Athletes

"Every athlete has the right to clean sport!"

Any athlete may be tested in- and out-of-competition, anytime, anywhere and with no advance notice.

The principle of strict liability applies in anti-doping – if it is in the athlete’s body, the athlete is responsible for it.

Responsibilities

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

Athletes’ responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• complying with the WDSF Anti-Doping Rules (in line with the World Anti-Doping Code)
• being available for sample collection (urine or blood), whether in-competition or out of-competition
• ensuring that no prohibited substance enters his body and that no prohibited method is used
• making sure that any treatment is not prohibited according to the Prohibited List in force and checking this with the prescribing physicians, or directly with the WDSF if necessary
• applying to the WDSF (or national anti-doping organization if the athlete is a national level athlete) if no alternative permitted treatment is possible and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is required (see the WDSF TUE application process)
• reporting immediately for sample collection after being notified of a doping control
• ensuring the accuracy of the information entered on the doping control form during sample collection (including stating any medications and supplements taken within the seven days prior to sample collection, and where the sample collected is a blood sample, blood transfusions within the previous three months)
• cooperating with anti-doping organizations investigating anti-doping rules violations (ADRVs) and
• 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).

Note: during doping control, the athlete must remain within direct observation of the Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone at all times from when the initial contact is made until the completion of the sample collection procedure. The athlete must also produce identification upon request.

Rights

Athletes’ rights include (but are not limited to):

• during the doping control
  • bringing a representative and, if available, an interpreter
  • asking for additional information about the sample collection process
  • requesting a delay in reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons (International Standard for Testing and Investigations Art. 5.4.4) and
  • requesting modifications for athletes with impairments (if applicable)
• requesting and attending the B sample analysis (in the case of an Adverse Analytical Finding) and
• in the case of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) being asserted, the athlete has the right to a fair hearing and the right to appeal the hearing decision

WDSF Athlete Consent Form is included in the WDSF Anti-doping code.

• Athlete Reference Guide to the 2021 Code
• Doping Control Video
• At-a-Glance: About Anti-Doping leaflet
• At-a-Glance: The Doping Control Process leaflet
• Play True Quiz
• Play True Quiz – Youth Version

Obligations

Athletes’ obligations include (but are not limited to):

• knowing and complying with all applicable anti-doping policies and rules, including the WDSF Anti-Doping Rules (in line with the World Anti-Doping Code)
• refraining from possessing a prohibited substance (or a prohibited method)*, administering any such substance or method, trafficking, covering up an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) or other forms of complicity and associating with a person convicted of doping (prohibited association).