A New Zealand anti-doping programme and central sports drug agency: a proposal to expand New Zealand's active role in the battle against drugs in sport

Abstract

Drug use has been common in many societies. Throughout time drugs have been used for religious and medical purposes. However, as societies have grown in population and affluence, sporting achievements have become highly regarded; this often manifests itself in the wealth and high social esteem accorded to winners. It is possible that with such rewards at stake athletes may have been increasingly encouraged to use herbal substances to enhance their performance. This study investigates the topic of 'drugs in sport' from the first recorded use in early Greece (circa 600 B.C.) to the present day testing and education programmes that exist in a number of countries. As background to the main body of this paper, an explanation is offered of the potential reasons why an athlete may take performance-enhancing substances and a corresponding rationale for drug-testing. The emphasis of this work is based upon a comparison of structure, policies and management practices of the existing New Zealand anti-doping agency with three anti-doping agencies from other countries. The purpose is to highlight the comprehensive approach which other agencies are adopting to deal with the problem of drugs in sport, and to recommend a suitable approach by a New Zealand agency. The implementation of such recommendations in New Zealand depends upon the seriousness of the problem as perceived by those with decision-making powers.