Doping Policy

Pitch and Putt Ireland’s policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping.

Membership of Pitch and Putt Ireland means that all athletes may be selected for testing. Your membership of Pitch and Putt Ireland commits you to agreeing to testing and in the case of a minor (U/18) the prior written consent of the parent or guardian is required via the initial membership process at Club level, or at selection for competition or through competition entry forms.

All club personnel have a responsibility to ensure that club members are aware of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules and that there is an atmosphere supporting a drug free sport within the club. A complete copy of the 2021 Irish Anti-Doping Rules are available by clicking here. 

Once you join Pitch and Putt Ireland and enter a competition you are accepting the fact that you could be drug tested.

Doping is contrary to the spirit of sport. The spirit of sport is the intrinsic value of sport. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind, and is characterised, amongst other values, by ethics, fair play, honesty, health and respect for, and compliance with, the spirit and letter of rules and laws. Pitch and Putt Ireland is fully committed to ensuring doping has no place in the sport of Pitch and Putt. Pitch and Putt Ireland works with Sport Ireland and the FIPPA in its anti-doping efforts.

Irish Anti-Doping Rules


Adopted by Resolution of Pitch and Putt Ireland’s National Executive Council, Pitch and Putt Ireland has adopted Sport Ireland's rules on Anti Doping under Article 82 of the Constitution

Under the Irish Anti-Doping Rules, Sport Ireland carries out drug testing on behalf of Pitch and Putt Ireland. Irish Sport Anti-Doping Panel Procedures can be viewed by clicking here.

Full details on the Irish Anti-Doping Programme are available by clicking here.

Report Doping with confidence online, please fill out the following form: Anti-Doping online report form.

International Federation Rules


Pitch and Putt Ireland must also adhere to the rules of our International Federation FIPPA.

Athletes/Squad members attending International events need to check in particular the regulations regarding Theraputic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements of the International Federation in relation to competing at International Events, for e.g. if a Sport Ireland TUE Certificate of Approval is accepted or if an athlete needs to re-apply to the International Federation etc. Athletes should verify the rules and regulations with their medical officer/ team manager or Anti-Doping Officer.

What do members need to know?

In principle any athlete competing in Pitch and Putt can be tested so each athlete regardless of the level at which they are competing needs to be aware of the anti-doping rules,

(1) WADA Prohibited List – Checking Medications & TUE Policy

The World Anti-Doping Agency issues a Prohibited List annually. For information on the Prohibited List, see:
WADA Prohibited List

Note: Recreational Drugs are tested in-competition.

Check the status of over-the-counter and prescribed medications in relation to the Prohibited List, based on where you purchase the medication:

Republic of Ireland:

Drugs in Sport Database on www.eirpharm.com

For instant access to the Drugs in Sport Database, download the free 'Medication Checker' App available for iPhone and Android for Eirpharm - find it in the Apple iTunes Store or the Android Market.

Medications bought in the Republic of Ireland can be checked by your G.P., Consultant or Pharmacist in a monthly publication called MIMS Ireland. Ensure the current months edition is checked.

Northern Ireland/ UK/ Canada/USA:

Medications bought in Northern Ireland, U.K., U.S.A and Canada can be checked on the Globaldro website.

See: How to check your medications

If a medication is prohibited, you must check and adhere to Sport Ireland's Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) policy at: Sport Ireland Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

(2) Sample Collection Procedures

For information on the Sample Collection Procedures that are adhered to when athletes are tested, the following resources are available:

  • Check out: Sport Ireland – What happens at a drugs test?
  • (3) Supplements

    Athletes need to be aware that there are risks associated with the use of sports supplements with many positive drug tests associated with their use. For more information, read the Irish Sports Council Supplements and Sports Food Policy at: Sport Ireland – Supplement use in sport guidelines

    Useful guidelines in relation to supplements are available on the Sport Ireland website at: Sport Ireland – Supplement guidelines

    (4) Registered Testing Pool

    Athletes are informed directly by Sport Ireland when they are included on the Registered Testing Pool. Athletes on the RTP can be tested anywhere, anytime with no advance notice. Athletes must comply with the RTP requirements such as TUE and Whereabouts requirements.

    (5) National Testing Pool

    The National Testing Pool (NTP) consists of athletes who are in National Squads and Development Squads, who attend training organized by Pitch and Putt Ireland. Athletes in the NTP can be drug tested both in- and out-of-competition. Out-of-competition testing will mainly be based on squad/team training sessions but Sport Ireland may test an athlete at their home address. Both urine and blood samples can be requested. See: Sport Ireland – Registered testing pool  for more information.

    Further Information:

    Check out: 2021 Irish Anti-Doping Rules – Summary of Major Changes for further information on these topics or to order education resources for you and your club.

    Who to ask for further information:

    For any queries regarding anti-doping in Pitch and Putt please contact the Anti-Doping Officer for Pitch and Putt Ireland:
    Shaun O'Donnell
    Email: [email protected]/[email protected]
    Phone: 01-6251110/0861738722

    The Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Unit can be contacted at:
    Sport Ireland,
    The Courtyard,
    Sport Ireland Campus,
    Snugborough Road,
    Blanchardstown,
    Dublin 15.