[The doping rules--a set of rules in good olympic spirit?]

Drug control has become a part of the everyday life of persons engaged in serious sport. The drug rules have also become all embrasive. A critical review emphasizes that both the rules and their application can threaten the legal rights of sportsmen, and violate ethical norms in our society. Although, the rules are part of the regulations of a private organization, the application of the rules may have social consequences reaching far beyond the responsibilities of the governing sports authorities. Because of the rules, many sportsmen are denied optimal treatment for disease and injury. For most of the drugs on the list of banned drugs the documentation that they enhance performance is insufficient or completely lacking. The information is heavily biased, and violates well established medical and ethical requirements. The testing, analysis and interpretation are all encumbered with uncertainty, which may lead to conviction of innocent persons. According to the opinion of the authors, there are substantial reasons for requiring changes in the rules in a way that takes care of basic principles and rights. This can only be fulfilled after an open and independent debate in which all involved groups--sportsmen, officials, politicians, and experts participate.