World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List Now in Force
IslandStats.com
The World Anti-Doping Agency reminds all stakeholders that this year's illicit drugs catalogue and the Monitoring Programme come into force as of 1 January. The table was approved by WADA's Executive Committee at its meeting on 11 September.
The list is one of eight International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. It specifies which substances and methods are prohibited both in and out of competition, and which substances are banned only in certain sports. The 2026 Monitoring Programme covers substances that are not on the index but that WADA wishes to track in order to detect possible patterns of misuse in sport.
As set out in the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the main changes for 2026 include additional examples and clarifications have been introduced in the following substance classes to help athletes and their support personnel better identify what is prohibited: anabolic agents; peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics; hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants. Dosing intervals for salmeterol have been adjusted to avoid potential performance-enhancing effects, although the maximum total daily dose remains unchanged. Further detail has been provided on the prohibition of blood withdrawal and manipulation of blood components.
Non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide has been added as a new Prohibited Method under section M1.4. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as measuring total haemoglobin mass or assessing lung diffusing capacity, remains permitted. Also, the existing ban on the use of normal or genetically modified cells has been expanded to include cellular components, for example nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes. Meanwhile, the Glucocorticoid Washout Table now clarifies that the use of sustained-release formulations can lead to detectable glucocorticoid levels even after the recommended washout period because of prolonged systemic absorption.
IslandStats Football Show Continues as Season Heats Up
IslandStats.com
The much-anticipated "IslandStats Football Show" is set to grace the airwaves once again today at 6:00 pm, serving as a vital hub for Bermuda’s football enthusiasts as the season enters its most critical phase.
With the domestic calendar now officially in its second half, the weekly program promises to deliver comprehensive updates and expert analysis of the Premier and First Divisions. As the race for silverware intensifies and the threat of the drop looms large, the show aims to be the go-to destination for die-hard supporters and casual observers alike.
The primary talking point of the evening will undoubtedly be the relentless form of the Dandy Town Hornets. Following their clinical 4-0 victory over Young Men’s Social Club yesterday, the recently crowned Friendship Trophy champions have stretched their lead at the summit to four points.
With just three months remaining in the league season, all eyes are on whether the Hornets can maintain their composure under pressure from the chasing PHC Zebras and Devonshire Colts. The show will feature tactical breakdowns of how the Hornets have managed to maintain their momentum during a grueling holiday schedule and whether they have the depth to see the job through to April.
At the other end of the table, the drama is equally compelling. The "IslandStats" panel will delve into the plight of Young Men’s Social Club and the Boulevard Blazers, both of whom find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation spots.
The Blazers, currently sitting at the bottom of the pile, and ninth-placed Social Club are in desperate need of a resurgence to pull themselves toward safety. Tonight’s program will look at the potential "great escapes" on the horizon and what changes these storied clubs must make to retain their Premier Division status for 2027.
Expect more than just match results and score updates. The show’s dynamic format invites coaches, players, and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) officials to join live discussions, providing firsthand insights that fans rarely get to hear elsewhere.
From candid reflections on recent performances to behind-the-scenes looks at movements, the "IslandStats Football Show" promises to enrich the local football discourse. Whether it’s discussing the standard of officiating or the development of the island’s youth prospects, the show remains the heartbeat of Bermudian football media.
Sunday, January 04, 2026
Lau Helps Claim a Bronze Mixed Doubles Badminton Medal
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s junior badminton stars found the going tough on day two of the Victor Ontario Junior C #7 tournament, as the island’s trio faced a grueling schedule of elite doubles competition at Carleton University.
While the singles matches earlier in the weekend provided glimpses of success, the jump to the doubles and mixed doubles divisions proved a steep learning curve for Joseph Lau, Aaron Lee, and JitHom Liew against some of Canada’s most polished young pairings.
The Boy’s Under-19 Doubles bracket saw Lau and Lee join forces for a series of high-intensity encounters, though they found the local opposition clinical. Their run began with a 21-8, 21-10 defeat to Haihan Sun and Zihan Wu, followed by a hard-fought 21-11, 21-13 loss to Xavier Chan and Jeremy Yuan. The Bermudian duo continued to show resilience through the later rounds, but eventually fell to Lemuel Ng and Adrian Tang (21-10, 21-7) and Michael Gadza and Tayson Te (21-10, 21-11).
Despite the hurdles in the men's draw, Joseph Lau found a moment of triumph alongside Canadian partner Swara Pawar in the Under-19 Mixed Doubles. The pair endured a difficult start, suffering straight-sets defeats to the pairings of Zihan and Zimo Wu, as well as Lemuel Ng and Isuri DeSilva. However, their persistence was rewarded in a thrilling three-set clash against Eric Tan and Sophia Kan which earned them a Bronze Medal.
In a match that kept the Ottawa crowd on edge, Lau and Pawar claimed the opening set 21-17, only for their opponents to snatch the second by the same scoreline. Showing immense composure in the decider, the cross-border pairing found their rhythm to take the final set 21-15 and secure a well-earned victory.
For JitHom Liew, competing in the Under-15 division, the second day of action mirrored the high standards seen in the senior ranks. Navigating the consolation rounds, Liew faced a tough battle against Daniel Paul, eventually going down 21-15, 21-9.
While the scorelines reflected the dominance of the Ontario-based players, the experience of competing in a multi-disciplinary international event remains a key pillar of the Bermuda National Junior Badminton Association’s strategy. Under the guidance of coach Emma Moran-Lee, the trio will now look to carry these lessons back to the island as they continue their preparations for the next stage of the regional circuit.
Saturday, January 03, 2026
Trio Tested as Badminton Tournament Starts in Ottawa
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s rising badminton stars faced a challenging opening day at the Victor Ontario Junior C #7 tournament in Canada, with the island's trio testing their mettle against some of North America's top young talent.
Competing at Carleton University in Ottawa, the three-man squad of Joseph Lau, Aaron Patrick Lee, and JitHom Liew found the standard high as they navigated both the main draws and consolation brackets in their respective divisions.
Joseph Lau provided the highlight of the opening round in the Boy's Under-19 Division. Lau looked composed and sharp from the outset, dispatching Davin Uriel Yang Tan in straight sets with a disciplined 21-12, 21-15 victory. The win saw him progress to the quarter-finals, where he faced a formidable opponent in Michael Gadza. Despite a spirited effort and several long rallies, Lau was unable to find a way past Gadza, eventually falling by an identical 21-12, 21-15 scoreline.
In the same age bracket, Aaron Lee endured a difficult start to his campaign. Lee came up against a clinical Adrian Tand in his opener, struggling to find his rhythm in a 21-6, 21-4 defeat. Looking to bounce back in the Consolation Quarter-Final, Lee showed more of his technical ability against Xavier Ming Feng Chan but ultimately bowed out of the singles competition following a 21-7, 21-11 loss.
Thirteen-year-old JitHom Liew, competing in the Under-15 Division, was involved in one of the most competitive matches of the day. Facing Ishan Atharva Gokhale, Liew pushed his opponent to the limit in both sets, showcasing the explosiveness he has worked on during his pre-tournament training in Bermuda. However, Gokhale’s consistency proved decisive in the crucial moments, with Liew narrowly edged out 21-17, 21-19.
Following the narrow defeat, Liew moved into the Consolation Quarter-Final to take on Daniel Paul. Despite a bright start, Liew was unable to sustain the pressure against the Canadian, falling 21-15, 21-9 to conclude his singles run.
While the results on paper were tough for the Bermudian contingent, coach Emma Moran-Lee had previously emphasised that the trip was designed to expose the players to a higher tier of competition. Having trained against Bermuda's adult national team players in preparation for the Ottawa event, the trio will now look to regroup for the doubles portion of the tournament.
The experience at the Victor Ontario Junior C series continues to serve as a vital development platform for Bermuda’s junior national programme as they look to build toward future regional championships.
Friday, January 02, 2026
Bermuda Officials Named in FIFA’s 2026 International List
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s presence on the world stage has been bolstered after FIFA officially released its International List of Match Officials for 2026, with four local officials earning their place among the global elite.
The announcement, confirmed by the Bermuda Football Association (BFA), sees a talented quartet of officials retain their status for the upcoming international calendar. The list features a blend of rising stars and established figures who have become regular fixtures in CONCACAF and regional competitions.
Heading the list is Amaury Majors, who continues his rapid ascent in the officiating world. Having first joined the FIFA list in 2025, Majors has quickly established himself as a reliable man in the middle, recently serving as a fourth official in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers and officiating in the MLS Next platform.
The island also maintains a strong presence on the touchline with three Assistant Referees:
Clinton Hayward: A mainstay of the international scene since 2022, Hayward’s experience includes duty in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup and recent high-profile friendlies, including the USA vs. South Korea clash in late 2025.
Stefan Maybury: Also a member of the elite list since 2022, Maybury has been praised for his consistency and was recently featured in local spotlights for his role in facilitating fair play at the highest levels.
Natasha Trott: Making history as Bermuda's first-ever female FIFA official, Trott has been retained on the 2026 list. While she has faced recent spells on the sidelines due to injury, her inclusion remains a significant milestone for the BFA’s development program.
Crenstant Williams, Chairman of Referees for the BFA, hailed the news as a testament to the hard work being done behind the scenes in Bermuda.
"Team Bermuda in the building. 2026 is loading," Williams shared in a statement, emphasizing the rigorous physical and technical standards—including the CODA (Change of Direction Ability) tests—that the officials had to pass to secure their spots.
The retention of these four officials ensures that Bermuda will be represented during the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, as the island's "officiating stock" continues to rise across the North American and Caribbean regions.
