#Anti-Doping

Iraq conducts anti-doping education program

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 16) -- At the request of the United World Wrestling, the Iraqi Wrestling Federation held a four-day anti-doping education program from August 11 to 14, 2022.

The seminar was conducted in collaboration with the Iraqi Anti-Doping Agency.

Dozens of wrestlers, across various age groups, along with coaches and athletes’ support staff attended the sessions, where they were educated about their obligations and rights as per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

Several subjects were discussed during the sessions. The wrestlers, their coaches and support staff were made aware of the WADA’s list of prohibited substances, effective as of January 1, 2022. The prohibited list may include any substance or methods that satisfy any two of the following three criteria: if it enhances an athlete’s sporting performance; if it is an actual or potential health risk to the athlete; or if it violates the spirit of sport, as defined by the WADA Code.

The wrestlers were also educated about the consequences of doping, the testing protocols, the risks associated with nutritional supplements and therapeutic use exemptions.

Mr Shaalan Al Tamimi, the president of the Iraqi Wrestling Federation, said: “I am very satisfied with this project and we will continue this close collaboration on education with the anti-doping organization in Iraq to combat harmful conduct for our sports community.”

The four-day anti-doping program was in continuation of UWW’s quest for clean sport and an effective anti-doping education is a crucial part of it. In partnership with the WADA and the International Testing Agency, the UWW is determined to fight against doping in Wrestling (Olympic and Associated Styles) and works closely with National Wrestling Federations, National Anti-doping Agencies and National Olympic Committees.

Education is the key to preventing doping, which should be the primary objective. The UWW's anti-doping education initiative offers a comprehensive program for all stakeholders, particularly young wrestlers. National Federations, too, have a crucial role to play in educating their wrestlers. UWW encourages and supports any program they wish to set up in partnership with their National Anti-doping Agency.

#development

Indonesia learns tricks of the trade in refereeing, coaching and IT

By United World Wrestling Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (June 29) -- The Indonesia Wrestling Federation recently hosted three comprehensive courses ahead of its national championships in Jakarta. From June 21 to 25, these courses took place at the Gedung Olahraga Universitas Negeri Jakarta.

Conducted in collaboration with United World Wrestling, Olympic Solidarity, Indonesia NOC, and the Indonesia Wrestling Federation, the courses covered different areas of expertise. Vincent AKA led the coaching course, Zach ERRETT conducted the referee course, and Youssef BOUAZIZ organized the IT course.

The Level 1 Course (Introduction to Coaching and Safety), a technical course for coaches, had a total of 42 participants, consisting of 35 men and seven women. Throughout the course, the coaches delved into various topics, including discovery games, introducing new techniques, coaching skills, providing feedback, risk management, and understanding age and developmental stage characteristics. The coaches actively practiced and honed their skills through practical evaluations, establishing a solid foundation for effective coaching methods that can be implemented in their respective provinces.

"The coaches and referees came together to work as a team," Aka said. "We tried to provide the skills that they need to be successful in their jobs and as a federation. Now, it needs to keep moving forward."

Hadi Rizky HANAFIAH, one of the participants, shared his newfound confidence as a coach.

“As a young coach, I feel more confident in managing my athletes and helping them to be the better wrestlers," the West Java coach said. "Hopefully UWW will be able to come to Indonesia so all Indonesian coaches can have valuable knowledge in the future."

IndonesiaParticipants during the Introduction to Referee course in Jakarta. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The Introduction to Refereeing Course had 19 participants, including 15 men and four women. The course focused on the fundamental aspects of being a referee, covering athlete safety, hold evaluation, referee mechanics, positioning, and bout control. Zach ERRETT commended the referees for their hard work and improvement throughout the course.

“The course went very well," Errett said. "The referees worked hard and showed improvement by the final day. The group was eager to learn and very receptive to feedback. It was great to watch them apply their skills successfully during the competition," he said.

The IT Course, attended by 20 participants, provided insight into the workings of the UWW's IT system during international competitions and continental championships. The participants gained knowledge about BlockChain draw, streaming tools, and the dissemination of public information. They also had the opportunity to design an IT setup for a simulated competition.

"This was my second course as an IT Educator in Southeast Asia," Bouaziz said. "There are many young people around the world, especially in SEA, who want to learn and work in event management. The participants asked many questions about the details of the programs and their functionalities. I was delighted that there were 20 participants in the course and I hope that we can conduct more courses to prepare the next generation for wrestling's future technological advancements."

IndonesiaParticipants of the three courses implementing their skills during the U20 National Championships in Jakarta. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Following the courses, the Indonesia Wrestling Federation organized the U20 national championships, attracting 157 participants who competed in 200 bouts. This competition provided coaches and referees with the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills. The IT course participants took the lead in organizing the competition system.

“The IT course will help the Indonesia Federation IT Division," Ronny GUNAWAN, IT Chairman of IWF, said. "We were able to share and learn about the latest developments in IT. Sharing knowledge in Indonesia can be challenging because we live in various provinces spread across islands. Hopefully, we can have future courses with UWW to further enhance our capabilities."