Athletes have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to Anti-Doping policies and rules. It is important for them to be knowledgeable about these rules and ensure compliance with them. Here are some tips for athletes to follow:
- Familiarize yourself with the Anti-Doping rules and make sure to adhere to them. It is crucial to know what substances and methods are prohibited.
- Be available for testing when required. Athletes should cooperate with the Anti-Doping Organization and make themselves accessible for testing purposes.
- Inform medical personnel about your obligation to avoid prohibited substances and methods. Take responsibility for ensuring that any medical treatment you receive is in compliance with Anti-Doping policies. Before taking any medication, carefully check its contents to ensure it does not contain any banned substances. Seek assistance if you are unsure.
- If you have been found to have committed an Anti-Doping rule violation by an organization that is not a Code Signatory within the past ten years, it is your responsibility to disclose this information to your National Anti-Doping Organization.
- Take full responsibility for what you consume and use. Remember, it is your body, so it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not take any prohibited substances or use any prohibited methods.
- Cooperate with any investigations conducted by Anti-Doping organizations regarding possible Anti-Doping Rules Violations. It is important to be transparent and provide any necessary information when asked.
- If you have any athlete support personnel, such as a coach, physiotherapist, or doctor, make sure to disclose their identities to the relevant Anti-Doping Organization. This is important in case of any wrongdoing or violations.
- Take advantage of opportunities to educate yourself on Anti-Doping matters. National Anti-Doping Organizations often provide educational resources and programs to athletes.
- Engage in conversations within your sporting environment about Anti-Doping. Encourage others to participate in clean sport activities and events. Promote the values and behaviors associated with clean sport.
- Lastly, familiarize yourself with the rights available to athletes within Anti-Doping. The WADA Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/athlete_act_en.pdf outlines these universal rights, and it is important to understand and uphold them.
Once an athlete has been requested to undergo sample collection, the athlete has the right to:
- see the identification of the Doping Control Officer
- ask for additional information about the sample collection process
- be informed of the authority under which the sample collection is to be conducted
- be informed of the type of sample collection and any conditions that need to be adhered to prior to the sample collection
- hydrate (unless the sample provided does not meet the requirement for suitable specific gravity for analysis)
- have a representative present
- have an interpreter, if available
- request modifications if the athlete has an impairment
- be informed of their rights and responsibilities
- document any concerns about the process
- receive a copy of the records of the sample collection session
- request a delay in reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons.
A valid delay for In-Competition testing can include:
- performing a warm down
- competing in further competitions
- fulfilment of media commitments
- participating in a presentation ceremony
- obtaining necessary medical treatment
- obtaining photo identification
- locating a representative and/or interpreter
- any other reasonable circumstances as approved by the Doping Control Officer.
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 as approved by the Doping Control Officer.
A Doping Control Officer may reject any of these athlete rights if an athlete cannot be chaperoned throughout the whole process. This is important to ensure the integrity of the process is maintained.
ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES
Once an athlete has been requested to undergo sample collection, the athlete has a responsibility to:
- remain within direct observation of the Doping Control Officer or Chaperone at all times from the point of notification until the completion of the sample collection procedure
- provide their first sample for collection
- produce appropriate identification
- comply with the directions of the Doping Control Officer and Chaperone during the sample collection session
- report immediately for sample collection, unless there is a valid reason for a delay.