THE QMJHL HAS BEEN WORKING ON A NEW ANTIDOPING PROGRAM
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) has been working on reviewing its antidoping program over the last year. Indeed, the new version of this policy which is based on a zero tolerance approach should put the QMJHL ahead of whatever has been made so far in matters of testing and controlling the intake of doping products in hockey.
“The consumption of drugs, abusive alcohol intake or stimulating products for the purpose of improving performance is contrary to the policy of the QMJHL” declared Mr. Gilles Courteau, Commissioner of the League. “The mission of the QMJHL is to help young men to not only fully develop their potential as hockey players of high calibre but to also develop a well rounded personality. By offering a healthy and respectful environment, we wish to assist our players in becoming responsible adults, well integrated into society and by developing a well balanced life through discipline.”
“The subject of the use of illegal substances is a very serious matter that we are taking just as seriously”, continued Mr. Courteau. “However, this is a very complex problem which touches society as a whole and the QMJHL is very determined to do all that is in its power to counteract any doping and find solutions to even better prevent and control the situation.”
The project of the new QMJHL antidoping policy has recently been the object of discussions with governmental authorities in view of harmonizing the three Canadian major junior hockey leagues. The initiative was taken by the QMJHL more than a year ago and it is foreseen that the new policy will be in effect at the beginning of the coming year. The new policy has gathered numerous specialists on the subject who contributed to the development of this new policy, including the Doctors’ Committee of the League.
The new policy will refer to the same list of forbidden products as that of the World Antidoping Agency. Discussions are now pointing towards the sanctions to be applied to players having failed when tested.
“In any case, the new QMJHL antidoping policy rests on a tolerance zero approach and anticipates improved preventive and testing mechanisms, and aims at supporting the athletes fighting a doping consumption problem.”
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