USADA Coach's Advantage Videos

[An important part of USADA’s testing program is the ability to test athletes without advance notice in an out-of-competition setting. To maximize testing resources and minimize the burden on athletes, USADA has created a Registered Testing Pool, or RTP, and a Clean Athlete Program, or CAP. Athletes in the RTP and CAP are subject to different Whereabouts requirements and compliance criteria that can be found in USADA’s Whereabouts policy. Whereabouts information, including dates, times, and locations, is data submitted to USADA by an athlete and allows the athlete to be located for out-of-competition testing. Overall, know that even if an athlete provides Whereabouts information, they are subject to testing 365 days a year, with no “off-seasons” or cutoff periods during which testing does not occur.

If an athlete is included in the USADA RTP or CAP and are required to submit Whereabouts information, they will be notified by USADA. As outlined in the World Anti-Doping Code, the International Standards for Testing & Investigations, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, elite athletes who have been identified and notified that they are part of the USADA RTP or CAP are responsible for keeping USADA informed of their Whereabouts. Athletes who have not been notified of their responsibility to submit Whereabouts information are not required to submit any Whereabouts information to USADA, although they can still be tested out-of-competition by USADA.Athletes in the RTP and CAP are required to submit their Whereabouts information four times a year- March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 ahead of the upcoming quarter. For a CAP athlete, failure to provide accurate Whereabouts can result in them being moved into the RTP. For RTP athletes,failure to provide accurate or complete Whereabouts can result in a Whereabouts Failure. All Whereabouts Failures issued by USADA will be shared via email with the athlete and a secondary contact chosen by the athlete. Any combination of three Whereabouts Failures that are declared by USADA, WADA, or an IF, within a 12-month period could result in an anti-doping rule violation and a minimum one-year sanction.

As a coach, you can support your athletes by encouraging them to accurately file, and then update, their Whereabouts, especially when their schedule has changed.

USADA continues to work hard to ensure the Whereabouts requirements align with the amount of out-of-competition testing and the burden on athletes, which is why we recently created an additional pool for athlete inclusion. USADA’s Education Pool, or EP, requires athletes to complete anti-doping education annually and confirm that their personal information is accurate at all times. This information includes name, date of birth, phone number, email, and mailing address. Athletes in the Education Pool are not required to submit Whereabouts information to USADA and are not subject to Whereabouts Failures even though they are in a pool. Overall, if an athlete in the EP does not maintain the pool requirements, they will be moved to the CAP, which does require athletes to file Whereabouts, for a minimum of 12 months.

For more information about the testing programs, Whereabouts requirements, or athlete pool inclusions, please visit www.usada.org/new-whereabouts-program.

Text Summary:

• USADA has created a Registered Testing Pool (RTP), a Clean Athlete Program (CAP), and an Education Pool (EP) to minimize the burden on athletes and maximize testing resources
• Whereabouts information (which includes dates, times, and locations/addresses provided by the athlete) allows a DCO to locate an athlete for out-of-competition testing without any advance notice.
• There are consequences for not filing or not updating Whereabouts information
o CAP athletes may be moved to RTP, which has more rigorous requirements and compliance consequences.
o RTP athletes will be subject to Whereabouts Failures – Three Whereabouts Failures (Filing Failure and/or Missed Test) in a 12-month period constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.]

[USADA is committed to making sport safe, fair, and authentic at all levels of competition through independent and comprehensive anti-doping programs.  One key component of a successful anti-doping program is strategic drug testing in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code. USADA’s gold standard testing program utilizes in-competition testing and out-of-competition testing, which can occur at any time and any location. Athletes selected for testing may be required to provide urine, blood, or both. This applies to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, international and master's level athletes, and junior athletes.

 When a doping control officer, or DCO, notifies athletes that they have been selected for testing, the DCO must show the athlete their credential. If the DCO is not the same gender as the athlete, they will be accompanied by a chaperone of the athlete’s gender who can supervise the provision of the sample. The athlete is then required to produce identification and stay within direct view of the DCO or chaperone until the test is concluded.

 Athletes are required to report immediately to an out-of-competition location or to the in-competition doping control station, unless the DCO approves a valid reason for delay such as cooling down, attending a medal ceremony, fulfilling a media commitment, or receiving medical attention.Athletes do have the right to have a representative present.

 For urine samples, minor athletes are also encouraged to have a third-party present in the toilet area where they can monitor the DCO or chaperone during the provision of the sample. Athletes with disabilities have the right to request necessary modifications to the testing process.

 All athletes are asked to provide a sample of at least 90 milliliters of urine under the direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone. If 90 mL are not immediately available, athletes will store the partial sample in a secure vault and use another collection cup to secure the remaining sample when ready. After staying in view of the chaperone and then providing a full sample, athletes will be offered a choice of sealed sample collection equipment that contain two security bottles marked A and B. They should inspect the equipment prior to use and the DCO should instruct the athlete to ensure that the alpha numeric code on the bottles match and correspond to the barcode on the outside of the box. This is critical since the athlete’s name will not appear on the documentation sent to the lab to ensure anonymity.

 Athletes will then divide their sample between the A and B sample bottles, secure the bottles, and seal them for shipping. Athletes are to maintain direct observation and control of their sample until it’s sealed.

 A sample collection session may include a blood collection. Some USADA DCOs will be licensed or certified phlebotomists, but if they are not, a certified and/or licensed phlebotomist, called a blood collection officer, or BCO, will perform the blood draw. Athletes are asked to stay seated for a period of time before blood is drawn. Less than two tablespoons of blood is needed for testing, which should not affect athletic performance. Complications from a blood draw are rare but can include fainting, dizziness, bruising at the puncture site (or hematoma), nerve injury, and arterial puncture or laceration. Site reactions such as bruising or swelling can be minimized by applying pressure to the collection site for at least five minutes, avoiding strenuous exercise for at least thirty minutes, and keeping the bandage on for at least two hours. If you have ever experienced complications from a past blood draw, please bring them to the attention of the USADA DCO before the blood draw begins.

 After securing the sample, the DCO will review the doping control official record or DCOR with an athlete, at which time they will declare their use of any medications, supplements, or treatments, before signing the DCOR. Athletes are encouraged to discuss any concerns with a DCO and to provide feedback to USADA.

 Once the sample is collected, the DCO will then securely ship the sample to a WADA-accredited laboratory to be analyzed.

 USADA also uses the sample for the Athlete Biological Passport, or ABP. This resource is used to fight against prohibited drugs in sport and promote clean competition. USADA utilizes the ABP as an important tool for the long-term monitoring of an athlete’s biological data in both blood and urine, as well as the monitoring of potential markers that indicate doping.

 The final step is to receive the results from the tested sample. The results are sent to USADA and USADA will then provide notification of the test results to the athlete via email. The results letter will also be available through the athlete’s online account. In general, athletes will receive their test results in six to eight weeks.

 Most athletes never have to worry about the results of their test because they are competing clean and following the rules. However, if an athlete does test positive or is charged with an anti-doping rule violation, there is a full and fair legal process available to the athlete prior to a sanction being announced.

 If the sample comes back as negative, there were no traces of prohibited substances or methods present.

 If the sample comes back as positive, there was an Adverse Analytical Finding. When the athlete’s ”A” sample has returned a positive result and the athlete requests that their “B” sample be tested, the athlete will have the opportunity to be present for the ”B” sample opening. If the “B” sample confirms the Adverse Analytical Finding, the athlete can choose to accept the resulting sanction or if desired, the athlete can request an independent arbitration hearing where the case will be heard, and a decision rendered.

 If you have questions while navigating the results management process, the USOPC employs an Athlete Ombuds who provides free information to athletes concerning their rights. The USOPC Athlete Ombuds can be reached by calling (719)-866-5000 or by email at ombudsman@usathlete.org.

 USADA’s testing is based on intentional planning and the evaluation of many factors. However, no athlete should ever know when or where they will be asked to provide a sample.

 How are athletes selected for testing?

There are a variety of reasons why an athlete might be selected for testing, including, but not limited to:

• the physical demands of the sport
• the benefit an athlete would receive from doping
• the history of doping in the sport and/or discipline
• Play Clean Tip Center tips
• previous test history and/or Athlete Biological Passport results and/or
• athlete performance

One of the ways you can support your athletes when they are selected for doping control is to be an advocate for them throughout the process. As a support person, you should be knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities. Here are just a few:

 ATHLETE'S RIGHTS

• Having a representative present throughout the doping control process
• Having a language interpreter present, if available
• Having the testing procedures explained, including how the sample collection equipment works
• Requesting to view the DCO's credentials
• Having a choice of an individual collection vessel and sample collection kit and verify that the equipment is intact and has not been tampered with
• Receiving a copy of all forms used to document the processing of your sample
• Providing written feedback on USADA's Athlete Evaluation Form and/or Supplementary Report Form
• Requesting a delay in reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons. Valid reasons are: a medal ceremony, media commitments, medical obligation, arming/cooling down, or competing in further events. Regardless of the reason for your request for delay, a DCO may reject it at any time if it will violate the integrity of the testing process. Please know that refusing to submit to doping control can lead to an anti-doping rule violation, public announcement, and a possible four-year period of ineligibility.
• Requesting modifications if you have a disability or impairment or are a minor

ATHLETE'S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complying with the sample collection procedure**
• Reporting immediately to the doping control station unless there are valid reasons for delay (in-competition testing)
• Bringing a photo ID to the doping control station
• Staying in direct observation of the DCO or chaperone from the time of notification until the sample collection session is complete
• Keeping the collection vessel and sample in their possession and in view of the DCO or chaperone at all times, until it is sealed in a sample collection kit (unless partial sample and then should follow partial sample protocol)
• Having control of the sample until it is sealed in collection bottles (the DCO may assist the athlete)
• Ensuring the sample code number is correctly documented on the doping control official record
• Ensuring all appropriate paperwork is accurate, complete, and signed

**NOTE: As defined by the Code: “Evading Sample collection; or refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized Person”, is an anti-doping rule violation.

Text summary:

• Testing methods include blood, urine or both.
• If an individual is under the age of 18, they should have a representative with them.
• A test may be delayed in the following circumstances: a medal ceremony, media commitments, medical obligation, warming up/cooling down, or competing in further events.
• A WADA-accredited lab will perform analysis and reporting.
• If desired, the athlete can request an arbitration hearing where the case will be heard before an independent arbitrator that will render a decision.]

[There are set rules, laws, and expectations for most aspects of everyday living. Commonly, when those rules are broken, there are consequences. Speeding on the highway results in a speeding ticket. Not brushing your teeth, results in a cavity. Taking shortcuts in sport results in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation or ADRV. Under the World Anti-Doping Code, there is a very clear list of 11 ADRVs:

1. The presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample. Or simply put – a positive test.
2. Use or attempted use by an athlete of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method.
3. Evading, refusing, or failing to submit to sample collection without compelling justification after being notified by an authorized person.
4. Violation of applicable requirements regarding athlete availability for out-of-competition testing. Any combination of three missed tests and/or Whereabouts filing failures within a 12-month period as determined by anti-doping organizations with jurisdiction over the athlete shall constitute an anti-doping rule violation.
5. Tampering or attempted tampering with any part of doping control. For example, procuring false testimony from witnesses, or falsifying documents submitted to an anti-doping organization.
6. Possession of prohibited substances or prohibited methods.
7. Trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or prohibited method.
8. Administration or attempted administration of any prohibited substance or prohibited method, to any athlete in-competition or out of competition.
9. Complicity or attempted complicity. Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up or any other type of intentional complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation, attempted anti-doping rule violation, or a violation of a period of ineligibility by another person.
10. Associating with coaches, trainers, physicians, or other athlete support personnel who are sanctioned, criminally convicted, and/or professionally disciplined in relation to doping. Some examples of assistance include obtaining training, nutrition, or medical advice, and/or allowing the individual to serve as an agent or representative. To establish a violation, the anti-doping organization must establish the athlete knew of the athlete support person’s disqualifying status. The anti-doping organization may, but is not required to, provide notice to the athlete of a support person’s disqualifying status prior to initiating a case.
11. To threaten, intimidate, or discourage a person from the good faith reporting of information relating to an ADRV, non-compliance with the Code, or other doping activity, are all considered violations, as well as retaliation against another person for doing so.

Your knowledge and assistance are vital to helping us to keep your sport clean which is why you can safely and confidentially provide doping tips to our play clean tip center. Also, remember under the 2021 Code, any discouragement or retaliation against those who report doping to authorities could result in an anti-doping rule violation, making it safer than ever for athletes to report doping. To report tips, please email playclean@USADA.org or call 1-877-752-9253. You can also use the shortcode USADA, or 87232 to text tips. With this system, your information including your phone number will remain anonymous to USADA.

Remember, USADA can perform a test on any athlete, even if they are foreign but present in the United States. Your hard work means a great deal to your team, the country standing behind you, and your career. USADA supports you and your fellow clean athletes. More information on the Play Clean Tip Center can be found at the conclusion of this course in the resource guide. 

 Text summary:

• Under 2021 Code changes, an 11^th ADRV was added to further protect whistleblowers.
• Of the 11 anti-doping rule violations under the World Anti-Doping Code, only one exclusively relates to a positive test.
• Use the Play Clean Tip Center to report doping or potential doping.]

[We hope you found the Coach's Advantage Tutorial to be useful and informative, and that you'll use the knowledge and tools provided to help your athletes achieve their goals the right and clean way. Remember, your influence transcends the sport—it shapes character, integrity, and the future of true sport for all. Armed with the knowledge and tools gained within the Coach’s Advantage tutorial, we hope you feel empowered and committed to guiding athletes toward excellence.

As always, thank you for your investment and continued commitment to clean sport.]