Athletes can be tested any time, any place.

We test to deter those vulnerable to a doping decision and to find those who chose to cheat by using banned substances.

Testing can take place in-competition at events, or out-of-competition, in training venues, or even at an athlete’s home.

Testing is intelligence-led and risk-based, however it will always be conducted with ‘no advanced notice’.

The facts – what you need to know about the testing process

Here is an outline of the Testing Process for a Urine Sample;

  • Selection: an athlete is selected for doping control.
  • Notification: a Chaperone or DCO will notify you to say you have been selected for testing and will show you their identification. You will be told your rights and responsibilities, asked to show your identification and then you need to sign the top part of the Doping Control Form to confirm you have been notified.
  • Reporting: you will then be chaperoned (observed at all times) as you make your way to the Doping Control Station (DCS). This is where the testing will take place. You should report immediately to the DCS unless you request a delay for a permitted reason.
  • Selecting Sample Collection Equipment: you should be given a choice of sample collection kits. Make sure the kit you select is sealed and has not been tampered with. This is important.
  • Proving a Sample: when ready, you will be asked to wash your hands or wear gloves and then to provide your sample. The DCO, who will be of the same gender as you, will directly observe you providing your sample. You will be asked to remove/lift clothing above your chest and below your knees so the DCO has an unobstructed view.
  • Splitting the Sample: you will need to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. This may be done on more than one occasion (a partial sample) until you reach the required amount. Once you have 90ml or more, the DCO will ask you to split the sample between the A and B bottles, starting with the B bottle first. Again, you will be given a choice of A and B bottles and you should ensure these have not been tampered with. You should also check that the code on the kits matches.
  • Sealing the Sample: once your sample has been split between the A and the B bottles you will be asked to seal them. Make sure you check and recheck that the tamper-evident bottle lids are securely fastened.
  • Checking the Sample’s Concentration (Specific Gravity): for the lab to be able to analyse your sample it needs to be of a specific concentration. The DCO will test your sample to make sure it is within range. Should your sample not be in range, you may be asked to provide another sample.
  • Verifying the Sample: you will need to complete the Doping Control Form and sign it to complete the process. Don’t forget to add any medications and/or supplements you have taken within the last seven days and consider allowing your sample to be used for research purposes too. Make sure you take your copy of the Doping Control form which you should keep.

Finally, don’t forget that your samples will be sent to a WADA Accredited Lab for analysis. Your A sample will be analysed, and your B sample will be stored securely. Samples can be stored for up to 10 years.

Requesting a Delay

There may be situations where you would like to delay immediately reporting to the Doping Control Station. Athletes have the right to request a delay for the following permitted reasons. Any delay granted is a decision made by the DCO or Chaperone who has notified you.

For an In-Competition Test you can request a delay to:

  • Participate in an medal ceremony
  • Fulfil media commitments
  • Compete in further competitions
  • Perform a warm-down
  • Obtain medical treatment
  • Locate a representative and/or interpreter
  • Obtain photo identification
  • Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified, and which shall be documented

For an Out-of-Competition Test you can request a delay to:

  • Locate a representative
  • Complete a training session
  • Receive medical treatment
  • To obtain photo identification
  • Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified, and which shall be documented

What that means for you

You should always undertake the test. Refusing a test can lead to a four-year ban.

It is also important that you understand your rights and responsibilities in relation to testing.

Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities

From notification for Doping Control, athletes have the right to:

  • be accompanied by a representative and/or interpreter of their choice
  • request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons (see above)
  • ask for additional information about the sample-collection process
  • request modifications.

Athletes have a responsibility to:

  • always remain within direct observation of the DCO/Chaperone from the point of notification by the DCO/Chaperone until the completion of the sample collection procedure
  • produce identification such as competition accreditation or a driver’s licence
  • comply with sample collection procedures
  • report immediately for a test, unless there are valid reasons for a delay (see above).

What you should do

  1. Familiarise yourself with the Testing Process
  2. Always undertake the test
  3. Take a representative with you
  4. Download the 100% me Clean Sport App and use its medications function to record all the medications you have taken – this will help you complete the Declarations box on the Doping Control Form

Other websites describing the testing process:

RUSADA: Test procedure

USADA: Sample collection process

Athlete Information