Anti-doping basics for combat sports athletes

Every KBN athlete signs an anti-doping declaration when they apply. KBN's anti-doping rules follow the principles of the World Anti-Doping Code as adopted by the Executive Statute. This article covers the basics every athlete should understand. It is general guidance; for specific questions, contact your national anti-doping organisation.

Strict liability

The central principle is strict liability: you are responsible for any prohibited substance found in your sample, regardless of how it got there. "I did not know it was in my supplement" is not a defence against the violation itself, though it can affect the sanction.

Supplements

Supplements are the most common source of accidental positives. Products can be contaminated or mislabelled.

• Use as few supplements as possible.
• Prefer products tested by independent batch-testing programmes.
• Keep records of what you take, with batch numbers.
• Never take products promising rapid weight loss, muscle gain or "hormone boosting".

Medicines and exemptions

Some legitimate medicines contain prohibited substances. If you need one for a medical condition, you may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) from the relevant anti-doping organisation, ideally before you use it. Tell every doctor you see that you are a tested athlete.

Testing

You may be tested in competition and out of competition, by the relevant national anti-doping organisation or KBN's appointed agency. Where KBN's anti-doping module is enabled, whereabouts information and test records are managed there, and an anti-doping sanctions register is published.

Anti-doping sanctions register →

What happens after a violation at KBN

Consequence	Detail
Results	Affected results and their points are removed
Licence	Suspended for the sanction period
Rankings	The athlete leaves published tables while suspended
Publication	The sanction is published in accordance with the applicable code
Process	The Disciplinary Committee decides; appeals follow the Complaints & Appeals Procedure

A result overturned for doping may become a no contest, which scores 0 points.

Anti-doping & medical policy →

Weight cutting and banned methods

Diuretics are commonly used to lose water weight quickly, and they are prohibited because they can also mask other substances. Using them risks both your health and a violation.

Weight cutting safely →

Clean sport and KBN Social

KBN Social's community rules forbid promoting or selling performance-enhancing drugs and dangerous weight-cutting methods. Reports are escalated to KBN's integrity team.

A simple supplement checklist

• Do I actually need this product?
• Is it batch-tested by an independent programme?
• Does the label make performance or weight-loss claims that sound too good to be true?
• Have I kept the batch number and receipt?
• Have I checked it with a qualified professional?

For coaches

Never supply supplements or medicines to athletes without professional advice. Coaches can also be sanctioned for involvement in anti-doping violations.

Myths and facts

Myth	Fact
Natural supplements are always safe	Any supplement can be contaminated
Amateurs are never tested	Athletes may be tested in and out of competition
A prescription protects you automatically	You may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption
A violation only affects one result	Affected results are removed and the licence suspended

Your responsibilities in practice

• Know which anti-doping rules apply to you and where to check the prohibited list.
• Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you are a tested athlete.
• Keep records of medicines and supplements.
• Provide accurate whereabouts information if you are required to.
• Cooperate with testing and keep copies of paperwork.

If you are notified of a test

Stay with the chaperone, read the paperwork, ask for a representative if permitted, declare medicines and supplements on the form, and keep your copy. Knowing the process in advance reduces stress.

Education

Many national anti-doping organisations offer free online education for athletes and coaches. Completing it is a practical way to learn your responsibilities, the testing process and how to check medicines.

Frequently asked questions