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 Coach, and then the Coach 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 taking any regular medication e.g. asthma inhalers or epi-pens these
need to be given to your coach at the beginning of a session. Also, please
ensure that you have informed the club on your membership application form and
that you keep the club up to date with any changes. Please be sure that any
drugs you take are not on the banned list. In most cases your Doctor is aware.
Below is a 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 – furosemide
etc (water pills) GLUCOCORTICOSTEROIDS – cortisone drugs – inhaled, skin, nasal
sprays etc. LOCAL ANESTHETICS – These drugs must be declared with a legitimate
verification of necessity
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.
This competitor had only consumed half a salad sandwich and a glass
of water since getting up in the morning. This was obviously inadequate and it
is important that all swimmers seek appropriate advice on dietary considerations
connected with training and competing.
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Health & Safety
