Jersey to strengthen its anti-doping regime

Thursday 02 March 2023

Jersey is having to tighten up its rules around doping in sport to meet international regulations.

The Government of Jersey has established a new platform to ensure that Jersey’s sports clubs are aware of the anti-doping procedures they need to follow.

Jersey's sports clubs and athletes are set to receive greater guidance to ensure that Jersey complies with the UNESCO anti-doping rules.

The Jersey National Compliance Platform, featuring officers from Public Health, Justice and Home Affairs and Jersey Sport, has been formed to establish and implement a formal anti-doping policy, following recommendations from UNESCO, and will help to promote education and awareness.

Compliance with international protocols will fall under the government’s remit, through the NCP panel, although training programmes will probably be delivered by arms-length organisations.

Pictured: The International Convention Against Doping in Sport has been in force since 2007.

The Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, said: “In order to meet international standards we have to ensure that those who are involved in sport at every level understand Jersey’s anti-doping policy, and know how to implement it in practice.

"The NCP will take responsibility for demonstrating that we are complying with those international standards."

Claire Stott, head of sport strategy and insight at Jersey Sport, said the organisation is "keen to work with the government" to boost awareness and deliver training programmes, in line with courses already run through UK Anti-Doping.

Pictured: Deputy Lucy Stephenson, The Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport.

She added: "Given that we already have a considerable CPD [continuing professional development] programme, we would put our hands up to help support it. We could move quite quickly."