A “no needle” policy will be imposed on the 2012 London Olympics by the International Olympic Committee. This means athletes are prohibited from possessing syringes — and other medical equipment that could possibly be used for doping — in living areas, locker rooms, training venues and competition sites.
In a feature on Washington Post, IOC medical commission chairman Arne Ljungqvist says “We won’t accept medical equipment like syringes and needles in the field of play or non-medical environment. It gives a very bad image and a bad message and can relate to misuse of drugs and doping.”
The new rules will be sent to all 205 national Olympic committees. All teams are expected to comply. Those who may need such restricted equipment must seek authorization from the games’ chief medical officer. Only those with medical clearance can bring syringes, needles or similar items, and only for proper medical circumstances.
Aside from this new measure that aims to fight doping, more than 5,000 drug tests will be conducted. This will include surprise and out-of-competition tests on urine and blood samples.
Penalties for violators are still to be finalized, but they are expected to be somewhat like the penalties for doping violations. Players may face expulsion from the games.
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