ANTI-DOPING

Athletes participating in Pole Sports and Arts World Federation (POSA) events, which include USPSF events, must become WHEA members with a signed anti-doping contract no later than three months before the competition, as part of a partnership between POSA and the World Heavy Events Association (WHEA) regarding anti-doping efforts.

Athletes agree to abide by the rules stated in the contract through their membership. By paying the annual membership fee, the athlete maintains the validity of their membership, and the contract is valid until it is terminated in writing. 

Athletes who sign anti-doping contracts consent to be tested for doping at any time and anywhere without prior notification from the WADA officials. Doping tests may be conducted both during and after events.

Click the link for the prohibited substances list for 2024:

THE 2024 PROHIBITED LIST WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE

HOW TO GET UNDER CONTRACT

1. Register with WHEA by using Suomisport to pay the annual membership fee.  Visit the website: https://www.suomisport.fi?locale=en_GB
2. Enter your phone number or email address and press "Enter."
3. Enter your personal information after logging in if you have never used Suomisport before.
4. Choose "Purchase license" and "Pole Sports & Arts" as your sport.
5. Select "POSA/WHEA Athlete outside of Finland".
6. Select "POSA World Federation" as the club you belong to for competitive activities.
7. Choose "Korttimaksu (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard)" and use a credit card to pay for your license.

If you experience any issues acquiring the license, please get in touch with [email protected].

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

For athletes who need to take medication for certain illnesses or conditions,  a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may be granted if the drug they must take happens to be on the Prohibited List for that particular ailment.   Athletes must apply for a TUE at least sixty days before the competition.

How to apply for POSA-WHEA's TUE:
1. Complete the TUE form provided by WADA: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/therapeutic-use-exemption/tue-application-form
2. Please fill out the WHEA box in the upper right corner of the form.
3. Send the complete and signed application to [email protected].

Estimated processing time is up to 60 or more days.  The athlete will receive an email with the decision if the TUE is granted or denied. The athlete is entitled to file a complaint about the decision.