Doping control can be a stressful experience the first time an athlete is selected. Coaches have a role to play in the process and it is important that they be able to prepare athletes for the eventuality of being selected for doping control. Here are answers to the top 10 questions athletes have after being selected, courtesy of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). For more information on the doping control process, visit the CCES website.
10. “Why was I selected for in-competition testing?”
Fundamentally, the doping control process exists to ensure a level playing field and fair competition. Athletes are chosen for in-competition testing as a result of a finishing position, a random selection method, or in some cases, a targeted test. The vast majority of tests at the developmental level occur for one of the first two reasons – athletes need not feel guilty.
9. “Can I delay or refuse to participate in the sample collection process (SCP)?”
There are valid reasons to delay the SCP, these include but aren’t limited to: Competing in further events, rounds, or heats; participating in a victory ceremony; performing a cool-down; locating a representative and/or interpreter; and completing a training session. If an athlete chooses to delay the SCP, a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Chaperone will accompany them wherever they go to ensure no violations are committed prior to the SCP. Refusal to participate in the SCP is not recommended as it can constitute an anti-doping rule violation.
8. “Can I seek a representative to accompany me throughout the process?”
Yes. A representative acts as a second set of eyes during the SCP to ensure it is carried out correctly and they’re available to assist the athlete within the allowances of the SCP. While the representative can be anyone whom the athlete trusts to assist them, it should be someone familiar with the SCP. Coaches and managers, particularly those who’ve taken the CCES’s “True Sport Clean 101” and “The Role of Athlete Support Personnel” online courses, are well prepared to assist. While parents may be identified by default, they are not necessarily the best asset to the athlete. Note that a representative is not required, but encouraged.
7. “Who are the Chaperones and DCOs, what are their roles, and who trains them?”
DCOs and Chaperones are trained by the CCES to execute the SCP component of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program under the auspice of, and to the standards decreed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. DCOs and Chaperones are over the age of 18, have completed a CCES screening and interviews, and have provided a police record check. They have attended formal training, completed a written exam and meet the field requirements for certification and authority to conduct their duties. DCOs and Chaperones must be able to effectively communicate in French and/or English.
6. “Will I be asked to pee in front of someone?”
Yes. The sample must be provided in the presence of the DCO or Chaperone who is of the same gender as the athlete. To ensure the Chaperone or DCO has an unobstructed view of the passing of the sample, the athlete must disrobe from mid-torso to mid-thigh. If the athlete wishes, the representative may also witness this step of the SCP.
5. “What if I don’t need to pee?”
If an athlete is unable to provide a urine sample, the DCO or Chaperone will stay with the athlete until the athlete is ready. The athlete will be allowed to drink water to expedite the process. A urine sample that is too concentrated or too diluted may not be usable and a second sample will need to be provided. The DCO will conduct a quick test of the sample to ensure it is acceptable for analysis.
4. “Who handles the samples, containers, and equipment used in the SCP?”
The athlete selects an individually sealed kit containing a collection vessel and is responsible for maintaining control of the vessel at all times until the sample is sealed. The athlete opens and inspects the kit, and ensures the sample code numbers are consistent. After the urine sample is collected, the athlete will split the sample into the “A” and “B” bottles, and ensures it doesn’t leak. The athlete will finally complete the packing and sealing of the sample. Only after the sample is sealed by the athlete will the DCO be allowed to handle it. The sample is sent by secure chain of custody to a WADA-accredited laboratory.
3. “What if I’m taking supplements, or drugs for a specific condition?”
The DCO will ask the athlete to declare any prescription or non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, and any other substance taken within the past seven days. This information is recorded on the doping control form and will be used by the laboratory during analysis. It is the athlete’s responsibility, in collaboration with their coach and support staff, to ensure that appropriate medical exemptions are completed if necessary.
2. “Will I be made aware of the results of my test?”
Only athletes who are in a Registered Testing pool and using ADAMS to report whereabouts will have access to their results. If the sample produces an adverse analytical finding, known as a positive test, the athlete will typically be notified 3 to 4 weeks after sample collection. If the sample is negative, the athlete will not be contacted – no news is good news in this case.
1. “What are my rights and responsibilities as an athlete?”
An athlete has the right to a representative and an interpreter; they have right to ask for additional information regarding the SCP and associated documents; they can request a delay in the SCP (see #9); and they can request a modification to the sample collection process.
The athlete is responsible for remaining in sight of a Chaperone or DCO throughout the SCP; they must provide identification and comply with sample collection procedures; they must report immediately to the doping control station unless delayed for a valid reason; and they must maintain control of the sample until it is sealed.
