runner outside stretching
10/10/2021

UKAD and CIMSPA formalise partnership for sport and physical activity professionals

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between two leading UK sports bodies aims to help keep sport clean. Education pathways and professional standards will foster understanding of the latest anti-doping topics and rules.

Across the UK, with venues open and so many people resuming sport and physical activity after lockdown, those supporting them - including as coaches - are much in demand too. At a time when so many are enjoying getting active, two leading sports bodies are boosting efforts to embed a culture of clean sport.

CIMSPA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) are pleased to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ratify our on-going partnership work.

Spencer Moore, CIMPSA’s Director of Strategy, said:

“I’m very pleased that CIMSPA is moving forwards in partnership with UKAD – we both have a big role to play in protecting a culture of clean sport throughout our sector. Through this formal partnership we can help drive the development of professional standards for core roles within the sport, fitness and leisure industry.

“We will work with UKAD to integrate their anti-doping knowledge and competencies into relevant standards to ensure that those supporting athletes or young people engaged in sport have the most up to date and verified learning and resources regarding clean sport. We will then be able to develop industry recognised training and education programmes to best meet the needs of those working in the industry.”

Paul Moss, UKAD’s Head of Education, said:

“Research tells us that those around the athlete play a vital role in the protection of clean sport. This is a great initiative to support coaches through their career pathways, working at all levels to help foster a clean sport environment for all. From professionals supporting amateur gym workouts right through to those coaching elite athletes, our partnership will support sporting integrity across all endeavours.

“CIMSPA will work to educate its partners and members on how anti-doping challenges exist at all levels of UK sport and physical activity. We are grateful to CIMSPA for their support to our education efforts and commitment to help us all protect clean sport.”

UKAD will add its world-renowned expertise to the development of dedicated professional standards for anti-doping specialists, with CIMSPA identifying opportunities and membership pathways for these sector professionals to have their excellence recognised by the sector’s single chartered professional body.

The MoU, which will run for one year, will centre on the development of professional standards for occupations engaged in anti-doping work, using expert guidance provided by UKAD. The creation of an Anti-Doping Liaison Officer Professional Standard is the eventual ambition.