SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING WITH A COLD:
Swimmers with a heavy
cold should not enter the water.
The pressures in the nasal
passages encountered when under water are enormous. The mucus and other "nasties"
associated with a cold and which are found in the nasal passages, can lead to
ear, mastoid, and other problems if forced through the other passages in the
head due to a build up of pressure.
As Synchro involves
taking the head to considerable depths, complications may arise.
However, should a swimmer be suffering from a heavy cold they should
inform their Trainer, and then the Trainer may be able to give the swimmer
alternative activities, which will not put the swimmer at risk?
BE WARNED! Don't take a
risk! It is far better to miss a training session, or even a competition than to
become deaf for the rest of your life.
DRUGS:
If you are any regular
medication e.g. asthma inhalers please inform Mrs Anderson as to be entered on
your Club registration card. Please
be sure that any drugs you take are not on the banned list.
In most cases your Doctor is aware.
We do have Drugs List although it is not comprehensive and if you are in
any doubt concerning the drugs prescribed or even "over the counter"
medicines please check with your coach who will check with the ASA.. Care must
be taken in ensuring that swimmers know the PRECISE names of drugs and their
contents.
Remember if tested POSITIVE for a banned substance this can result in a swimmer and
TEAM disqualification.
DRUG TESTING AT COMPETITION:
This is generally a random
test, and may occur at any competition. It involves a swimmer being selected by
the Doctor, and being requested to provide a urine sample for testing purposes.
A Female Team Manager/Coach will always be present for these occasions.
The swimmer will sign the vessel as proof.
Testing is likely at ALL national competitions.
At a recent event, an asthma
sufferer, on the request of a medical practitioner checking on the drugs being
used by participants stated that she was using INTAL. This is widely used and is
not a BANNED DRUG. On looking at
the inhaler it was discovered that the contents were INTAL CO (also known as
INTAL COMPOUND) THIS IS A BANNED
DRUG!!!
There is no written list of
banned drugs. If you need
medication prior to a competition (especially National events) it is essential
to check with your doctor with the medicine you are taking is likely to be on a
banned list.
These items are listed as
banned substances for your guidance:
STIMULANTS : Cold remedies
(e.g. night nurse), ephedrine, caffeine, salbutomol (ventolin inhaler).
NARCOTICS: Any medicine with
morphine – although codeine is now permitted.
ASNABOLIC AGENTS –
Testosterone, androstenediol, beta2 agonists – salbutormol, salmeterol (some
inhalers are now permitted with verification and declaration but these must be
obtained before a competition)
BETA BLOCKERS – diving &
synchronized swimming only
DIURETICS – furosomide etc
(water pills)
GLUCOCORTICOSTEROIDS –
cortisone drugs – inhaled, skin, nasal sprays etc.
LOCAL ANESTHETICS – These
drugs must be declared with a legitimate verification of necessity
ATTENTION FROM THE DOCTOR:
If a swimmer needs medical
attention by the Competition Doctor at anytime she should only be examined in
the presence of a Female Team Manager/Coach or her Parent.
FOOD INTAKE:
All swimmers, particularly
those involved in heavy training and competitions, must ensure that their intake
of both solids and liquids is adequate.
At a recent event,
a competitor who had undergone heavy training in the morning and who was
involved in a competition in the afternoon, almost collapsed at the Medal
Presentation due to low blood sugar levels.
