Important Update: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Releases The 2024 Prohibited List With The Inclusion Of Tramadol
Ali Bell, Pathway Development Manager and Anti-Doping Lead at Scottish Golf provides the annual education programme for the players in the performance squad as well as for Area and County representatives. Bell said:
It’s really important that all athletes at every level fully understand the changes in the regulations and are aware of which substances are now on the newly revised Prohibited List. Competitors can get tested at all levels in the game of golf and everyone has a responsibility to make sure they are playing clean and to uphold the integrity of our sport.
Following an extensive consultation period by WADA, the 2024 Prohibited List was published on 27 September 2023. This gives athletes and support personnel sufficient time to make themselves aware of the changes, review any medications they use on Global DRO, and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if required before the updated List comes into effect on 1 January 2024.
Included on the 2024 List is the substance tramadol which will be banned in-competition from 1 January 2024. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic and is classified as a prescription only medicine in the UK. Tramadol misuse is of concern because of the risks of physical dependence, opiate addiction, and overdose. It has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries.
If you are concerned about tramadol misuse, please reach out to Scottish Golf or speak to your doctor prior to the change in status on the 2024 Prohibited List.
Please visit UK Anti-Doping’s website to read a full summary of the changes on the 2024 List. The following resources are also available to read on WADA’s website:
https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-program/2024-prohibited-list