• September 5, 2023

Introduction

Doping poses a significant threat to the integrity of sports, as it grants unfair advantages to athletes, allowing them to surpass their natural abilities and creating an uneven playing field. This undermines the principles of fair competition, diminishing the value of hard work and genuine talent.

To safeguard the purity of sports and to protect athletes from unacceptable behaviors, anti-doping measures are implemented, with testing being a fundamental pillar. By conducting regular tests, authorities aim to maintain a clean and equitable sporting environment.

It's important to note that the anti-doping procedure is generally the same for all athletes, with some minor adjustments to accommodate athletes with disabilities and underage athletes. In this article, we will focus on highlighting the specific differences in the anti-doping process for athletes with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion and fair treatment within the sporting community.

The types and timing of Doping Tests

There are two types of doping tests, urine tests and blood tests. Also, Testing differs by the timeframe it is performed, out-of-competition and in-competition testing.

Urine Testing is the most common and widely used method for detecting prohibited substances. Athletes provide a urine sample under controlled conditions, which is analyzed to identify any prohibited substances.

Blood tests are another crucial method used for anti-doping purposes. They can detect a broader range of substances, including some that might not show up in urine tests. Blood samples are analyzed to identify any abnormal levels of substances or markers that could indicate doping.

Out-of-competition testing is a crucial aspect of anti-doping efforts to ensure a clean and fair sporting environment. In addition to in-competition testing, athletes are tested during the period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such Competition. Out-of-competition testing involves conducting tests on athletes when they are not participating in a competition or event. This strategy is designed to deter athletes from using prohibited substances and methods during training periods or other times when they might think they are less likely to be tested.

In-Competition testing is another important component of anti-doping efforts and involves doping testing conducted during the period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such Competition. The primary purpose of in-competition testing is to ensure that athletes are competing on a level playing field and to deter and detect doping during the period when athletes are most likely to seek a performance advantage.

Doping Test Procedure

The doping test procedure, also known as the doping control process, involves a series of steps that are followed to collect and analyze samples from athletes to detect the presence of prohibited substances or methods. The main steps in the doping test procedure are as follows:

Notification and Athlete Selection: Athletes are selected for testing through a random draw or targeted selection. They are notified by doping control officers or other authorized personnel that they have been selected for testing.

Reporting to the Doping Control Area: Once notified, the selected athlete must immediately report to the designated doping control area. This location could be at the competition venue, training facility, or any other location specified in the athlete's whereabouts information.

Identification and Documentation: The athlete is required to provide identification, and the doping control officers will document relevant information, including the athlete's name, identification number, date and time of notification, and other essential details.

Selection of Sample Collection Containers: The athlete is presented with individually sealed sample collection containers, which are used to store the collected urine or blood samples securely.

Privacy and Chaperone: The athlete may be accompanied by a chaperone (same gender) during the testing process to ensure the integrity of the sample collection. The chaperone will accompany the athlete to the restroom or private collection area.

Providing the Sample: For urine testing, the athlete provides a urine sample in the provided container, ensuring that the sample is sufficient in volume and meets specific requirements (e.g., temperature). For blood testing, a blood sample is taken by a qualified medical professional.

Split Sample: In some cases, the athlete's sample may be split into two containers (A and B samples) to provide an additional sample for confirmation testing if the A sample tests positive.

Sealing and Documentation: The collected samples are sealed with tamper-evident seals to maintain their integrity. All steps of the process, including the athlete's consent and any deviations from the standard procedure, are documented.

Sample Transfer: The sealed samples are securely transported to a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory for analysis. A strict chain of custody protocols is followed to ensure the samples' security and prevent tampering.

Sample Analysis: At the laboratory, the samples undergo thorough analysis using advanced testing methods to detect the presence of prohibited substances or methods.

Results Management: Once the analysis is completed, the laboratory reports the results to the relevant anti-doping authorities. If the A sample tests positive, the athlete has the right to request the analysis of the B sample for confirmation.

Follow-Up and Sanctions: If an athlete's sample tests positive or other anti-doping rule violations are confirmed, they may face disciplinary proceedings and potential sanctions, such as disqualification, suspension, or other penalties.

Differentiation in Doping Testing for Athletes with Disabilities

There are a few differences for athletes with disabilities. These differences can be found in the notification process and sample collection.

Notification process

Athletes with a visual impairment: They complete the notification process in the presence of a representative who assists with reading and signing the doping control form.

This cannot be completed by the Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Chaperone.

Athletes with a physical disability: During the notification process, the Chaperone or DCO will ask the athlete how they will provide the sample and if the athlete requires assistance. If the athlete is unable to sign the doping control form, they will need a representative to do this.

Athletes with an intellectual disability: Must have a representative over the age of 18 during the notification process. This cannot be the DCO or Chaperone. The athlete is strongly encouraged to have a representative of Doping Control.

Sample Collection

Athletes with a visual impairment: May have a representative when providing a sample. If the athlete chooses not to have a representative, the DCO must have a second observer outside the bathroom watching them, not the athlete. The athlete must have a representative with them when the sample is divided into the sample bottles. The athlete may request the representative to do this on their behalf.

The representative must read the contents of the doping control form out loud and make any entries on behalf of the athlete, if necessary. Both the athlete and the representative will be asked to sign the form.

Athletes with a physical disability: The DCO will make large sample collection vessels available if necessary and the urine will then be decanted into a smaller sample collection vessel.

Athletes with a leg bag will be asked to replace it before the sample is collected. Should this not be possible, the athlete will be asked to fully drain the existing bag. The DCO will need to see the entire route of the drainage system and where the catheter enters the body.

Athletes using self-catheterization may use their own catheters to provide the sample. A new, sealed catheter should be used. The DCO must witness the catheterization. If the athlete is not able to complete the required sections on the form or provide a signature, his/her representative may complete this on the athlete’s behalf and sign the doping control form as a witness to the process.

Athletes with an intellectual disability: The athlete may elect his/her representative to be present during the sample collection process. The DCO must have a second observer watching them, not the athlete, during the process. The representative can explain the content of the doping control form if the athlete requires them to do so. The representative should sign the doping control form as a witness to the process.

Conclusion

The doping testing procedure for athletes with disabilities includes specific adjustments to ensure their fair treatment and inclusion in anti-doping efforts.

Overall, these differences in the doping testing procedure for athletes with disabilities exemplify the commitment of WADA to uphold fairness and equality in sports.