What Every Weightlifter Needs To Know About Drug Testing

Taken from the ASDA Web Site. http://www.asda.org.au/

The Australian Sports Drug Agency
The Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) is an independent statutory authority established under the Australian Sports Drug Agency Act 1990 (ASDA Act).

ASDA is responsible for drug testing in sport in Australia. ASDA's anti-doping program helps to protect the value of sport. Through its drug testing program, international initiatives and its educational resources and services, ASDA works to deter athletes from using banned doping practices.

Drug testing
Drug testing consists of sample collection conducted by a drug testing agency (such as ASDA) and sample analysis conducted by an accredited laboratory (such as the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory). A sample is any body tissue or fluid (ASDA tests urine samples only).

Drug testing procedures

If you are concerned with any aspect of the sample collection process, you should note your concerns on the drug testing form. You should also advise your relevant sporting organisation in writing.

1. Selection

You may be selected for drug testing at any time.

2. Notification

You will be notified of your selection for a drug test by a drug control official either:

• in person (at any time);

• by telephone (out-of-competition); or
• by written notice (out-of-competition).

3. Presenting for a drug test

• The drug control official will provide information on the drug testing process.
• The drug control official will record your details on a notification form.
• You will sign the form and be given a copy for your records.
• In the presence of your chaperone you may:
• receive necessary medical attention;
• attend a victory ceremony;
• fulfil media commitments;
• compete in further events;
• finish your training session; and
• warm down.
•  

4. Choosing your secure containers

• You will be asked to select a sample collection kit, consisting of an 'A' and 'B' labelled container, which will be used to contain, identify and secure your sample.
• You must check the sample collection kit and ensure its containers are correctly labelled and secured and ensure that they have not been opened or tampered with.
•  

5. Sample collection

• You will be asked to provide a urine sample in the presence of a drug control official who is of the same gender as yourself.

• You will be responsible for the sample until it is secured.

• If your sample is insufficient you will be asked to provide an additional sample in accordance with the procedures outlined above.
•  

6. Splitting, sealing and labelling of your sample

• You will pour a measured amount of your urine sample into each of the 'A' and 'B' labelled containers.
• You will then secure the samples within the sample collection kit.
• The sample collection kit will be identified and recorded on the drug testing form.
•  

7. Checking pH and concentration of sample

• The drug control official will check the acidity and specific gravity of your sample to ensure it is suitable for analysis if it is not, you may be asked to provide another sample.

8. Final paperwork

• You may disclose any medications you have taken over the last week.
• You may be asked to provide further personal information including contact details.
• You will be asked to check all the information on the drug testing form to ensure it is correct.
• You will then sign the form.
• The drug control official will also sign the form.
• You will be given a copy of the form for your records.

9. Variation in procedures

• The method of sample collection may vary for athletes with disabilities and for athletes who are drug tested overseas. However, the above minimum standards should always apply. If you are concerned with any part of the process, you should record your concerns on the drug testing form and notify your relevant sporting organisation, in writing.

Your responsibilities

• you are aware of the doping rules of your sport:
• you comply with the drug testing procedure*;
• you control the sample until it is passed, in the sealed and secure sample collection kit, to the drug control official;
• the secure sample collection kit is properly secured and identified; and
• all appropriate documentation is accurately completed and signed.

Your rights

• nominate a representative of your choice to accompany you to the drug test;
• request any information about the drug testing procedure; and
• write to the drug testing agency and/or your national sporting organisation outlining any concerns that you may have with the drug testing process.

Positive test results

• You will be notified of a positive drug test result and your right to have the 'B' sample analysed.
• You and your relevant sporting organisation will be notified of a valid positive test result or a failure to comply.
• You will be entitled to a fair hearing in accordance with the doping rules of your sport.

Substances and methods tested for

Please note that not all of the drugs listed below are tested for in out-of-competition testing. If you are unsure, please check with your relevant sporting organisation.

Substances *

• Anabolic agents
• anabolic androgenic steroids
• beta-2 agonists
• diuretics
• narcotics
• peptide and glycoprotein hormones and analogues

Methods

• blood doping
• pharmaceutical, chemical and physical manipulations

The Drugs in Sport Handbook contains information on drugs used in sport, drug testing and legal issues affecting you as an athlete. The Handbook also contains lists of medications, both prescription and non-prescription, that are permitted.

Can't find it in the Handbook?

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