AIDA

ABOUT ANTIDOPING - TRUE FREEDIVING

Introduction

Doping can be harmful to an athlete’s health, damages the integrity of sport, and is morally and ethically wrong. All athletes participating in AIDA competitions must abide by the AIDA Antidoping Rules

What is doping?

Doping is not just a positive test showing the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s urine sample. Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the 11 Antidoping Rule Violations (ADRVs) outlined in the World Antidoping Code and AIDA Antidoping Rules AIDA Antidoping Rules.

These are:

Presence of a prohibited substance, its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample
Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method by an athlete
Refusing, evading or failing to submit to sample collection by an athlete
Failure to file whereabouts information and/or missed tests by an athlete
Tampering or attempted tampering with the doping control process by an athlete or other person
Possession of a prohibited substance or method by an athlete or athlete support personnel
Trafficking or attempted trafficking of a prohibited substance or method by an athlete or other person
Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an athlete
Complicity or attempted complicity in an ADRV by an athlete or other person
Prohibited Association by an athlete or other person with a sanctioned athlete support personnel
Acts to discourage or retaliate against reporting to authorities

Why is doping in sport prohibited?

The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the overall spirit of sport. Drug misuse can be harmful to an athlete's health and to other athletes competing in the sport. It severely damages the integrity, image, and value of sport, whether or not the motivation to use drugs is to improve performance. To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to clean sport is critical.

What does ‘Strict Liability’ mean?

The principle of strict liability applies to all athletes who compete in any sport with an Antidoping program. It means that athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance, or its metabolites or markers found to be present in their urine and/or blood sample collected during doping control, regardless of whether the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or method. Therefore, it is important to remember that it is each and every athlete’s ultimate responsibility to know what enters their body.
The rule which provides that principle, under Code Article 2.1 and Article 2.2, states that it is not necessary that intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the athlete’s part be demonstrated by the Antidoping Organization to establish an Antidoping rule violation.

Why is doping dangerous?

Doping can result in severe health consequences but also comes with sport, social, financial and legal consequences. For an athlete, doping could spell the end of their sporting career, reputation, and prospects both in and out of sport.

Sport Consequences

The sanctions for an Antidoping Rule Violation (ADRV) can include:

Provisional Suspension. The athlete or other person is temporarily banned from participating in any competition or activity while waiting for the results management process to be complete or until the final decision is rendered.
Ineligibility. The athlete or other person is not allowed to compete or participate in any other activity, such as training, coaching, or even access to funding due to an ADRV. This period of ineligibility can be for up to 4 years or even life depending on the circumstances of the ADRV.
Disqualification of results. The athlete’s results during a particular period, competition or event are invalidated, which comes with forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Public Disclosure. The Antidoping Organization (ADO) informs the general public of the ADRV.
Fines.

Health Consequences

The health consequences to an athlete can include:

Physical health. Medications and medical interventions have been developed to treat a particular condition or illness. Not an otherwise healthy athlete. Depending on the substance, the dosage and the consumption frequency, doping products may have particularly negative side effects on health.
Psychological health. Some doping substances may have an impact on the athlete’s mental health. Anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders or psychosis are direct consequences from doping.

Social Consequences

Some of social consequences of doping include:

Damage to reputation and image, which can be permanent with media attention, and future clean performances can be met with skepticism.
Damage to future career prospects.
Isolation from peers and sport.
Damaged relationships with friends and family.
Effects on emotional and psychological well-being.
Loss of standing, fame, respect and credibility.

Financial Consequences

The financial consequences of doping can include:

Fines that an Antidoping Organization (ADO) may have included in their Antidoping rules including costs associated with an Antidoping Rule Violation (ADRV).
Loss of income/financial support, such as government funding, other forms of financial support and by not participating in the competitions.
Loss of financial support due to withdrawal of sponsor.
Requirement to reimburse sponsor, if included in the contract.
Reimbursement of prize money.
Impact of damaged reputation on future career prospects.

Legal Consequences

In addition to the sport, health, social and financial consequences listed above, doping can come with other legal consequences, such as:

Some countries have gone beyond the World Antidoping Code and made using a prohibited substance a criminal offence (e.g. Austria, Italy, France).
In some countries, ADRVs related to trafficking, possession or administering a prohibited substance or some substances on the Prohibited List are considered a criminal offence.

What do athletes and athlete support personnel need to know about Antidoping?

Athletes, their support personnel and others who are subject to Antidoping rules all have rights and responsibilities under the World Antidoping Code (Code). Part Three of the Code outlines all of the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the Antidoping system.

Athletes’ Rights

“EVERY DIVER HAS THE RIGHT TO TRUE FREEDIVING!”

Ensuring that athletes are aware of their rights and that these rights are respected is vital to the success of clean sport. WADA’s Athlete Council drafted the Athletes’ Antidoping Rights Act (Act). This Act is made up of two parts. Part one sets out rights that are found in the Code and International Standards. Part two sets out recommended athlete rights that are not found in the Code or International Standards but are rights that athletes recommend that Antidoping Organizations (ADOs) adopt for best practice.

Athlete rights outlined in the Code include:

Equal opportunities in their pursuit of sport, free of participation by other athletes who dope
Equitable and fair testing programs
A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application process
To be heard, to have a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a fair, impartial and operationally independent hearing panel, with a timely reasoned decision specifically including an explanation of the reasons of the decision.
Right to appeal the hearing decision
Any ADO that has jurisdiction over them will be accountable for its action and an athlete shall have the ability to report any compliance issue.
Ability to report Antidoping Rule Violations (ADRVs) through an anonymous mechanism and not be subjected to threats or intimidation.
Receiving Antidoping education
Fair handling of their personal information by ADOs in accordance with the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) and any local applicable law
To pursue damages from another athlete whose actions have damaged that athlete by the commission of an ADRV.
During the sample collection process, right to:

See the identification of the Doping Control Officer (DCO)
Request additional information about the sample collection process, about the authority under which it will be carried out and on the type of sample collection.
Hydrate
Be accompanied by a representative and, if available, an interpreter.
Request a delay in reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons.
Request modifications for athletes with impairments (if applicable)
Be informed of their rights and responsibilities.
Receive a copy of the records of the process.
Have further protections for "protected persons” because of their age or lack of legal capacity.
Request and attend the B sample analysis (in the case of an Adverse Analytical Finding)

Athletes’ Responsibilities

Athletes’ rights to clean sport come with corresponding responsibilities, and athletes may be tested in- and out-of-competition, anytime, anywhere and with no advance notice.

Their clean sport responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Complying with the AIDA Antidoping Rules
Being available for sample collection (urine, blood or dried blood spot (DBS)), whether in-competition or out-of-competition.
Remaining within direct observation of the Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone at all times from notification until the completion of the sample collection process.
Providing identification upon request during the sample collection process
Ensuring that no prohibited substance enters their body and that no prohibited method is used on them.
Ensuring that any treatment is not prohibited according to the Prohibited List in force and checking this with the prescribing physicians, or directly with the AIDA if necessary.
Applying to AIDA if no alternative permitted treatment is possible and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is required.
Reporting immediately for sample collection after being notified of being selected for doping control.
Ensuring the accuracy of the information entered on the Doping Control Form (DCF).
Cooperating with ADOs investigating ADRVs.
Not working with coaches, trainers, physicians or other athlete support personnel who are ineligible on account of an ADRV or who have been criminally convicted or professionally disciplined in relation to doping (see WADA’s Prohibited Association List).

Athlete Support Personnel Rights

Athlete support personnel and other persons also have rights and responsibilities under the Code. These include:

Right to a fair hearing, before an independent hearing panel
Right to appeal the hearing decision
Rights regarding data protection, according to the ISPPPI and any local applicable law

Athlete Support Personnel Responsibilities

Athlete support personnel’s responsibilities under the Code include:

Athlete support personnel’s responsibilities under the Code include:
Using their influence on athlete values and behaviors to foster clean sport behaviors.
Knowing and complying with all applicable Antidoping policies and rules, including the AIDA Antidoping Rules.
Cooperating with the athlete doping control program.
Cooperating with ADOs investigating Antidoping Rule Violations (ADRVs).
Informing the relevant IF and/or NADO if they have committed an ADRV in the last 10 years.
Refraining from possessing a prohibited substance (or a prohibited method)*, administering any such substance or method to an athlete, trafficking, covering up an Antidoping rule violation (ADRV) or other forms of complicity and associating with a person convicted of doping (prohibited association). These are ADRVs applicable to athlete support personnel under Article 2 of the World Antidoping Code.

* Unless the athlete support personnel can establish that the possession is consistent with a TUE granted to an athlete or other acceptable justification. Acceptable justification would include, for example, a team doctor carrying prohibited substances for dealing with acute and emergency situations.

AIDA Recommendation to Athlete Support Personnel

Here are some ways athlete support personnel can support their athletes in their education on clean sport:

Share the Athlete’s Antidoping Rights Act with your athletes
Register and take a course suitable to you on the AIDA education platform or WADA’s ADEL platform
Follow the AIDA pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where the main updates about Antidoping will be published
Contact AIDA for any questions you may have.

What are the organizations involved in protecting clean sport?

World Antidoping Agency (WADA)

WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. WADA’s governance and funding are based on equal partnership between the Sport Movement and Governments of the world. WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate Antidoping rules and policies across all sports and countries. WADA’s key activities include:

Scientific and social science research
Education
Intelligence & investigations
Development of Antidoping capacity and capability
Monitoring of compliance with the World Antidoping Program.

For more information about WADA, consult:

WADA’s website – www.wada-ama.org
Play True – “Beyond Winning” video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I8h6W53o8c

AIDA is responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant Antidoping program for Apnea freediving. AIDA carry out the following Antidoping activities:is responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant Antidoping program for Apnea freediving. AIDA carry out the following Antidoping activities:

Providing will education programs
Analyzing the risk of doping in their sport
Conducting in-competition and out-of-competition testing
Management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for international-level athletes
Results Management including sanctioning those who commit Antidoping Rule Violations (ADRVs)

If you have any Antidoping queries, please contact your AIDA Antidoping manager [Prof. Dr. Nenad Dikic, email. antidoping@aidainternational.org].

DOCUMENTS AND REGULATIONS

ADO Antidoping Rules

The AIDA Antidoping rules are in the process of revision based on the World Antidoping Code and came into force on 1st January 2021.

Links to WADA documents

AIDA is happy to include this long list of WADA antidoping documents.

THE PROHIBITED LIST

The Prohibited List (List) identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, at all times (i.e. in- and out-of-competition) and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). AIDA sports is covered in P1-beta-blockers of the list. The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.

It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body and that no prohibited method is used.

The List only contains the generic names of the pharmaceutical substances. The List does not contain brand names of the medications, which vary from country to country. Before taking any medication, an athlete should check with the prescribing physician that it does not contain a prohibited substance:

Check that the generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of any active ingredient is not prohibited (‘in-competition only’ or at ‘all times’).
Check that the medication does not contain any pharmaceutical substances that would fall within a general category that is prohibited. Many sections of the Prohibited List only contain a few examples and state that other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s) are also prohibited.
Be aware that intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than 50mL per 6-hour period are prohibited, regardless of the status of the substances.
Be aware that since 1 January 2022, all injectable routes of administration will now be prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period. Note: Oral administration of glucocorticoids remains prohibited in-competition. Other routes of administration are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.
Be aware that as of 1 January 2024, the narcotic tramadol will be prohibited in-competition.
If you have any doubt, contact AIDA.

An athlete will only be allowed to use a prohibited substance for medical reasons if the athlete has a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance that AIDA has granted or recognized.

Useful Online Databases

The following National Antidoping Organizations make online country-specific drug reference databases available for checking the status of a medication bought in that country.

GlobalDRO (for Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand)
A list of other country-specific databased can be found here.

Note: WADA and AIDA do not take responsibility for the information provided on these websites.

RISKS OF SUPPLEMENT USE

Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labeling or contamination of dietary supplements.

The use of supplements by athletes is a concern because in many countries the manufacturing and labeling of supplements may not follow strict rules, which may lead to a supplement containing an undeclared substance that is prohibited under Antidoping regulations. Pleading that a poorly labeled dietary supplement was taken is not an adequate defense in a doping hearing.

Risks of supplements include:

Manufacturing standards, which are often less strict when compared with medications. These lower standards often lead to supplement contamination with an undeclared prohibited substance, for example when manufacturing equipment isn't cleaned to the required standards and contains remnants of ingredients from a previous product.
Fake or low-quality products which may contain prohibited substances and be harmful to health.
Mislabeling of supplements with ingredients wrongly listed and prohibited substances not identified on the product label.
False claims that a particular supplement is endorsed by Antidoping Organizations (ADOs) or that it is “safe for athletes”. Remember, ADOs do not certify supplements and the product label may contain misleading messaging.

Athletes should do a risk-benefit assessment if they are considering the use of supplements. The first step of such an assessment is to consider whether a “food-first” approach meets the athlete’s needs. Whenever possible, such assessment should be done with a support of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with the global and AIDA Antidoping Rules.

Checking your supplements

If, after careful consideration, an athlete chooses to use supplements, they must take the necessary steps to minimize the risks associated with supplements. This includes:

Thorough research on the type and dose of the supplement, preferably with the advice of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with Antidoping Rules.
Only selecting supplements that have been “batch-tested” by an independent company.
Remembering what supplement they take, keep some of it in case they get a positive result, and keep any proof of purchase and declare it on the Doping Control Form (DCF).

Remember, no supplement is 100% risk-free but athletes and athlete support personnel can take certain steps to minimize these risks.

Neither WADA nor AIDA is involved in any supplement certification process and therefore do not certify or endorse manufacturers or their products. WADA and AIDA do not control the quality or the claims of the supplements industry.

CHECK YOUR SUPPLEMENTS – CHECK YOUR MEDICATION

CHECK YOUR DRUG - CHECK YOUR SUPPLEMENT provides freedivers information on the status of specific drugs and supplements based on the current World Antidoping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

CHECK your DRUG - CHECK YOUR SUPPLEMENT is brought to you through the partnership of experts OF the CLEAN GAME and CENTER FOR SPORTS NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTATION their expertise in clinical pharmacology, sports nutrition, supplementation and Antidoping.

Disclaimer: CHECK YOUR MEDICINE - CHECK YOUR SUPPLEMENT represents an opinion only for the listed substances on the box of the medicine or supplement and disclaims all responsibility if the composition is incomplete or there is contamination of the product.

If you want to check the medicine or refill it, fill out the following application:

CLICK HERE

THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS (TUES)

What Is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Antidoping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List a TUE may give that athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an Antidoping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUEC).

What are the Criteria for Granting a TUE?

All of the four following criteria must be met (for more details, please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2):

The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method;
The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health;
The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative;
The necessity to use that substance or method is not a consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.

Who Should Apply for a TUE? Where and When to Apply?

Athletes who are subject to Antidoping rules would need a TUE to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method. You should verify with AIDA to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively.

First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take, or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List.

[ Prohibited List / page] You may also use a ‘check your medication’ online too or ask your NADO if it has one.

You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to Antidoping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives, if there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact your NADO or AIDA if you are having difficulties.

Then, contact AIDA Antidoping manager to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.

If it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete you must apply to AIDA in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances.

For substances prohibited in-competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition, unless one of the exceptions on retroactive TUEs (see below) apply.

Please refer to the section “How to apply to AIDA for a TUE?” below.

If you already have a TUE granted by your National Antidoping Organization (NADO):

If you already have a TUE granted by your National Antidoping Organization (NADO):

In such case, please notify AIDA that you have a TUE granted by your NADO.

If your existing TUE does not fall under a category of decision described above, you must submit a request for recognition to AIDA.

Can I Get a Retroactive TUE?

You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to AIDA if:

You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition.
There was insufficient time, opportunity or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested.
You are a lower level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of AIDA or NADO and were tested.
You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (for example glucocorticoids).

In rare and exceptional circumstances and notwithstanding any other provision in the ISTUE, you may apply for and be granted retroactive approval for a therapeutic use of a prohibited substance or method, if considering the purpose of the Code, it would be manifestly unfair not to grant a retroactive TUE.

This unique retroactive TUE will only be granted with the prior approval of WADA (and WADA may in its absolute discretion agree with or reject the AIDA’s decision).

Important note:

Using a prohibited substance or method without a TUE could result in an Antidoping Rule Violation.

In case an application for a retroactive TUE is necessary following sample collection, you are strongly advised to have a medical file prepared and ready to submit for evaluation.

How to apply to AIDA for a TUE?

AIDA encourages to submit TUE applications together with the required medical information to AIDA Antidoping manager to have it set up. Please download the AIDA’s TUE Application Form, and once duly completed and signed, send it together with the required medical file to AIDA Antidoping manager

Your TUE application must be submitted in legible capital letters or typing.

The medical file must include:

A comprehensive medical history, including documentation from the original diagnosing physician(s) (where possible);
The results of all examinations, laboratory investigations and imaging studies relevant to the application.

Any TUE application that is not complete or legible will not be dealt with and will be returned for completion and re-submission.

To assist you and your doctor in providing the correct medical documentation, we suggest consulting the WADA’s Checklists for TUE applications for guidance and support, and TUE Physician Guidelines for guidance on specific common medical conditions, treatments, substances, etc.

Keep a complete copy of the TUE application form and all medical information submitted in support of your application, and proof that it has been sent.

How to SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF MY NADO’S TUE to AIDA?

Your request for recognition should be submitted to AIDA in writing.

Keep a complete copy of the proof that your request for recognition has been sent to AIDA

AIDA’s TUEC’s must render a decision as soon as possible, and usually within 21 days from the date of receipt of the complete TUE application [or request for recognition].

WHAT if I need to renew my TUE?

Each TUE has a specific duration, at the end of which it expires automatically. Should you need to continue to use the prohibited substance or method, it is your responsibility to submit a new application for a TUE with updated medical information ahead of the expiry date, so that there is sufficient time for a decision to be made prior to the expiry of the current TUE.

Important note:

The presence (following sample collection), use, possession or administration of the prohibited substance or method must be consistent with the terms of your TUE. Therefore, if you require a materially different dosage, frequency, route or duration of administration, you should contact AIDA Antidoping manager, as you may be required to apply for a new TUE. Some substances and dosages, e.g. insulin, are often modified during treatment and these possible fluctuations should be mentioned by the treating physician in the TUE application and would usually be accepted by the ADO TUEC.

WHAT IF MY AIDA’S TUE APPLICATION IS DENIED?

A decision to deny a TUE application will include a written explanation of the reason(s) for the denial. If it is not clear to you, please contact AIDA to understand exactly why the TUE was denied. Sometimes, there may be a critical piece of information, diagnostic test, laboratory results missing, etc. In which case, you should re-apply to AIDA Antidoping manager.

Will my medical information be treated in a confidential manner?

All the information contained in a TUE application, including the supporting medical information and any other information related to the evaluation of your TUE request is kept strictly confidential and treated in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration All members of the TUEC and any other authorized recipients of your TUE request and related information (as described in the Athlete’s Declaration) are subject to a professional or contractual confidentiality obligation.

Please review the terms of the Athlete’s Declaration carefully. In particular, note that should you wish to revoke the right of the AIDA’s TUEC to obtain the information related to your TUE in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration, your TUE application will be deemed withdrawn without approval [or recognition] being granted

Your TUE request-related information will be retained by AIDA and any other authorized recipients for no longer than necessary for the purposes stated in the Athlete’s Declaration, in accordance with the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.

Contact information

For any further information and questions in relation to AIDA’s personal information practices, please contact.

If you have a doubt as regards to which organization you should apply for a TUE, or as to the recognition process, or any other question about TUEs, please contact:

AIDA Antidoping manager (Prof. Dr. Nenad Dikic - email. antidoping@aidainternational.org)

Useful links:

WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)

WADA Checklists for TUE Applications

WADA Guidelines for the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)

WADA Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL)

AIDA TUE APPLICATION (Link the attached AIDA TUE Template)

TESTING

The aim of testing is to protect clean athletes through the detection and deterrence of doping.

Any athlete under the testing jurisdiction of AIDA may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, in- or out-of-competition, and be required to provide a urine, blood sample or blood for a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) analysis.

Sample Collection Process

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:

For a urine sample:

Providing the sample: The athlete will be asked to provide the sample under the direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone of the same gender.
Volume: A minimum 90mL is required for urine samples. If the first sample is not 90mL, the athlete may be asked to wait and provide an additional sample.
Splitting the sample: The athlete will split their sample into A and B bottles.
Sealing the samples: The athlete will seal the A and B bottles in accordance with the DCO’s instructions.
Measuring specific gravity: The DCO will measure the specific gravity of the sample to ensure it is not too dilute to analyze. If it is too dilute, the athlete may be asked to provide additional samples.

For a urine sample:

The athlete will be asked to remain seated and relaxed for at least 10 minutes before undergoing venipuncture (only for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) blood samples).
The Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will ask for the athlete’s non-dominant arm, apply a tourniquet to the upper arm, and clean the skin at the puncture site.
The BCO will draw blood from the athlete and fill each Vacutainer blood tube with the required volume of blood.
The BCO will place the Vacutainer tubes into the A and B kits (only one vial may be necessary if the blood sample is collected as part of an ABP program).

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 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.

WHEREABOUTS

What are testing pools and why are whereabouts important for clean sport?

Out-of-competition testing with no-advance notice is one of the most powerful means of deterrence and detection of doping. To support this type of testing, AIDA could created testing pools as part of its testing program.

Certain athletes in the AIDA testing pools, such as those in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) are required to provide information on their whereabouts to AIDA.

How do athletes know they need to provide whereabouts?

Athletes who need to provide whereabouts are notified by the AIDA of their inclusion in a testing pool as well as what information exactly is required of them, deadlines to submit this information and any consequences if the information required is not submitted.

REPORT DOPING

Every time someone steps forward with information on doping, we move closer to a clean and fair playing field for all. As an athlete, athlete support personnel or any person aware of doping practices has a duty to report their suspicions to WADA, their IF or NADO, even if you are not sure about what you witnessed.

WADA, has online, confidential tools to report suspicious behavior. Every piece of information is important.

Report doping or any concern about doping here: WADA’s Speak Up

EDUCATION TOOLS

AIDA developed serval courses.

The first one, Doping Control Officer Course will start at Dec 9, 2023, with task to educate and certify Doping Control Officers for the next two years.

The online course AIDA for International level athletes will start in February 2023.

AIDA encourages Athletes and their support to create an ADEL user account to complete the appropriate courses.

ADEL courses for athletes:

Privacy and Information Security Awareness for Athletes
Athlete's Guide to the 2021 Code
At-a-Glance: Athlete Whereabouts
At-a-Glance: Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)
At-a-Glance: Antidoping Overview
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Testing - The Basics
Factsheet - Glucocorticoid Injections
ADEL for International-Level Athletes
Guide to the List 2023
ADEL for National-Level Athletes
ADEL for Registered Testing Pool Athletes
Welcome to Sport Values

Respect
Equity
Inclusion

ADEL for Talented Level Athletes
Recertification course for International-Level Athletes/National Level-Athletes

ADEL courses for athlete support personnel:

ADEL for High Performance Coaches
Factsheet for Medical Professionals - Glucocorticoid Injection
ADEL for Medical Professionals
AADEL for Medical Professionals at Major Games
ADEL for Parents of Elite Athletes
Athlete Support Personnel Guide to the Code 2021
Sport Values in Every Classroom

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

International-Level Athlete (ILA): Athletes who compete in sport at the AIDA international level, as defined by AIDA, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
National-Level Athlete (NLA): Athletes who compete in sport at the national level, as defined by each National Antidoping Organization, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
Event period: The Code states that the definition of event period “The time between the beginning and end of an event, as established by the ruling body of the event.”
In-competition period: The Code defines the in-competition period as “The period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a competition in which the athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such competition and the sample collection process related to such competition.”
Out-of-competition period: The Code defines the out-of-competition period simply as “Any period which is not in-competition”.