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.
