The Ladies European Tour (LET) has announced the introduction of its anti-doping policy. The policy will be fully implemented for the 2008 season and includes player education, which has already commenced.
The LET has appointed Sporting Integrity, a company run by Michele Verroken, to manage the LET anti-doping policy.
Sporting Integrity is a sports business consultancy set up in 2004 to advise organisations and individuals in sport and business on the adoption and maintenance of best practice in ethics and integrity. It provides independent professional advice and essential support on risk issues and offers expert knowledge of anti-doping, the World Anti-Doping Code, Child Protection and Governance.
Sporting Integrity has a reputation for honesty and independence and is currently working with the Ladies European Tour and European Tour on their anti-doping policies.
The LET and Sporting Integrity are currently working on the detailed implementation of this policy and a further announcement will be made in due course.
Alexandra Armas, executive director of The Ladies European Tour, said, “We are not aware that any of our members have used performance enhancing drugs, but it is vital for the integrity of our sport that we implement this strategy in order to eliminate any temptation that may exist.”
In preparation for the implementation of the Tour’s policy, the LET launched its player Anti-Doping Advice Card at a player meeting in Malmo, Sweden. This is a player friendly information card giving details of permitted substances for common medical conditions, and advice on how to avoid inadvertent doping issues such as checking medications, applying for exemptions to use a prohibited substance and a caution about the use of supplements.
The starting point of LET’s policy is the commitment to maintaining the integrity of golf. It is based upon the principles of the World Anti-Doping Code and aims to harmonise its operating standards with the R &A and other golf organisations, to promote a consistent approach to anti-doping for the benefit of players.
Ladies European Tour www.ladieseuropeantour.com