As previously announced in September, the PGA TOUR and the other member organizations of the World Golf Foundation have collaborated to create a Model Prohibited Substances and Methods List.
The list includes:
• Anabolic Agents (e.g., steroids)
• Hormones and Related Substances (e.g., human growth hormone, testosterone, EPO)
• Agents with Anti-Estrogenic Activity (to artificially increase testosterone level)
• Diuretics and Other Masking Agents
• Stimulants (e.g., Ritalin)
• Narcotics
• Cannabinoids
• Beta Blockers
• Enhancement of Oxygen Transfer (blood doping)
• Chemical and Physical Manipulation (tampering with a sample)
The Anti-Doping Program Manuel that will be delivered to players on December 1 will contain a comprehensive list of prohibited substances that fall under the categories listed above, as well as a list of those substances that will not be prohibited under the Program.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions
The TOUR's Anti-Doping Program includes a process for players to apply to receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to use a banned substance if there is a legitimate medical need as determined by the PGA TOUR's medical committee.
This TUE medical committee will be created and chaired by the TOUR's anti-doping medical advisor, Tom Hospel, M.D. Dr. Hospel is Board Certified in Sports Medicine, has served as the team physician for The Ohio State University, and shares a practice with the Medical Advisor for the NFL Anti-Doping Program. The TUE medical committee will also include a number of other highly-regarded physicians from various medical disciplines.
Testing Protocol
As with the overall Anti-Doping Program, the PGA TOUR's primary objective with its testing protocol is to have a credible process that will aggressively and effectively deter the use of any prohibited substance. Under the terms of the program, the TOUR has the authority to test players at any time or place. All testing will be without prior notice. Testing done at tournament sites may be conducted both on practice/pro-am days and before or after competitive rounds. There are not a stated minimum or maximum number of times a year that an individual player may be tested.
The TOUR is taking significant steps to ensure that the confidentiality, security and integrity of the entire process is preserved for the membership. To implement the testing process, the TOUR has engaged the National Center for Drug Free Sport (Drug Free Sport). Individuals employed by Drug Free Sport are specifically trained to ensure a confidential and secure testing experience for the player and the TOUR.
Drug Free Sport will assist in the player education program in addition to conducting the actual testing. Beyond its new relationship with the TOUR, Drug Free Sport also provides drug testing or education services for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA and hundreds of colleges and universities.
