The International Testing Agency has held a webinar in association with the International Shooting Sport Federation to educate coaches on clean sport.
In total, there were 147 attendees, with 106 coaches participating. It was delivered in English and interpreted in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. Individuals from 76 countries registered for the event.
The session summarised the activities and purpose of the ITA, which is an independent anti-doping organisation which cooperates with organisations such as the ISSF. Part of the ITA's objectives is also to provide sufficient education to its associated members.
ISSF Academy director Vesa Nissinen and coach Christian Schofield represented the ISSF on the call, while Armando Urban from the education team at the ITA, was also in support.
Topics covered included anti-doping roles and responsibilities, how to influence athletes' values and behaviours, checking medication, Therapeutic Use Exemptions, the testing process, reporting doping in sport and how to support athletes during vulnerable moments. There were opportunities for coaches to be interactive with the resources, encouraged to be active learners.
In the feedback from the session, all coaches agreed or strongly agreed that the webinar was a valuable learning experience, showing positive reviews, particularly on the topic of how to support athletes.
The next ITA monthly webinar is set to take place on 22th of May at 14:00 CEST, on the topic of nutrition, with registration open
here.