NATURAL REQUIREMENTS
WNSO Sanctioned events prohibit the use of any performance
enhancing drug. Athletes will be subject to screening and testing as outlined by the World Natural Sports Organization (WNSO). Anyone who does not meet the natural requirements will be banned from competing.
Read about WNSO here
Some athletes will attest to having taken a banned substance in the past. If WNSO’s testing procedures determine that the athlete has still maintained some of the physical advantages conferred by the substance, the athlete will not be permitted to compete. An athlete who now trains naturally and may regret their past actions will not result in an automatic ban, unless his or her physique is still indicative of having “benefited” from past use.
TYPES OF TESTING
A. Physique Screening:
Athletes will be screened by the Physique Screening Panel the day prior to the contest at the Athlete Registration Meeting or during the first round of competition on show day. All athletes sign a waiver prior to competing and agree to be questioned and evaluated by the Physique Screening Panel. Should the panel determine the athlete does not fit the natural look (and would then not place well in a natural show) and/or has reason to conclude the athlete is displaying results from banned substance usage, this could result in immediate disqualification. *** Scroll down for specific details
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B.Urine Testing:
Urine samples may be asked of several athletes over the competition weekend, right from the moment of registration. Additionally, anyone deemed ‘suspicious’ to any of the judges will be asked to provide an immediate urine sample in order to be eligible to continue to compete that day. Overall champions, random athletes and winners may also be flagged for urine sampling following or during the event. Once the event is finished, all samples will be sent to the lab at which time either random or deliberately selected samples will be tested for banned substances. -
C.Legal Document:
All athletes must sign their name to the Doping Control Waiver (see below) outlining that they follow the natural requirements of the WNSO. Legal action can be taken against anyone caught as having tried to ‘trick’ the system and cheat their fellow athletes. -
D.Out-of-Competition Drug Testing Policy.
All competitive athletes may be subject to random urine testing at any time before or after a competition. Upon selection, either a WNSO representative will meet you or you will be given 24 hours to report to your local lab. WNSO Is serious about its 'Natural Physique' policy and is doing its best to weed out those who are attempting to cheat the system and their fellow athletes.
BANNED SUBSTANCES:
Anything that is not sold over the counter is considered a banned substance. These include stimulants, narcotics, prescription diuretics, beta blockers, anabolic agents or androgens (includes anabolic steroids, testosterone, growth hormone or any of their preparations or derivatives), peptide and glycoprotein hormones and analogues, and any related substances.
Substances Often Questioned
* Ephedrine – As ephedrine is commercially available in some over-the-counter medications, an athlete may use it providing urine tests do not show that it was “abused” or used outside the guidelines.
* Herbal Diuretics – These are allowed.
* Recreational Drugs – We do not test for these with the exception of cocaine and its preparations and derivatives
* Prohormone Products – Although prohormone products may be available commercially, their use may be detected in urinalysis screenings and result in a positive test. Prohormone products should be avoided.
* Prescription Medications – These are often required and may pose some concerns with the drug-screening process. An athlete on such medications will be requested to provide at least one of the following: a signed letter from his or her doctor indicating the medical condition and its specific requirement; or the prescription bottle or package of medication bearing the athlete’s name, physicians name, drug name and dosage strength. There should not be an issue if the drug has not visibly “enhanced” the athlete’s physique. In that case the athlete would not be allowed to compete, just like anyone else. If an athlete is uncertain whether a particular product or medication may be a concern, he or she is advised to contact the Head Judge before event registration to determine an appropriate course of action. However, this step DOES NOT mean the athlete is given a pass. The athlete still has to undergo the same drug-testing procedures as all other athletes.
PHYSIQUE SCREENING
The Physique Screening Panel &/or WNSO Judging Panel pays close attention to the criteria stated herein to come to a unanimous conclusion on whether a certain athlete has the maintained the effects of current or past use of banned substances.
The existence of the Panel is in no way a deterrent for exceptional natural athletes but serves as a means of banning athletes who do not possess a “natural” look. Should the Panel not reach a conclusive decision with respect to a particular athlete, the Head Judge reserves the right to ban the athlete from competing or to allow the athlete to compete and have him or her flagged for urinalysis or a lie-detector test.
It is understood that there is no 100% accurate means of detecting banned substances and that the Panel is simply a tool to assist in the detection of athletes who will not fare well in competition because of some or many of the following indications of such substances:
* Abnormal Muscular Development:
A level of muscular development deemed unlikely attainable without the use of banned substances
* Jaundice or Discoloration of Eyes:
Quite often the use or abuse of medications or anabolic agents that cause stress on the liver or kidneys results in discoloration of the white portion of the eye.
* Abdominal Distention:
Abdominal swelling may suggest the presence of androgenic or hormonal medications.
* Acne:
A common side effect of androgen use is acne in specific locations, which can be cystic in nature and is present in both males and females.
* Elongation of Bones:
In some cases the use of hormonal drugs can result in the continued growth of bones. Specific areas of the face and body that may indicate concern are the mandible, or lower jawbone, and the ulna (the inner and longer of the two forearm bones, at the elbow).
* Masculinization of Females:
Androgen use in females is often accompanied by masculinization, signs of which are often evident in the facial region and can also include a deepening of the voice and abnormal muscular development. Facial hair is sometimes evident in females who have used testosterone-related compounds.
* Baldness:
The conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone can cause hair loss that is prevalent among males, and such hair loss is one possible symptom of androgen use.
* Gynecomastia:
The conversion of testosterone to excess estrogen can cause male- breast enlargement, evident by puffiness around the nipple(s). Close attention should be paid to this area in male athletes, as this condition is a common side effect of anabolic steroids.
Please Note:
*** The presence of any of the above indications alone is not necessarily evidence of banned-substance abuse, as many athletes could display symptoms that are attributable to other conditions. The above is simply a guide to use in assessing an athlete’s physique, in its totality, to make a determination on whether the person is “suspect” of having administered banned substances.
*** Any decision made by the Panel or Head Judge to ban an athlete is deemed final, and the issue will not be debated after a decision is reached. Registration fees may be returned to a banned athlete but will not be refunded if the Panel feels the athlete has knowingly or recklessly used banned substances.
DOPING CONTROL:
All athletes must sign the following waiver prior to competing. Anyone who does not sign this form will not be eligible to compete.
I certify that I meet the natural requirements promulgated by the World Natural Sports Organization (WNSO). I have not used any banned or potentially harmful substances to enhance my appearance or performance. I hereby agree to undergo all testing procedures described herein and any other reasonable re-tests to ensure that I meet the WNSO's natural requirements. Testing will encompass steroids, diuretics, beta-blockers, or other athletic enhancing substances. I also understand that High Levels of Andro, although sold over the counter in the US, does mimic "Deca" on a urine test and I am aware that if my urine test comes back positive for "Deca" I will have failed my drug test. I understand that if I refuse any or part of the testing procedures, this will be considered as an automatic failure and I will not be permitted to compete, forfeiting any registration payments I already made.
I understand that I must stand in front of the Physique Screening Panel &/or the WNSO Judges - prior to or during competition- in a posing suit or swimsuit as they will determine whether or not I am permitted to enter in the competition. I further understand that the Physique Screening Assessment may disqualify me, in its absolute unfettered discretion, if they determine that I do not fit the look or profile of a natural athlete. This screening process will take place either prior to the event or at the event, and if the Physique Screening Panel does not allow me to compete based on their assessment, the competition entry fee will be refunded. If this is the case, at no time will WNSO report my name anywhere. However, if the Physique Screening Assessment determines that it is clear that I have knowingly or recklessly used a banned substance, engaged in an improper practice, or have otherwise cheated, no refund will be made and my name can be made public. In any event, if I am disqualified by the Physique Screening Panel I will abide by its decision without incident or further recourse. There is no restitution or compensation to me from WNSO, FAME, any affiliates or from the Physique Screening Panel members other than the possible full refund of the competition entry fees as stated above.
I will undergo the Physique Screening Assessment as well as possible random and selected Urinalysis Testing, and/or a Lie Detector Examination - either during this current event or out-of-competition. I will complete this test(s) without any tampering of the sample and/or information provided. I understand that if I am selected at any time during the year I will report to the WNSO selected testing facility. I also acknowledge that refusal of this test will result in an automatic failure. I further understand that if there are still concerns about meeting the Natural Requirements Mandate, I may be called back to be questioned in private by the panel of judges. I also understand that a failure of any type of test executed by WNSO's Doping Control Unit and/or a refusal to take a test may result in an immediate lifetime disqualification from all WNSO sanctioned events without any financial consideration or reimbursement. I also understand that if I am disqualified my name and/or image and the reason for my suspension may be listed on websites, in newsletters, media releases, television and may be shared with affiliate organizations.
I acknowledge that the failure of any one athlete to abide by WNSO's natural requirements hurts not only the WNSO but all the athletes and spectators competing and attending the WNSO events. I therefore, in consideration of an identical or similar covenant from other competitors, contract with all other competitors at any WNSO sanctioned event in which I might compete (including this one) that I shall be liable in damages as the result of the breach of any of WNSO's requirements relative to natural testing. I irrevocably constitute WNSO as my agent to enter into this mutual covenant with the other competitors at this and any future WNSO event in which I might partake. I acknowledge that, in addition, I shall be liable in damages to WNSO for any such breach of its rules I might commit. I therefore certify that I have not "cheated" in my preparation for this competition and in particular I have not used any banned or illegal performance enhancing substances.
In addition to the drug testing policy, I am also aware of the Competitor Rules and Regulations. In such, I certify that I will not apply tanning creams or oils in any areas other than the designated spots backstage. If I go beyond these spots and get the walls, floor, chairs, mirrors, or cabinets dirty etc. I will be responsible for any and all additional 'clean-up' charges applied to the event. I also realize that backstage is limited to athletes only and if I try to sneak someone in I may be asked to leave with out reimbursement. As well, should I end up NOT competing for any reason, I am aware that my fees will neither be refunded nor transferred.