New Anti-Doping E-Learning Programme Launched 

Drug Free Sport NZ has introduced a state-of-the-art e-learning programme to ensure that as many athletes as possible get access to anti-doping education.

The new online programme enables athletes to access a range of modules about the anti-doping rules and the risks of doping from anywhere in the world at any time.

Drug Free Sport NZ education manager, Sian Clancy, says the e-learning programme has been introduced in response to an increased demand from athletes for online learning.

 “Our new online programme provides more athletes than ever before with a comprehensive education programme to help them understand their responsibilities to clean sport and the risks associated with doping.

“In particular it will provide a valuable resource for schools as they move to increase the support they give to the preparation of young athletes,” Ms Clancy says.

The seven module anti-doping education programme covers essentials such as prohibited substances and methods, taking medications while competing, supplements, and drug testing.

It is based on an e-learning programme introduced by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency, but has been customised for a New Zealand audience.

In the programme, learners travel through seven New Zealand sports stadiums in their quest to further their anti-doping knowledge.

Learners are assessed on their progress throughout and these results are fed back to both athletes and their National Sporting Organisation so that their anti-doping knowledge can be tracked. 

Ms Clancy says Drug Free Sport NZ still prefers top level athletes to attend face-to-face anti-doping education seminars because this provides greater opportunity for interaction and for the organisation to respond to individual questions and circumstances.

“We delivered more than 150 anti-doping seminars nationwide last year and we expect that to increase this year.  The online programme complements this face-to-face programme and is particularly valuable for athletes who travel a lot,” she says. 

The site also provides links to Drug Free Sport NZ’s Twitter feed, videos, and online resources. 

Ms Clancy says the site can be easily updated if rules change or new substances are prohibited in sport.  She also says further anti-doping modules are planned for the future.

Drug Free Sport NZ’s e-learning programme can be accessed on its website here.

For more information:

For further comment:
Sian Clancy
Education manager, Drug Free Sport NZ
ph: (09) 582 0523(09) 582 0523 or 021 433 803021 433 803

For media assistance:

Scott Tibbutt
Operations Manager Drug Free Sport NZ
Ph: (09) 582 0527(09) 582 0527 or 021 570 637021 570 637

 About Drug Free Sport NZ:

• Drug Free Sport NZ is New Zealand’s National Anti-Doping Organisation committed to protecting and promoting a culture of clean sport.
• We implement the World Anti-Doping Code which details the anti-doping rules, as well as prohibited substances and doping methods.  We help athletes to understand and follow these rules and take action against those who break these rules. 
• Our work comprises three key components: 
• regulation through our testing and investigations programme 

• education through athlete resources, outreach programmes, seminars, and research
• influence to help create a culture of clean sport in New Zealand and to ensure anti-doping rules reflect the needs of our athletes. 
•  In 2014/15, Drug Free Sport NZ collected almost 1500 samples from New Zealand and international athletes.  
• In the same year, seven athletes were disciplined for anti-doping rule violations