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.
OUTLINE OF THE URINE TEST
Athletes selected for doping control must verify identification, understand rights and responsibilities, report to the control area under observation, inspect sample kits, provide 90ml of urine under same-gender supervision, split samples into A and B bottles, and ensure proper sealing to allow for appeals.
OUTLINE OF THE BLOOD TEST
Athletes selected for blood doping control will verify ID, review rights, report to testing, choose and inspect a kit, provide blood (A and B samples), seal bottles securely, complete a DCF, and send samples anonymously to a WADA-accredited lab for analysis.
ATHLETE BIOLOGICAL PASSPORT
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) monitors biological variables over time to reveal doping effects rather than detecting substances directly. It helps Anti-Doping Organizations target athletes for testing, direct anti-doping actions, and pursue violations under Article 2.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
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
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
Rights & Responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whereabouts Failures
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.
