What is -no needle- policy in Commonwealth Games?

Needles (Syringes) are strictly prohibited in Commonwealth Games. An athlete can’t use a needle unless they are being treated under the medically qualified practitioners that requires a needle to be injected.

However, those athletes who require auto-injection due to their medical medical conditions can use a needle. A TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) may be required in a few cases, for e.g. insulin dependent athletes.

Commonwealth GamesAssociation (CGA) ensures that needles are stored in a central secured location and only grant access to authorized medical personnel of the CGA delegation. Athletes with a valid TUE for use of insulin, can keep auto-injections with them if they are safely stored and disposed in presence of Commonwealth Games officials.

As a general rule, If an athlete is found using inappropriate needles and committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) under theWorld Anti-Doping Code, 2015(Code) is liable to face sanctions. However, one way through which sanctions may be avoided is if the athlete was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

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The Commonwealth Games are held in a different city every four years and it is common for the athletes to visit the host city ahead of the games. The athletes are allowed to leave the host country after completing their event and return by plane, train or car. As part of the pre-games preparations, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has implemented a 'no needle policy' which means that all needles and syringes are not allowed on CGF premises.

This policy includes disposable needles and syringes such as those used in emergencies to provide first aid treatment or blood transfusion, as well as injection pens that have been previously used.

Under the OCA's "No Needle Policy", no athlete can use injectable materials for medical treatment that is not necessary.