NADA India

#SayNoToDoping

Sample Collection & Testing Guide

Athletes can be tested any time, anywhere. Testing can take place in-competition, out-of-competition, at training venues or even at an athlete’s home or place of current residence. Testing will be conducted with no advanced notice.

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  1.  You are selected for doping control.
  2.  A volunteer or Doping Control Officer (DCO) will notify you about your selection. They will show you identification. You will be told about your rights and responsibilities and asked to show identification.
  3. Under observation at all times, you will report to the Dope Control area where testing will take place. You must report immediately, unless requesting a delay as per pre-defined justifiable reasons.* Reasons to request delay are listed further down.
  4. You can choose a sample collection kit and inspect the kit to ensure it is not tampered.
  5. The DCO, of the same gender as you, will directly observe you as you provide a sample. You may be asked to remove clothing to provide an unobstructed view.
  6. You have to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. You will then be asked to split your sample into A and B bottles. Ensure bottles that you select for this are not tampered with. This process ensures you have a chance to appeal for a second analysis in case of adverse findings.
  7.  You will have to seal your samples. Ensure the bottles are fastened properly.

The samples will be sent to a WADA accredited lab for analysis. The A sample will be analyzed and the B sample stored securely. Samples can be stored for up to ten years.

  1. You are selected for doping control.
  2. A volunteer or Doping Control Officer (DCO) will notify you about your selection. They will show you identification. You will be told about your rights and responsibilities and asked to show identification.
  3.  Under observation at all times, you will report to the Dope Control area where testing will take place. You must report immediately, unless requesting a delay as per pre-defined justifiable reasons.
  4.  You can choose a sample collection kit and inspect the kit to ensure it is not tampered.
  5. A Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will draw blood from you using two vials (which will become the A & B sample).
  6. The blood vials will be placed in the A and B blood sample collection bottles. Only one vial may be necessary if the blood sample is collected as part of an Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) programme.
  7. You will have to seal your samples and ensure the bottles are fastened properly.
  8. You will complete the DCF, either in paper or digital format, with the DCO. You will be asked to provide personal information, a list of substances or methods used, and any comments you may have related to the doping control process. You will be provided a print or digital copy of the DCF.
  9. The samples will be sent to a WADA accredited lab for analysis. A blood sample collected as part of the ABP program may be analyzed by a WADA-approved laboratory. The laboratory copy of the DCF that accompanies the sample is anonymized, indicating only the sample bottle number, sport and the athlete’s gender.

The fundamental principle of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is to monitor selected biological variables over time that indirectly reveal the effects of doping, rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself. Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) can integrate the ABP into the larger framework of a robust anti-doping program in order to:

    • Identify athletes requiring further attention through intelligent and timely interpretation of Passport data. The ABP provides valuable information that can be used to direct anti-doping activities such as Target Testing or investigations more effectively; and
    • Pursue possible Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in accordance with Article 2.2 (Use or attempted use by an athlete of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method) of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code)
    • For more information – CLICK HERE

1. You are selected for doping control.
2. A volunteer or Doping Control Officer (DCO) will notify you about your selection. They will show you identification. You will be told about your rights and responsibilities and asked to show identification.
3. Under observation at all times, you will report to the Dope Control area where testing will take place. You must report immediately, unless requesting a delay as per pre-defined justifiable reasons.* Reasons to request delay are listed further down.
4. You can choose a sample collection kit and inspect the kit to ensure it is not tampered.
5. The DCO, of the same gender as you, will directly observe you as you provide a sample. You may be asked to remove clothing to provide an unobstructed view.
6.You have to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. You will then be asked to split your sample into A and B bottles. Ensure bottles that you select for this are not tampered with. This process ensures you have a chance to appeal for a second analysis in case of adverse findings.
7. You will have to seal your samples. Ensure the bottles are fastened properly.

The samples will be sent to a WADA accredited lab for analysis. The A sample will be analyzed and the B sample stored securely. Samples can be stored for up to ten years.

1. You are selected for doping control.
2. A volunteer or Doping Control Officer (DCO) will notify you about your selection. They will show you identification. You will be told about your rights and responsibilities and asked to show identification.
3. Under observation at all times, you will report to the Dope Control area where testing will take place. You must report immediately, unless requesting a delay as per pre-defined justifiable reasons.
4. You can choose a sample collection kit and inspect the kit to ensure it is not tampered.
5. A Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will draw blood from you using two vials (which will become the A & B sample).
6. The blood vials will be placed in the A and B blood sample collection bottles. Only one vial may be necessary if the blood sample is collected as part of an Athlete Biological Passport programme.
7. You will have to seal your samples and ensure the bottles are fastened properly.
8. You will complete the DCF, either in paper or digital format, with the DCO. You will be asked to provide personal information, a list of substances or methods used, and any comments you may have related to the doping control process. You will be provided a print or digital copy of the DCF.
9. The samples will be sent to a WADA accredited lab for analysis. A blood sample collected as part of the ABP program may be analyzed by a WADA-approved laboratory. The laboratory copy of the DCF that accompanies the sample is anonymized, indicating only the sample bottle number, sport and the athlete’s gender.

In-competition Testing is done in coordination with organizing bodies and federations. These could be:

  • Medal finishers
  • Randomly selected athletes
A valid delay for testing may include: 
  • To participate in a medal ceremony
  • To fulfill media commitments
  • Compete in further competitions
  • Warm-down
  • Get medical treatment
  • Locate an interpreter
  • Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified, and which shall be documented

In-competition

Out-of-competition

Out-of-competition Testing is done to detect doping in sports that have potential for doping enhancement in training periods. Tests are conducted throughout the year, without prior notice, whether the athlete is competing at an event or not. They are done in regulation with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards. To maintain an effective anti-doping program, NADA India retains the right to test athletes at any time and location.

A valid delay for Out-of-Competition testing can include:
  • Locating a representative
  • Completing a training session
  • Receiving necessary medical treatment
  • Obtaining photo identification
  • Any other reasonable circumstances approved by the officer

Athlete Testing History

Rights & Responsibilities

Fairness is crucial for anti-doping and this applies not just to the process but also for athletes who are subjected to it. 

Rights

  • To be accompanied by a representative and/or interpreter of their choice
  • To hydrate (unless the sample provided does not meet the requirement for suitable specific gravity for analysis)
  • For a delay for valid reasons as defined
  • For additional information about the sample-collection process
  • Request modifications if they have a disability
  • Document any concerns they have with the process

Responsibilities

  • Be aware of and comply with the Anti-Doping Policy (including the provision of accurate Whereabouts information)
  • Be available for and comply with sample collection procedures
  • Remain insight of the official at all the times until the sample collection procedures are complete
  • Report to the dope control station as soon as possible 
  • Handle the equipment, self-administer the sample collection and split, seal and secure the sample
  • Complete all documentation and ensure it is accurate and signed
  • Be aware of prohibited Substances

Athletes with Disabilities

To ensure that testing remains a fair and positive experience for all athletes, NADA India sensitizes the SCP and also allows those with disabilities the certain modifications during the testing process.

Registered Testing Pool

NADA India is the final decision maker to place athletes in Registered Testing Pool (RTP). This selection is in accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations as published by WADA. NADA India regularly reviews and updates the criteria for the RTP and revises the list in accordance with relevant criteria.

Every athlete in the Registered Testing Pool is required to:
  • Inform NADA India about their whereabouts on a quarterly basis, in the manner as specified by the International Standard for Testing (ISTI)
  • Update accurate and complete information at all times
  • Make themselves available for testing at those whereabouts whenever required.

National Sports Federations (NSFs) must assist NADA India in establishing a National RTP of top national athletes. Whereabouts in accordance with international standards apply to them too.

Registered Testing Pool

ADAMS & Whereabouts

All athletes in the RTP need to provide accurate whereabouts information every quarter in advance. While on travel – planned or unplanned, Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS) should be used, even for unplanned emergencies. Clear instructions should be provided to help in locating you easily. If you live in rural areas, DCOs may need guidance to find you. You may fill this in the ‘Additional information’ section on ADAMS.

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Athletes should use ADAMS to update their whereabouts information. All athletes in the RTP need to provide accurate whereabouts information every quarter in advance.

This information must include home address, email address, phone number, work schedule, training venues and training schedule. In addition they must also provide overnight accommodation addresses and competition schedules. ADAMS can and should be used even while travelling or for unplanned emergencies. It will help DCOs find them on any given day.

Provide clear instructions to be easily located. If you live in a rural area, DCOs may need guidance to find you. Fill this in the ‘Additional information’ section on ADAMS. When in competition, always include the competition name and location clearly.

ADAMS also has an SMS service (provided you enter your phone number on your profile) to help update information. Athletes can save the SMS number provided on their website and use it accordingly. They can also use the Athlete Central App to submit and update whereabouts information.

Three whereabouts failures — failure to inform accurately or missed tests in a 12 month period — may be considered an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and result in sanctions

Filing Failure

Whereabouts must be submitted to NADA India by the deadline. The filing is considered a failure

  • If it is not submitted by the deadline.
  • If it is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • If it does not include all required information. Eg: it omits to declare a regular activity or location athlete is in, during the quarter.
  • If an athlete is not found at the listed location when attempted.

 

Missed Test

Athletes in the RTP will receive a missed test if they are unavailable for testing during the 60 minutes window indicated in their Whereabouts. Athletes are accountable for the entire 60 minutes slot and must be available. Even if the DCO does not arrive at the beginning of the time slot, athletes must remain available. Athletes can be notified at any time during the window.