Drug Free Sport launches anti-doping e-learning programme

Drug Free Sport NZ has introduced a new 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.

Clancy explains "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."

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.

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.

She concludes "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."

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

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.

Click here to access the e-learning programme on the Drug Free Sport NZ website.

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