Dear Nationals Federations (Secretaries General, Anti-Doping Leads and Administrators),
WFDF, as a signatory to WADA’s World Anti-Doping Code, is committed to clean sport.
As part of this commitment, WFDF supports WADA’s principle that an Athlete’s first experience with anti-doping should be through education rather than doping control (testing).
Testing for substances prohibited in sport is designed to detect and deter doping. Any Athlete can be tested at any time. Therefore, it is important all Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel understand the process and their rights and responsibilities so when they are selected for testing, they are informed and prepared.
Please find below further information:
Doping control (testing) is part of being an elite Athlete so it is important Athletes know what to expect and their rights and responsibilities when they are selected for testing.
Any Athlete under the testing jurisdiction of WFDF may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, in or out of competition, and be required to provide a urine or blood sample.
Doping Control Process The doping control process is clearly defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This means that no matter where and when an Athlete is tested, the process should remain the same. Athlete Selection: An Athlete can be selected for testing at any time and any place. Notification: A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone will notify the Athlete of their selection and outline their rights and responsibilities. Reporting to the Doping Control Station: The Athlete should report to the doping control station immediately after being notified. The DCO may allow a delay in reporting for a valid reason. Sample Collection Equipment: The Athlete is given a choice of individually sealed sample collection vessels and kits to choose from. They must inspect the equipment and verify the sample code numbers. Collecting the sample Completing the Doping Control Form (DCF): The Athlete will check and confirm that all of the information is correct, including the sample code number and their declaration of medications and/or products they have used. They will also be asked for their consent for the use of the sample for research purposes. They will receive a copy of the DCF and should keep it. Laboratory Process: All samples are sent to WADA accredited laboratories for analysis.
Rights and Responsibilities During the Sample Collection Athletes have a number of rights and responsibilities during sample collection.
Athlete rights during sample collection are to: Have a representative accompany them during the process Request an interpreter, if one is available Ask for Chaperone’s/Doping Control Officer’s identification Ask any questions Request a delay for a valid reason—like attending a victory ceremony, receiving necessary medical attention, warming down or finishing a training session Request special assistance or modifications to the process Record any comments or concerns on the Doping Control Form
Athlete responsibilities during sample collection are to: Report for testing immediately if selected Show valid identification—usually a government-issued ID Remain in direct sight of the Doping Control Officer or Chaperone Comply with the collection procedure
Please watch the webinar Testing: What you Need to Know for practical information. |
Please consider sharing this with Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel to whom this is relevant and encouraging access to the WFDF resources.
Webpage: Please visit WFDF’s Anti-Doping webpage for more information and resources.
Education Hub: Please consider registering and accessing the WFDF Anti-Doping Education Hub located within WFDF Academy.
Contact: Please contact WFDF’s Anti-Doping Staff if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
#PlayTrue
