Testing programmes

In-competition testing is testing conducted in connection with a sporting event. WADA define in-competition as “the period commencing 12 hours before competition… through to the end of such competition and the sample-collection process related to such competition”, unless it is stated otherwise by the rules of an IF or other relevant anti-doping organisation.

Every sporting event may be subject to testing and athletes should familiarise themselves with the rules of each competition as defined by their IF or NGB.

Any athlete that has entered a competition or has been named as a member of a team participating in a competition, at any level within the UK, is eligible for testing as part of UK Anti-Doping’s national anti-doping programme.

The selection of athletes for testing is determined by UK Anti-Doping in conjunction with the NGB or IF. Selection is based on the following criteria:

• Placing in the event (e.g. 1st, 2nd or 10th) or lane draw
• Discipline, category or round
• A set number of players from each team (usually using random selection)
• Pre-selected testing
• Qualifying for national representation.

Most sports will not recognise a World or National record until an athlete has been tested and a negative result has been returned.

Athletes subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport are eligible for testing at any time. In addition to this, some athletes may be selected for the National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP).

Athletes nominated for inclusion in the NRTP will be notified by UK Anti-Doping and will be required to supply details of their whereabouts on ADAMS. This is called Whereabouts Filing.

UK Anti-Doping follows the International Standard for Testing (IST) which is applicable to testing In and Out-of-competition.

Procedures for testing abroad may vary slightly from country to country but should always meet the IST. Athletes are advised to read and understand their sport’s anti-doping rules and sample collection procedures.