Anti-Doping

WADA publishes the Prohibited List, updated at least annually and sometimes more often. It covers substances and methods prohibited at all times, those prohibited only in-competition, and any prohibited only in particular sports.

• Always check the current Prohibited List and a checking resource such as Global DRO before using any new medication or supplement, especially close to competition.
• A brand name alone does not tell you whether a product is safe — check the active ingredients.
• The list changes. Something permitted last year may not be permitted this year, and vice versa.

Supplements are one of the most common sources of an unintentional violation, because manufacturing contamination is common and poorly regulated in some markets.

• No supplement is guaranteed safe, whatever the label or marketing claims.
• Strict liability applies regardless of what a label says or what a retailer, coach or training partner told you.
• Check any new medication or supplement against the current Prohibited List and a checking resource such as Global DRO, and ask a sports physician or pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Keep records — packaging, batch numbers and receipts can matter later if a result is ever queried.

An athlete who needs an otherwise prohibited substance or method for a legitimate, well-documented medical condition can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Seek a TUE in advance of use wherever possible; a retrospective TUE is only available in limited circumstances, such as a genuine emergency.

AFBJJ does not currently operate its own TUE committee. Until it does, seek a TUE recognised by Sport Integrity Australia, or — where competing under another body's event such as an IBJJF championship — that body's own process. Keep a copy of any TUE and supporting medical evidence.

An athlete must not knowingly work with a coach or other support person currently serving a period of ineligibility, or criminally convicted of doping-related conduct, where the athlete knew or should reasonably have known of that status.

Support personnel are themselves bound by this policy. Administering, trafficking in, or aiding a violation is treated with the same seriousness as an athlete's own violation and may result in suspension from AFBJJ-affiliated activity.

• Athletes may be selected at random or on a targeted basis, in-competition or out-of-competition.
• A selected athlete is formally notified and has the right to have a representative present.
• The athlete may ask to see the tester's identification and notification documentation before providing a sample.
• The athlete is chaperoned until the sample is provided, protecting the integrity of the process for everyone.
• The sample is split into A and B portions, sealed, and sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory.
• A documented chain of custody is maintained from collection through to analysis.

Where a sample returns an adverse finding, the athlete is formally notified, given the substance of the finding and a genuine opportunity to explain, consistent with natural justice.

• For most violations involving a non-specified substance, a provisional suspension from AFBJJ-affiliated competition applies from notification, pending the outcome.
• The athlete has the right to have the B sample analysed.
• The athlete has the right to a hearing before a decision-maker who was not involved in the original finding, before any final sanction is imposed.
• A provisional suspension is not a finding of guilt. It is lifted if the matter is not substantiated, or if the B sample does not confirm the A sample result.

The 2027 Code expands the reduction available for early admission and acceptance of a sanction. Where the otherwise applicable period is less than 4 years, an athlete admitting the violation early and accepting the consequences may receive up to a 25% reduction, in addition to the existing 1-year reduction available for longer periods. A further reduction may apply where an athlete provides useful information about how the violation occurred, even without identifying another person.

A sanction applies to participation in AFBJJ-affiliated competitions. It does not by itself impose a sanction recognised by another federation, though AFBJJ will notify a relevant body such as IBJJF where appropriate, and will recognise and apply an equivalent sanction imposed by another anti-doping body. A violation may also result in disqualification of results and forfeiture of any medal, points or prize.

A sanctioned person may appeal in writing within 14 days on the grounds that a fair process was not followed or that significant new information has become available. Appeals are decided by Governance Committee members or an appointed panel not involved in the original decision.

• Education comes first — age-appropriate awareness of what doping is and why it matters, not enforcement.
• A parent or guardian is involved in any process concerning a junior athlete, from first contact onward.
• A junior athlete's case is not publicly disclosed except where AFBJJ is legally required to do so.
• Where testing involves a junior athlete it is done with extra care and, where practicable, with a parent, guardian or support person present.
• Sanctions reflect the more lenient range available to a Protected Person under the Code, with emphasis on education and support.

• Coaches and senior athletes are encouraged to complete anti-doping education, such as WADA's ADEL platform or Sport Integrity Australia's education modules.
• Clubs display current Prohibited List information and a link to a substance checking resource such as Global DRO.
• New club members receive an induction covering this policy.

Anyone can report a genuine concern about doping — about an athlete, a coach or another support person. A person who reports in good faith is protected from victimisation, consistent with the AFBJJ Member Protection Policy. Concerns can be raised with the AFBJJ Governance Committee, or through Sport Integrity Australia's confidential reporting channels. Personal and health information is handled consistently with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).