The athlete is supposed to comply with the sample collection procedure. They must report immediately to the doping control station unless there are valid reasons for delay. An athlete must stay in direct observation from the time of notification until the sample collection session is complete.

They are responsible for ensuring that all appropriate paperwork is accurate, complete and signed.

The athlete has the right to have a representative attending during the whole doping control process. The testing procedures are also explained to the athlete. In addition, an athlete receives a copy of all forms used to document the processing of their sample.

Steps below are general overview of the doping control process.

1. Athlete Selection: an athlete is selected for doping control.

2. Notification: A Chaperone or DCO will notify you that you have been selected for testing and will show you their identification. You will be told what samples are being collected and you will be told your rights and responsibilities. You will be asked to show your identification and then you need to sign the top part of the Doping Control Form to confirm you have been notified.

3.Reporting: You are required to report to the doping control station immediately unless you request a delay in reporting for valid reasons. The DCO or Chaperone will accompany you from the time of notification until the completion of the sample collection process. At the doping control station, you will be given a chance to hydrate. Individually sealed beverage will be available.

4. Selecting Sample Collection Equipment: the athlete will be given a choice of sealed collection vessels, and they will select one. The athlete will make sure that the equipment is intact and has not been tampered with, and they will maintain control of the collection vessel at all times.

5. Providing a Urine Sample: Only a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or a Chaperone of the same gender is allowed in the area of privacy while the athlete is providing the sample. If the athlete is under 18, they may request the presence of their representative. The DCO or Chaperon will directly witness the urine sample leaving the athlete's body and going into the collection vessel. The athlete is responsible for controlling their sample and keeping it in view of the DCO or Chaperone until it is sealed in a sample collection kit. If the athlete provides a sample less than the required volume, they are required to temporarily seal it and provide further volume. The first urine sample(s) that an athlete is able to provide post notification must be collected.

Or 5. Blood sample provision: The athlete will be asked to select blood collection equipment and check that it is intact and has not been tampered with. A blood collection official will collect the sample in the presence of a DCO or Chaperon and, if applicable, the athlete’s representative.

6. Splitting the Sample (Urine only): you will need to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. This may be done on more than one occasion (a partial sample) until you reach the required amount. Once you have 90ml or more, the DCO will ask you to split the sample between the A and B bottles, starting with the B bottle first. Again, you will be given a choice of A and B bottles and you should ensure these have not been tampered with. You should also check that the code on the bottles and lids match each other as well as the stickers and box.

7. Sealing the Sample: once your samples are in the A & B bottles you will be asked to seal them. Make sure you check and recheck that the tamper-evident bottle lids are securely fastened.

Sealing and Storing the Blood Sample

After withdrawing the needle, the BCO or athlete will place one vacutainer into each of the ‘A’ and ‘B’ sample bottles. These should be checked for any leakage. The sealed blood sample shall be kept in the Doping Station, at a cool but not freezing temperature, prior to dispatching for analysis.

8. Checking the Sample’s Concentration (Specific Gravity, Urine only): The DCO will check the specific gravity of the residual urine left in the collection vessel to ensure it is suitable for analysis and will record the value on the Doping Control Test Form.If the sample falls outside the required range for specific gravity, the DCO will request additional samples to be provided until one within the required range for Specific Gravity is provided, or until the DCO determines that, due to exceptional circumstances, the session should end.

9. Final paperwork: the athlete's personal information is recorded on the Doping Control Test Form, including contact details. The athlete will be asked to provide information on prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, food supplements, and any other substances they have used within the last seven (7) days. At the end of the session, the athlete must check that all the information recorded is correct, and sign the doping control paperwork. The copy of the doping control paperwork that the laboratory receives does not contain any information that could identify the athlete.

10. Securing and transporting the sample: The secure sample(s) and the laboratory copy of the Doping Control Test Form are sent to the laboratory for analysis. There is a strict chain of custody regarding transportation, storage and opening of the sample. The laboratory will inspect the samples upon arrival to ensure there is no evidence of tampering. All urine and blood samples will be sent to a NADA-accredited laboratory for analysis or storage for future analysis.