Report Doping

Athlete Selection and Notification

USADA’s drug testing program allows for athletes to be selected for testing both at a competition (in-competition testing) or without any advanced notice (out-of-competition testing) which can occur at any time and at any location. Athletes will be notified of their selection for doping control, by a USADA Doping Control Officer (DCO) or USADA chaperone. At the time of notification, the athlete will be informed of their rights and responsibilities during the sample collection process and be asked to provide photo identification.

Doping Control Station

Following notification, the athlete will remain under continuous watch (direct observation) of the DCO or chaperone. If the athlete has been notified for in-competition testing, they must immediately report to the doping control station. Under certain circumstances, an athlete may request a delay in reporting for valid reasons; however, this request may not be permitted if it is not possible for the athlete to be continuously chaperoned. Such circumstances may include:

• Competing in further events;
• Participation in a victory ceremony;
• Fulfilment of media commitments;
• Performing a warm down;
• Obtaining necessary medical treatments;
• Locating a representative and/or interpreter;
• Obtaining photo identification; or
• Completing a training session.

DCO directly observing the passing of the sample. When ready to provide a sample, the athlete will be asked to select a sealed sample collection vessel from a choice of vessels. The athlete should check and inspect the collection vessel to ensure that it has not been tampered with and will be instructed to rinse their hands with only water before opening the vessel. The athlete representative may be present in the toilet area during the provision of the sample with the athlete’s permission and when agreed upon by the DCO.

The athlete will be asked to provide a urine sample of at least 90ml under direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone of the same gender. For the DCO or chaperone to have a clear view of the sample being provided, the athlete will be asked to pull their shirt up to mid torso, pants down to mid-thigh and sleeves rolled up their elbows. As soon as the athlete is finished providing the sample, the DCO or chaperone will instruct the athlete to immediately secure the vessel with the lid.

Provision of the sample in the case of a minor will require a few additional protocols. Please follow the link to read the policy on minor athletes.

Sample Processing

After the sample is secured, the athlete and the DCO or chaperone will proceed back to the doping control station to begin the sample processing part of sample collection.

The athlete will first be asked to choose a sample collection kit containing the bottles in which the sample will be sent to the lab. Similar to the way the vessel was chosen, the athlete will choose from a choice of sample collection boxes and ensure that the container is not damaged or tampered with. The athlete will open the sample collection kit and inspect the contents of the package. Both the DCO and athlete will ensure that all sample code numbers on the bottles and sample collection kit box match.

The athlete will then divide the sample between the B Sample and A Sample bottles and seal them. The DCO will not handle any of the equipment during the procedure unless requested to do so by the athlete. The athlete is to maintain control of the sample until the sample is sealed.

Once the sample is sealed, the athlete will be asked to place the B Sample and A Sample bottles into plastic bags and into a cardboard box.