Anti Doping and Clean Sport

The Doping Control (testing) Process

The following outlines the basic steps in the doping control process:

1. Notification & Chaperoning

A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone will notify the athlete that they have been selected for testing and explain their rights and responsibilities.  Once notified, the athlete must stay within sight of the DCO/Chaperone until the testing process is complete.  Athletes may ask for a representative such as a coach or interpreter to support and assist them.

2. Reporting to the Doping Control Station

Athletes selected for testing must report to the Doping Control Station (DCS) as soon as practical after notification – unless there is a valid reason for delay such as attending a medal ceremony, performing a warm down or collecting identification.

Athletes can relax and rehydrate in the DCS, until ready to provide a sample.  Athletes should take care not to drink too much – if the sample is too diluted, a second might be needed.

3. Sample Collection

When ready to provide a sample, the athlete will be asked to choose a collection beaker.  Athletes should check that there is no damage to the beaker. A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone, the same gender as the athlete will accompany them to bathroom or toilet.  Athletes may be asked to adjust your clothing or posture so that the DCO can witness the urine leaving your body.

4. Blood Test

The blood testing process is similar to urine.  A qualified professional (phlebotomist) will collect the blood sample.  The athlete will be required to sit quietly for a minimum of 10 minutes before the sample is collected.  Depending on the type of blood test, the athlete may be required to rest for two hours after competing or training. Athletes who are afraid of needles should tell the blood collection officer so he/she can help them through the process.

5. Sealing the Sample

The DCO will instruct the athlete to choose a kit and check that it is sealed, intact and the numbers match.  The athlete will divide their sample between the A and B bottles and seal them.  Only the athlete can touch their samples until they are securely sealed in the bottles – unless assistance is required to do this.

The minimum volume of urine required is 90mls.  If the athlete cannot provide 90mls on the first attempt, this is a partial sample.  The sample will be sealed temporarily until a further sample is provided to meet the required volume.

The DCO will also check the dilution of the final sample.  If the sample is too dilute, the athlete will be asked to provide another sample.

6. Completing the Documentation

The DCO will complete the Doping Control Form (DCF).  If a paperless system is used the DCF will be completed electronically.  It is important to check that all the details on the form are correct before the athlete signs it to confirm the testing process was appropriate.

The athlete will be asked to declare any medication or supplements they have taken within the last 7 days and if they consent to your sample being used (anonymously) for research purposes.

If there are any concerns about the process, the athlete can write a comment directly on the Doping Control Form.  If they are not comfortable doing this at the time, they should contact your National Federation or Virtus Member Organisation without delay to raise the concern.

7. Sample Analysis & Results

The samples will be shipped to a WADA-accredited laboratory for analysis.  The results of the analysis will be sent to Virtus (or the responsible anti-doping organization) and to WADA.

If the sample tests negative no further action is required.

If the sample tests positive, this is called an adverse analytical finding (AAF).  It means a prohibited substance has been detected in the  sample.  In this case, Virtus will contact the athlete through the Virtus Member Organisation with more information.

The sample can be stored for up to 10 years during which time it may be re-analysed.

Minors (athletes under the age of 18) and athletes with intellectual impairments can request that their representative observe the DCO/Chaperone while he/she is witnessing the sample provision.

Athletes with a disability may require assistance from a representative during the process.  The athlete must first authorize any representative to assist him or her – and the type of assistance provided must also be approved in consultation with the DCO.

Any modifications to the sample collection process will be recorded on the Doping Control Form.

Athletes, like all others, may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications. It is an athlete’s responsibility to ensure that any medication they take to treat an illness or condition does not fall under the WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

Occasionally, athletes may need to take a medication that is on the List in order to treat an illness or condition. Before doing so they must apply for – and have granted – a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) which may grant them authorisation to take the required medicine.

Athletes competing in Virtus approved competition which require a TUE should apply to Virtus in good time using the form below.

IMPORTANT: Only International Athletes should apply to Virtus for a TUE.  

To be considered an Virtus International Athlete you must have competed (within the last 12 months) or expect to compete (in the next 6 months) in at least one of: 

• a Virtus World Championship (for any sport) or 
• the Virtus Global Games

All other Virtus athletes should apply for a TUE from their NADO. Virtus will then recognise the TUE issued by the NADO.

Applying for TUE

All TUE applications must be sent to Virtus no later than 30 business days before the next competition. Failure to do so will result in a declaration of non-compliance, in accordance with the WADA certified process for non-compliance.

All the information contained in a TUE application, including the supporting medical information and any other information related to the evaluation of your TUE request is kept strictly confidential and treated in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration contained in the ADAMS TUE process and in the Virtus TUE Application Form.

TUE Recognition

If you already have a TUE granted by your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO):

• You must submit a request for recognition to Virtus to be used for international Virtus competition.

Retroactive TUE

In a small number of cases, for example where emergency medication has been given before a TUE was issued then athletes can apply for a retroactive TUE. For guidance, please contact Virtys using the button below.

Please use the following links to access WADA advice. Please note these are external links and information is not that of Virtus.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular Conditions
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Intravenous Infusions
• Male Hypogonadism
• Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Neuropathic Pain
• Renal Transplantation
• Sinusitis/Rhinosinusitis
• Intrinsic Sleep Disorders
• Transgender Athletes

Since 1 January 2022, all injectable routes of administration will now be prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period. Examples of injectable routes of administration include: intravenous, intramuscular, periarticular, intra-articular, peritendinous, intratendinous, epidural, intrathecal, intrabursal, intralesional (e.g. intrakeloid), intradermal, and subcutaneous.

For clarification: oral administration of glucocorticoids, which remains prohibited in-competition, includes, in particular, oromucosal, buccal, gingival and sublingual routes.

Other routes of administration (including inhaled and topical: dental-intracanal, dermal, intranasal, ophthalmological and perianal) are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.

It is strongly recommended that athletes follow the minimum washout periods, expressed from the time of administration to the start of the in-competition period. These washout periods, which are highlighted in the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Note, are based on the use of these medications according to the maximum manufacturer’s licensed doses.

If there is a legitimate medical need for the use of a glucocorticoid, the athlete may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). In case of an AAF in-competition, the athlete may apply for a retroactive TUE as provided for in the applicable rules.

For further information regarding WADA’s approach to the routes of administration of glucocorticoids and washout periods, please refer to the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Note.

The daily dosing time intervals are modified to 600 micrograms over eight hours starting from the time any dose is taken (previously 800 micrograms over 12 hours). This is to reduce the risk of any potential AAF arising after high doses are taken at once. The total permitted daily dose remains at 1,600 micrograms over 24 hours. A TUE should be sought for doses in excess of these limits.

For further information on the permitted dosage of salbutamol, please refer to the Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Note

For the first time, a substance has been included by name as an example in section S0 (Non-approved Substances) of the List. This substance, BPC-157, is an experimental peptide sold as a supplement, and it has been included in the 2022 List following a recent re-evaluation of its status

What is a supplement?

In general, supplements are manufactured products likes pills, capsules, powders, gels, drinks and bars that contain nutrients, herbs, amino acids or other substances that can affect the body. These are typically available over-the-counter and meant to “supplement” the diet.

However there are legally available products on the market that may be harmful to health, may have negative effects on performance, and may cause a positive test.

The regulations for how supplements are manufactured can be less strict than those for medications; and, the manufacturing and sale of supplements can be tightly regulated in some countries but often these regulations are not enforced.

This means that the ingredients a supplement contains, their quality (how pure they are), how they are listed on the label, and where the supplement is purchased can create risks.

Taking a food-first approach

A common misconception about supplements is that they are a replacement for food or even superior to food. This is not true. They are not a shortcut to good nutrition.

Athletes who eat well are getting the balance of nutrients and energy needed, and it’s likely that using supplements is unnecessary.

Talking to a medical professional

After analysing diet and making any necessary changes, and before making a decision about using a supplement, talk to a medical professional or qualified sports nutrition professional.

But, before advising you, they need to know that you are an athlete and that you must abide by the anti-doping rules.

If absolutely necessary, choose batch-tested

If a supplement is deemed essential and all the other questions have been asked, then it is recommended that a batch-tested supplement is used.

A batch-tested supplement cannot remove all risks associated with supplements and is not for all countries. However, it can significantly reduce them.

What is an “Athlete Support Personnel”?

If you are a coach, trainer, medical doctor, physiotherapist, parent, administrator of a sport organization or any other person involved with sport who helps athletes in their competitive life – play a vital role in ensuring that athletes are fulfilling their responsibility towards clean sport.

If you are an “Athlete Support Personnel”, your Rights and Responsibilities are:

First of all: Protec the Clean Sport!

What do you need to know?

The World Anti-Doping Code states the roles and responsibilities that ASP have in relation to anti-doping.

This means you must:

• Know and comply with the Anti-Doping Rules, policies and practices that apply to you as well as those that apply to the athletes you support
• Co-operate with the testing programme for athletes
• Use your influence on athletes positively to foster clean sport values and behaviours
• Tell Virtus and your National Federation if you have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation in the last 10 years
• Co-operate with any doping investigation when asked to do so
• Not use or possess any prohibited substance or prohibited method without a valid and justifiable reason

What that means for you?

• Anti-doping is complex and needs attention from all who are bound by the Anti-Doping Rules.
• Remember, you too could face a ban from sport, not just the athletes. This in most cases is career ending.
• Take your responsibilities towards anti-doping seriously and help those around you (practitioners and athletes) do the same.
• There is no sympathy for ignorance or carelessness in anti-doping. Make sure you are up to date with everything you need to know to protect you and your athletes.

What you should do?

• Take the opportunity to be educated on anti-doping matters either through Virtus, your National Governing Body, Sports Institution or Professional Association
• Have conversations within your sporting environment on anti-doping. Encourage regular engagement in clean sport activities and events.
• Familiarise yourself with the universal rights available to athletes within anti-doping, which are set out in the WADA Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act

Athlete Support Personal are bound by the Anti-Doping Rules too. You need to be fully aware of what that means for you, and what you need to do!

Communication on Privacy and Protection of Personal Information collected under Virtus Anti-Doping Program

Virtus informs all partners and parties involved in the Anti-Doping Program (including Virtus athletes and their entourage) that its practices and procedures comply with international applicable rules on data privacy, including the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.

Virtus, being an international para-sport federation, and thus the Anti-Doping Organization (ADO) in charge of fight against doping in Intelectual impaired para-sports, is liable, in the light of its missions, to collect personal information of various types (demographic, medical, regulatory information, etc…).

As part of its Compliance Program with the World Anti-doping Code, Virtus Anti-doping Committee undertakes to:

• Collect only personal data necessary for work procedures, as per applicable international standards including the International Standard for Testing and Investigations
• Use personal data only for the processing of applications or the needs of files related to the fight against doping, and share it only on a need-to-know basis
• Keep records only for the duration of the period when this is necessary as per the applicable regulations
• Share copies or versions only with the anti-doping or legally concerned staffs, including those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in other countries where the Participant could attend competitions, train or travel;
• Disclose publicly information collected within the Virtus Anti-Doping Program only if authorized by applicable regulations
• Respect the Participant’s rights related to personal information privacy as set out in the International Standards, including his right to file a claim,
• Ensure the confidential and fair treatment of personal data collected under the Anti-Doping Program, without discrimination of any kind.