New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is committed to clean sport. We believe in protecting the health of our athletes, the integrity of our sport, and the spirit of clean competition in which the best competitor succeeds.

Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ)

DFSNZ is the organisation responsible for keeping New Zealand’s sport free from doping. NZRL works in partnership with DFSNZ to support athletes to compete clean.

The DFSNZ website is the single source of truth for anti-doping information in New Zealand. It offers resources, education and support for athletes, their support teams, their whānau and others in the sporting community.

Sports Anti-Doping Rules and rule violations

The Sports Anti-Doping Rules apply to all NZRL members: that includes athletes, coaches, support teams and administrators. There are 11 ways to break the rules. These are known as the rule violations. Committing any of the rule violations could potentially leave you with a ban from all sport. With so much at stake, it’s important to know what the violations are so that you can avoid them.

Read the rule violations at drugfreesport.org.nz/rules.

Prohibited substances

Some substances and ways of taking those substances (‘methods’) are prohibited in sport. You can find the full list in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List, which is updated every year. DFSNZ offers handy resources to help you navigate common substances.

Read the Prohibited List and useful resources.

[H2] Medications

Even common medications can contain prohibited substances. Checking each medication before taking it helps athletes to avoid an anti-doping rule violation. You can search for medications (but not supplements) on Global DRO to find out if they contain ingredients that are banned in sport. You can also contact DFSNZ directly if you’re not sure.

Find out how to check medications.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

If you need to take a prohibited substance on medical advice, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) allows you to do so without breaking the Sports Anti-Doping Rules. Certain high-level athletes need to apply for a TUE before they take any prohibited substances; other athletes may only need a retroactive TUE.

Learn more about TUEs.

Food-first approach

Athletes have been banned from sport for using contaminated supplements. We don’t want the same to happen to you. As an athlete, you’re solely responsible for every substance in your body. Before using any supplement, it’s important that you and your support team understand the risks involved.

A planned and balanced diet can usually meet all of a competitive athlete’s nutritional needs. DFSNZ advocate for a food-first approach to nutrition.

 Navigate supplements and make informed decisions.

Testing

Testing deters and detects doping in sport. As an athlete, you should expect – and be prepared – to be tested. It may happen in- or out-of-competition, and you may be asked to supply a urine sample, blood sample or both.

Understand the testing process.

Speak Out

Anyone who has concerns about possible doping in sport can share what they know with DFSNZ in confidence on 0800 DRUGFREE (378 437) or via their website.

Need anti-doping support?

You can contact DFSNZ at any time for support, information, education or resources.

 

Phone: +64 9 582 0388

Email: info@drugfreesport.org.nz

Website: drugfreesport.org.nz