The Rugby Union organizes an anti-doping awareness course for its national teams

The UAE Rugby Federation, in cooperation with the National Anti-Doping Agency, organized a specialized awareness course on anti-doping for male and female national team players, in the Sevens Stadium building, as part of the Union’s program aimed at developing the technical, cognitive and educational aspects of male and female players, and promoting the concepts of clean sports in accordance with the best internationally approved practices.

The organization of the course came within the framework of the Federation’s keenness to raise the level of awareness among male and female national team players, and to familiarize them with the latest regulations and laws regarding anti-doping, prohibited substances, and examination procedures, in addition to emphasizing the importance of adhering to the ethical and health standards that govern the practice of competitive sports.

Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Ali, Chief Doping Testing Officer at the National Anti-Doping Agency, lectured at the session, where he provided a detailed explanation about the systems adopted locally and internationally to combat doping, the examination mechanisms and procedures followed, and ways to avoid falling into unintended violations, in addition to clarifying the player’s responsibility to verify the medications and nutritional supplements he takes before using them.

The course witnessed wide participation from male, female, and youth national team players, in the presence of coach Philadelphia Orlando and Youssef Shaker, as part of a series of educational programs implemented by the federation throughout the season.

Mohammed Sultan Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Rugby Federation, confirmed that the Federation attaches great importance to the educational and awareness side, in addition to the technical and physical preparation of the players, pointing out that building a successful athlete is not limited to developing his level on the field only, but also includes raising his awareness of the regulations and laws that govern modern sports.

Al Zaabi said: “We are constantly keen to organize such awareness sessions in cooperation with the competent authorities, because they represent great importance in protecting our male and female players from falling into any doping-related violations, whether intentional or unintentional. Knowledge and awareness are the athlete’s first line of defense, and it is our duty to provide all the information that helps our players make the right decisions and maintain their sports career.”

He added: “Rugby is based on the values ​​of respect, integrity and discipline, which are principles that are fully consistent with the concept of clean sport that the International Rugby Federation seeks to establish. Therefore, we consider anti-doping awareness programs an essential part of the Federation’s strategic plans to develop national teams and prepare male and female players in accordance with the highest international standards.”

He continued: “Through these programs, we seek to enhance sports culture among all age groups in the national teams, and provide them with the necessary knowledge about modern regulations and procedures, ensuring their participation in local, continental and international tournaments with full confidence and comprehensive awareness of their responsibilities as players representing the UAE.”

Al Zaabi concluded his statement by emphasizing the continuation of cooperation between the Emirates Rugby Federation and the National Anti-Doping Agency to implement more specialized programs and lectures during the coming period, which will contribute to spreading the culture of clean sports and establishing a safe and healthy sports environment for all members of the game.