Alcohol and Air Sports Contests
Alcohol is legal in most countries. But it is also a powerful substance that can be subject to misuse or abuse. In large quantities, alcohol (called “ethanol” in scientific language) will seriously disturb sleep and result in fatigue the following day. Alcoholic drinks also contain various substances that can produce toxic effects on the human body.
High alcohol consumption causes dehydration, and the inevitable "hangover" will adversely affect performance in air sports. Many competitors choose to abstain from alcohol totally during contests, and that is a wise and legitimate choice. However, practical advice is needed as to what may be consumed while still complying with the WADA limit of 0.10g/l and remaining fit for air sport competition.
Units of alcohol are an inexact guide, because the definition varies between countries. However, in many countries there is also a legal limit of 0.50g/l for driving motor vehicles.
This advice has been written for competitors but applies equally to all those involved in competition support and organisation.
