will normally lead to a period of suspension from the game.
• The welfare and safety of the player is paramount.

SDR 21.1 Illicit Drugs

Illicit Drugs

The following substances (including their metabolites and markers) are considered to be “Illicit Drugs” under Scottish Rugby’s Policy:

• • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cannabis (1)
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines (Including “Ecstasy”)
  • Opiates

(1) The WADA reporting threshold for cannabis metabolites in urine is set at a level to avoid possible passive ingestion being reported. For urine tests under this policy the WADA threshold shall apply.

Advice Notes

A number of Scottish Rugby Illicit Drugs Advice Notes are available:

Raising a Concern

Failure to follow Scottish Rugby’s Illicit Drugs Policy shall be regarded as an act of Misconduct under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules.

Where a concern arises in the relation to a player who may be using an illicit drug the matter may be referred in confidence to Scottish Rugby at [email protected] or by phoning 0131 346 5000.