Swim Ireland's policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport

and every member has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping.

Membership of Swim Ireland means that all swimmers may be chosen

for testing. Your membership of Swim Ireland commits you to agreeing

 to testing and in the case of a Child (U/18) the prior written consent

of the parent or guardian is required via the initial membership process

at Club level, or at selection for competition or through competition entry forms.

All club personnel have a responsibility to ensure that club members

are aware of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules and that there is an atmosphere

supporting a drug free sport within the club. A complete copy of the Irish

Anti-Doping Rules are available through Swim Ireland.

Once you join Swim Ireland and enter a competition you are accepting

the fact that you could be drug tested.  To reassure parents of younger

graded swimmers, the reality at the moment is that drug testing only

occurs at national level events.  However all parents should be aware of

the possibility of the swimmers being tested and what regulations are in operation.

The guidance is simple.  Do not take anything other than a healthy diet

which has not been medically approved and if it happens that you are on

medication then you must check with the Irish Sports Council as to whether

you need a Therapeutic Exemption Form for the use of the medication and

if so, to obtain one in advance of competition.