Case Study: Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC)

Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC)

According to a leading digital research firm, the worldwide esports market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2017. This once-burgeoning industry has now arrived on the global competitive landscape.

Teams are competing against one another on the latest games with millions of online viewers and on the largest screens in capacity-filled arenas and stadiums.  All are vying for lucrative cash purses.

In effort to protect fair esport competition, the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) was founded to deal with issues that prevent match manipulation and other corruption challenges that may affect these competitions. Growing in recognition toward being the guardian of integrity in the category, the organization’s global work touches professional and amateur players.

Drug Free Sport partnered with ESIC for oral fluid drug testing at two major ESL events: the ESL Pro League Season Five Finals (Dallas, TX) and ESL One New York 2017. “It’s been a great relief for us to find a reliable and experienced testing agency with efficient and friendly Doping Control Officers who have adapted easily to our system,” said Ian Smith, Integrity Commissioner of ESIC.  “I look forward to our continued collaboration, as testing in esports expands globally.”

Case Study: World of Outlaws Dirt Track Racing

World of Outlaws

Dirt track racing is beloved by millions and continues to expand its reach around the globe. The sport’s leader, World of Outlaws, has long taken a stance against substance abuse, but embraced its role as an innovator by creating an exclusive partnership with Drug Free Sport for a robust sport drug-testing program.

“Every major sport across the country has adopted drug-testing policies. As the leader in dirt track racing we felt it was time to join that group,” said World of Outlaws President Tom Deery. “Partnering with Drug Free Sport as a third-party administrator provides our participants a thorough and fair testing platform.”

Testing for World of Outlaws two series (Craftsman Sprint Car Series and Late Model Series) began in early 2017, focusing on substances of abuse. Drug Free Sport was chosen because of its status as an independent, third-party administrator and its successes throughout professional sports in a variety of testing environments.

Case Study: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

Collegiate Championship Testing and Sports Drug Education

Founded in 1937 with the involvement of the iconic Dr. James Naismith, the NAIA is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The organization represents the play of 65,000 student-athletes and hosts 25 national championships. For several years, the NAIA focused on sport drug education through Drug Free Sport, where student-athletes, sports medical professionals, and their caregivers were provided with key information on wellness, the risks of dietary supplements, and sports nutrition.

In January 2016, the NAIA announced that they will begin national championship sports drug testing for the 2017 – 2018 academic school year, partnering with Drug Free Sport. “Drug Free Sport is a great addition to the NAIA team and will provide unbiased and customized drug education,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “Drug Free Sport has been a partner with the NAIA in different capacities for the last few years and now we are excited to officially sign them on as a partner.”

Drug Free Sport is proud to be the Official Partner of Drug Education and Testing Services for the NAIA.

Case Study: Georgetown University

Policy Development and Sports Drug Testing

One of the most storied athletic programs in collegiate sports, Georgetown University’s athletics department has succeeded academically and athletically. The Hoyas were looking for a partner that would understand and respect their unique culture, while providing options for their entry into sports drug testing for student-athletes. With sports ranging from lacrosse and sailing to football and basketball, this would be an opportunity to continue the university’s reputation of excellence and provide an expanded level of wellness education.

In Spring 2017, Georgetown chose to work with Drug Free Sport to develop their sports drug testing policy and to administer on-campus drug testing.

“Georgetown University had decided to implement an institutional drug testing program last year,” said Shawn Hendi, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health & Wellness at Georgetown. “We couldn’t be more impressed with the professionalism, experience and customer service that Drug Free Sport has provided and continues to provide for our 29 sports and 750 student-athletes.  Partnering with Drug Free Sport to provide credible collection, analysis, and consultation has been exceptional in all regards.”