– I feel that we are about to fall behind in anti-doping work, because we lack a basis in law for several aspects of what we do. It is important that it now gains momentum, and that we arrive at a solution that can last over time. That’s what Antidoping Norway’s head Anders Solheim says to news. He believes that Norway is lagging behind on several key points, which is now putting the country at risk. The worst consequences could be that Norway is not allowed to hold or participate in international championships. – We believe that a legal basis is absolutely necessary for us to be able to carry out effective anti-doping work in Norway in the future, he says and continues: – If you cannot carry out doping controls, then in the worst case it can ensure that you are not allowed to participate . SOUNDS THE ALARM: Anders Solheim is head of Antidoping Norway. He is concerned that Norway is falling behind in anti-doping efforts. Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB May lose the right to test Solheim points to three points where he believes that change is necessary so that Norway does not end up in crisis. – We need a legal authority to test minors, we need a legal authority to handle personal data, and we need a legal authority so that the police and customs can share information with us that is linked to violations of doping legislation, he notes. Three points where ADNO demands change That minor athletes themselves can give consent to carry out doping controls In 2022, a “short-term solution” was put in place. It ensured that parental consent must be obtained in order to test minor top athletes. Solheim believes that athletes under the age of 18 themselves must be able to give consent. ADNO wants a legal authority to ensure this. Sharing of personal and health information in connection with doping control For six years, Norway has operated with a transitional arrangement regarding the sharing of special personal and health information in connection with doping control. ADNO says that Norway may be denied participation in top sport, and refused to hold international sports events, if the transitional arrangement is abolished and a legal basis that ensures a permanent solution is not in place. Sharing of information with the customs and police authorities in the event of violations of the law The third point concerns the sharing of information from the customs and police authorities. Today, there is a risk that athletes will be caught with doping agents without ADNO receiving that information. Athletes or support personnel can therefore be linked to offenses for breaching the Medicines Act and the Criminal Code’s provisions on doping without there being any consequences in sport. ADNO therefore wants a legal basis which ensures that information relating to doping offenses must be shared with them. For the first point, a “temporary solution” was put in place in 2022. A solution ADNO already called “inadequate” at the time. It ensured that parental consent must be obtained in order to test top athletes under the age of 18. – We want the athletes to be able to give that consent themselves. Because today, in principle, parents can veto and say that “you are not allowed to test my child”, and then the person in question cannot participate in top sport. The second point relates to the fact that for six years ADNO has lived under a transitional arrangement when it comes to the processing of personal and health data in connection with doping tests. – It is an arrangement that we want to have permanently introduced through a legal authority. Because if we do not get it, and that transitional provision expires, then we will not have the opportunity to carry out the anti-doping work that we are obliged to do according to the international regulations. – Very unfortunate. The third point concerns the sharing of information from the customs and police authorities. Today, there is a risk that athletes will be caught with doping agents without ADNO receiving that information. – This means that they can compete in international competitions in Norway, even if they have been caught and can be linked to doping-related violations according to Norwegian law, says Solheim. This means that athletes who are caught for breaking the law for breaking the Medicines Act and the Criminal Code’s provisions on doping can be punished without any consequences in the sport. – It is very important to get this in place in the long term. It is very unfortunate, he emphasizes. The Norwegian Sports Confederation (NIF) supports ADNO’s statements, and has the same desire for change. – NIF wants a legal regulation as soon as possible, but we understand that a thorough legislative process takes time, and look forward to the work being completed, writes communications manager at NIF Finn Aagaard to news. WC READY: In just over half a year, the Ski WC awaits in Trondheim. Ideally, there should have been legal authority in place before this, says Anders Solheim. Photo: NTB Working on new bill The Ministry of Culture and Equality is currently investigating a new law on anti-doping work in sport and work against the manipulation of sports competitions. Solheim experiences a positive dialogue with both NIF and the Ministry of Culture. But he emphasizes that this has already taken a long time, and that it is urgent. – There is still some investigative work to be done before a proposal for a new law is ready and can be sent for consultation. When a new law can be in place will depend on further investigation and the consultation process. State Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Erlend Hanstveit writes to news. WORKING WITH PROPOSALS: State Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Equality, Erlend Hanstveit. Photo: NTB Furthermore, he writes that all three points that Solheim highlights are among the topics that are investigated in connection with the legislative work. – The anti-doping work nationally and internationally is very important work in which Antidoping Norway has been a central and important player for a long time. We are concerned that Antidoping Norway should also in the future have a good basis for taking care of this work, therefore work on a legislative proposal in this area is a high priority. Published 02.09.2024, at 20.55
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