March 9, 2012 - The Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) today issued a Technical Directive intended to provide its interpretation of the WBTF-WDSF Athlete Code of Conduct and how that Code may impact its athletes. Athletes and coaches attending the Canadian Team Trials are encouraged to review this Directive immediately. Questions should be directed as indicated in the Directive.

Now that the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) is an Associate Member with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), new competitive opportunities will begin to come available (see Baton Twirling One Step Closer to World Games for more details). With these opportunities, however, also come additional responsibilities.

All athletes registered to compete at 2012 WBTF World Championships will be required to adhere to the WBTF/WDSF Code of Conduct for Athletes.

All judges participating at the 2012 WBTF World Championships will similarly be required to adhere to the WBTF/WDSF Code of Conduct for Adjudicators.

All athletes, judges and other officials will also be required to adhere to the WDSF Anti-Doping Code. In-competition testing will be in effect at the WBTF 2012 World Championships, and baton twirling athletes may also be selected at random for ongoing out-of-competition testing.

More details about the WDSF/WBTF anti-doping program are available on the WBTF.ORG website (Doping-Free Sport). In addition, Canadian athletes can take advantage of the online tool - GlobalDRO.com. This tool provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific substances based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Athletes and coaches attending the Canadian Team Trials are encouraged to become familiar with the WDSF Anti-Doping Code as soon as possible - responsibility for compliance rests with the athlete and their coach.