Anti-doping
The bisfed anti-doping committee have adopted and implemented anti-doping policies and rules in compliance with the world anti-doping code
Principles & Values
The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the overall spirit of sport. Drug misuse can be harmful to an Athlete’s health and to other Athletes competing in the sport. It severely damages the integrity, image and value of sport, whether or not the motivation to use drugs is to improve performance.
To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to a clean field of play is critical. BISFed seeks to maintain the integrity of Boccia by running a comprehensive anti-doping program that focuses equally on education/prevention and on testing, with consequent sanctioning of those who break the rules.
Principles and values of clean sport
Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world.
The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Paralympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:
- Health
- Ethics, fair play and honesty
- Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code
- Excellence in performance
- Character and Education
- Fun and joy
- Teamwork
- Dedication and commitment
- Respect for rules and laws
- Respect for self and other Participants
- Courage
- Community and solidarity
The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true. BISFed embodies these values – we believe in a clean and fair field of play, and doping stands in direct contradiction to what Boccia represents.
Our goal is to empower all Boccia athletes to stay on top of their game – not just Athletes, but coaches, administrators, medical personnel and all other members of the Athlete entourage. We encourage everyone to take the time to review this section and get informed.
Why is anti-doping important?
Anti-doping rules exist for the same reason the other BISFed rules and regulations exist, which is to define different aspects of the sport in order to maintain excitement and to ensure fairness on the field of play. All rules and the fact that they are monitored and reinforced are designed to prevent any participant from taking an unfair advantage over another.
The use of doping substances or methods to enhance performance is not only wrong, but are also harmful to Athletes’ mental and physical health.
What is doping?
According to the World Anti-Doping Code and the BISFed Anti-Doping Rules, doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). Most commonly, this means a presence of a prohibited substance in an Athlete’s sample collected during Doping Control.
However, it’s not just a positive test that can result in a sanction. In fact, there are 11 Anti-Doping Rule Violations:
- Presence of a prohibited substance in an Athlete’s sample
- Use or attempted useof a prohibited substance or method
- Refusal to submit to sample collection after being notified
- Failure to file Athlete whereabouts information & missed tests
- Tamperingwith any part of the doping control process
- Possession of a prohibited substance or method
- Traffickinga prohibited substance or method
- Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an Athlete
- Complicityin an ADRV
- Prohibited associationwith sanctioned Athlete Support Personnel
- Discourage or Retaliateother Persons from reporting relevant Anti-Doping information to the authorities.
Who is subject to the anti-doping rules?
The first four Anti-Doping Rule Violations on the above list apply only to Athletes since they refer to the obligation not to take banned substances and the obligation to submit to testing. However, the remaining seven types of ADRVs apply to both the Athletes and the Athlete Support Personnel, such as coaches and team doctors, or anyone else working with the Athlete. National and International Federation administrators, officials and sample collection staff may also be liable for their conduct under the World Anti-Doping Code.
Simply put, everybody involved in Boccia must respect the World Anti-Doping Code and may be liable for committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
Who governs anti-doping?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the independent international body responsible for harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries. The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations around the world. The Code is supplemented by 8 International Standards, including the Prohibited List that is updated at least annually. The standards can be found here.
As a Signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, BISFed is responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant anti-doping program for the sport of Boccia.
BISFed´s anti-doping program is not limited to doping controls, it also includes activities like management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for international-level Athletes, Results Management and Education.
Contents
Anti-doping
Rules & Documents
Rights & responsibilities
Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other groups who are subject to anti-doping rules all have rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code. Part Three of the Code outlines all the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the anti-doping system.
It is especially important that Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know and understand Code Art. 21 (Additional Roles and Responsibilities of Athletes and Other Persons), particularly Art. 21.1 (Roles and Responsibilities of Athletes), Art. 21.2 (Roles and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel) and Art. 21.3 (Roles and Responsibilities of Other Persons Subject to the Code).
Athletes’ Rights
This section presents a summary of the key Athlete rights. It is important that both Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know and understand these.
Ensuring that Athletes are aware of their rights and these are respected is vital to the success of clean sport. Athlete rights exist throughout the Code and International Standards and they include:
- Equality of opportunity
- Equitable and Fair Testing programs
- Medical treatment and protection of health rights
- Right to justice
- Right to accountability
- Whistleblower rights
- Right to education
- Right to data protection
- Rights to compensation
- Protected Persons Rights
- Rights during a Sample Collection Session
- Right to B sample analysis
- Other rights and freedoms not affected
- Application and standing
- The Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act sets out these rights and responsibilities.
Athletes’ Responsibilities
It is equally important that Athletes are aware of their anti-doping responsibilities. Athlete Support Personnel should also familiarise themselves with these in order to be able to support their Athletes. These include:
- Knowing and following BISFed Anti-Doping Rules and any other applicable Anti-Doping Rules
- Taking full responsibility for what you ingest – make sure that no prohibited substance enters your body and that no prohibited methods are used
- Informing medical personnel of your obligations as an Athlete
- Cooperating with BISFed and other Anti-Doping Organisations (WADA, NADOs)
- Being available for sample collection
- Not working with coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support Personnelwho are ineligible on account of an ADRV, or who have been criminally convicted or disciplined in relation to doping.
Further details of these roles and responsibilities can be found in Code Art. 21.1.
Rights and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel and other groups
Like Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other members of BISFed also have rights and responsibilities as per the Code. These include:
- Being knowledgeable of anti-doping policies and rules which are applicable to you or the Athlete(s) you support
- Using your influence on Athlete values and behaviours to foster anti-doping attitudes
- Complying with all anti-doping policies and rules which are applicable to you or the Athlete(s) you support
- Cooperating with the Athlete testing program
- Disclosing to BISFed and their NADO whether you have committed any Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) within the previous ten years
- Cooperating with anti-doping organisations investigating ADRVs
Further details of these roles and responsibilities can be found in Code Art. 21.2 and 21.3.
Anti-doping
Wada Adel Education
The principle of Strict Liability
The principle of strict liability applies to all Athletes who compete in any sport with an anti-doping program, including Boccia. It means that each Athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their urine and/or blood sample collected during doping control, regardless of whether the Athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or method. Therefore, it is really important to remember that it is each and every athlete’s ultimate responsibility to know what enters their body.
To protect yourself and your Athletes, make sure you are familiar with the Prohibited List and with the risks associated with supplement use.
Consequences of doping
(1) Health
The use of Performance-enhancing Drugs (PEDs) may have long and short-term impact on the Athlete’s physical and mental health.
Depending on the substance, the dosage and the duration of use, some PEDs have been proven to have severe side effects and can cause irreversible damage to an Athlete’s body. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has outlined the negative impacts of several doping substances on their website.
In addition to the physical aspects, scientific research has shown that there is a considerable correlation between the use of PEDs and mental health issues. Most commonly, it was found that the use of doping substances can trigger anxiety, obsessive disorders or psychosis.
(2) Social
Being associated with doping or a doping offence will have an impact on the person’s reputation and social relations. In the public view, Athletes or other persons convicted of doping are often considered “cheaters” and experience many forms of stigma.
Doping has a significant negative impact on the person’s private life and social interactions as people may feel that they no longer want to be connected to someone who has damaged the reputation of a sport and displayed poor judgement.
(3) Sanctions
An Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) will have an impact on an Athlete’s ability to train and compete. For coaches and other Athlete support personnel, a ban may mean that they are no longer able to work with Athletes. A sanction resulting from an ADRV can range from a warning to a lifetime ban from all sport.
It is also important to note that individuals banned in the sport will also be prohibited from competing, coaching or working with Athletes in any other capacity in a different sport.
Beyond the legal consequences, an increasing amount of public authorities and governments have adopted legislations that treat doping as a criminal act. Consequently, in addition to being ineligible to coach or compete, you may face criminal charges in your country. Depending on the National legislation and the degree of the violation, charges can lead to fines, social service requirements and even incarceration.
(4) Financial
A ban resulting from an Anti-Doping Rule Violation will have a significant financial impact on the individual. For Athletes, this includes, but is not limited to, the requirement to return prize money or a financial sanction imposed as a result of an ADRV. Other effects of doping include termination of contracts and sponsorship deals, loss of government funding and other forms of financial support.
Anti-doping rule violations
What is doping?
Doping is not just a positive test. It is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).
– Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample.
– Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method
– Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection by an Athlete
– Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete
– Tampering or Attempted Tampering with any part of Doping Control by an Athlete or Other Person
– Possession of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method by an Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel
– Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking in any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method by an Athlete or Other Person
– Administration or Attempted Administration by an Athlete or Other Person to any Athlete In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, or Administration or Attempted Administration to any Athlete Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method that is prohibited Out-of-Competition.
– Complicity or Attempted Complicity by an Athlete or Other Person
– Prohibited Association by an Athlete or Other Person with a sanctioned Athlete Support Personnel
– Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities
Note: All 11 ADRVs apply to athlete and 7 apply to Athlete Support Personnel or other person.
Anti-doping
Rules & Documents
Prohibited List
As an Athlete or Athlete support personnel, it is very important that you are familiar with the WADA Prohibited List and know how to check whether the medication you plan to take is prohibited or permitted. Remember that Athletes are solely responsible for what they ingest or use.
The Prohibited list is set by WADA and is updated at least annually. It includes both substances and methods and it is categorized into 3 groups:
- Substances and methods prohibited at all times
- Substances and methods prohibited in-competition
- Substances prohibited in particular sports
A substance or method can be added to the Prohibited List if it meets two of the following three criteria:
- It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance.
- Use of the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the Athlete.
- Use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.
The Prohibited List is a comprehensive yet complicated document. Here are a few tips and tricks to help Athletes and Athlete support personnel navigate it:
- Not everything on the Prohibited List is a medicine
- Not every prohibited medicine is listed
- Other substances with similar chemical structure or effect can also be prohibited
- Only the ingredient names are listed, not brand names
- Check the route of administration of the medicine
- Check male or female use
- Check dose restrictions
- Many natural products are not specifically listed
- Regularly check for updates to the Prohibited List
Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications should be checked against the Prohibited List. Athletes should also inform their doctors of their obligations as high-performance Athletes.
Risks of supplement use
Checking Medications
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications should be checked against the Prohibited List. Athletes should also inform their doctors and other medical professionals of their obligations as high-performance Athletes and emphasise the fact that they are subject to the rules of the World Anti-Doping Code.
We recommend the use of Global Dro to check all medications. The Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) provides Athletes and Support Personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
Risks of Supplements
Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labelling or contamination of dietary supplements and there is no guarantee that a supplement is free from prohibited substances.
Risks of supplements include:
- Manufacturing standards, which are often less strict compared with medicines. These lower standards often lead to supplement contamination with an undeclared prohibited substance;
- Fake or low-quality products which may contain prohibited substances – and be harmful to health;
- Mislabelling of supplements with ingredients wrongly listed and prohibited substances not identified on the product label;
- False claims that a particular supplement is endorsed by Anti-Doping Organisations or that it is “safe for Athletes”. Remember, Anti-Doping Organisations do not certify supplements and the product label may contain misleading messaging.
All Athletes should do a risk-benefit assessment if they are considering the use of supplements. The first step of such an assessment is to consider whether a “food-first” approach meets the Athlete’s needs. Whenever possible, such assessment should be done with a support of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with the global and BISFed Anti-Doping Rules.
Checking your supplements
If, after careful consideration, an Athlete chooses to use supplements, they must take the necessary steps to minimise the risks associated with supplements. This includes:
- Thorough research on the type and dose of the supplement, preferably with the advice of a certified nutritionist or other qualified professional who is familiar with the global and BISFed Anti-Doping Rules.
- Selecting only those supplements that have been “batch-tested” by an independent company. Companies that batch-test supplements include Informed Sport, Certified for Sport or Kölner Liste.
Remember, no supplement is 100% risk-free but Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel can take certain steps to minimise these risks.
Anti-doping
Wada Adel Education
Use of medications and Therapeutic Use Exemptions
What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption – TUE?
Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, a TUE may give that athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUEC).
What are the Criteria FOR GRANTING A TUE?
All of the four following criteria must be met (for more details, please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2):
- The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method;
- The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health;
- The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative;
- The necessity to use that substance or method is not a consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR A TUE? WHERE AND WHEN TO APPLY?
What the Athlete should do:
Athletes who are subject to anti-doping rules would need a TUE to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method. You should verify with BISFed to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively.
First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take, or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List.
You may also use a ‘check your medication’ online too or ask your NADO if it has one.
You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives, if there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact your NADO or BISFed if you are having difficulties in assessing the status of a substance.
Then, contact BISFed on [email protected] to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.
International Level Definition
(a) Athletes who participate in BISFed Events.
If it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete you must apply to BISFed in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances.
For substances prohibited in-competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition, unless one of the exceptions on retroactive TUEs (see below) apply.
Please refer to the section “How to apply to BISFed for a TUE?” below.
If you already have a TUE granted by your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO):
Your NADO’s TUE is only valid at the national level, and you must submit a request for recognition to BISFed. Please refer to the section “How to submit a request for recognition of your NADO’s TUE” to BISFed below.
– If you are NOT an International-Level Athlete BISFed recognizes a valid TUE granted by your NADO; unless you are required to apply for recognition of the TUE because you are competing in an international event.
Can I Get a RETROACTIVE TUE?
You may only apply retroactively for a TUE if:
- You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition.
- There was insufficient time, opportunity or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested.
- You are a lower level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of BISFed or NADO and were tested.
- You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (for example glucocorticoids).
In rare and exceptional circumstances and notwithstanding any other provision in the ISTUE, you may apply for and be granted retroactive approval for a therapeutic use of a prohibited substance or method, if considering the purpose of the Code, it would be manifestly unfair not to grant a retroactive TUE.
This unique retroactive TUE will only be granted with the prior approval of WADA (and WADA may in its absolute discretion agree with or reject BISFed´s decision).
Important note:
Using a prohibited substance or method without a TUE could result in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
In case an application for a retroactive TUE is necessary following sample collection, you are strongly advised to have a medical file prepared and ready to submit for evaluation.
How to apply for a TUE
BISFed encourages to submit TUE applications via ADAMS, together with the required medical information. If you do not have an ADAMS account yet, please contact [email protected] to have it set up.
Otherwise, please download BISFed´s TUE Application Form and once duly completed and signed, send it together with the required medical file to [email protected].
Your TUE application must be submitted in legible capital letters or typing.
The medical file must include:
§ A comprehensive medical history, including documentation from the original diagnosing physician(s) (where possible);
§ The results of all examinations, laboratory investigations and imaging studies relevant to the application.
Any TUE application that is not complete or legible will not be dealt with and will be returned for completion and re-submission.
To assist you and your doctor in providing the correct medical documentation, we suggest consulting the WADA’s Checklists for TUE applications for guidance and support, and Medical Information to Support the Decisions of TUECs for guidance on specific common medical conditions, treatments, substances, etc.
Keep a complete copy of the TUE application form and all medical information submitted in support of your application, and proof that it has been sent.
How to submit a request for recognition of my NADO´s TUE to BISFed
Your request for recognition should be submitted to BISFed in writing quoting your ADAMS TUE reference number.
Keep a complete copy of the proof that your request for recognition has been sent to BISFed.
What happens at major events, for example the Paralympic Games?
A Major Event Organization (MEO) requires athletes to apply for the recognition of their TUE if they wish to use a prohibited substance or method in connection with the Event.
If you have a TUE granted by BISFed and you will be competing at a Major Event e.g., the Paralympic Games, you should contact the MEO for information on their recognition process.
When will I receive a decision on my TUE application [or request for recognition]?
BISFed´s TUEC must render a decision as soon as possible, and usually within 21 days from the date of receipt of the complete TUE application [or request for recognition].
What if I need to renew my TUE?
Each TUE has a specific duration, at the end of which it expires automatically. Should you need to continue to use the prohibited substance or method, it is your responsibility to submit a new application for a TUE with updated medical information ahead of the expiry date, so that there is sufficient time for a decision to be made prior to the expiry of the current TUE.
Important note:
The presence (following sample collection), use, possession or administration of the prohibited substance or method must be consistent with the terms of your TUE. Therefore, if you require a materially different dosage, frequency, route or duration of administration, you should contact BISFed, as you may be required to apply for a new TUE.
Some substances and dosages are often modified during treatment and these possible fluctuations should be mentioned by the treating physician in the TUE application.
What if my TUE APPLICATION IS DENIED?
A decision to deny a TUE application will include a written explanation of the reason(s) for the denial. If it is not clear to you, please contact BISFed to understand exactly why the TUE was denied. Sometimes, there may be a critical piece of information, diagnostic test, laboratory results missing, etc. In which case, you should re-apply.
You may refer the matter to WADA for review no later than 21 days after notification of BISFed´s decision. You should send the same information that you submitted, and on which the decision to deny the TUE was based on, via a secure on-line method or by registered mail to the WADA Medical Department
WADA Medical Department
World Anti-Doping Agency
Stock Exchange Tower
800 Place Victoria (Suite 1700)
P.O. Box 120
Montreal (Quebec) H4Z 1B7
Canada
The email address to enquire and/or send the request for review is: [email protected]
It should be noted that WADA is not obliged to proceed with a request for a review. In that case, you and/or your NADO may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
What if my NADO’s TUE IS NOT RECOGNIZED BY BISFed?
You and/or your NADO have 21 days from the date of decision to refer the matter to WADA for review. The email address to enquire and/or send the request for review is: [email protected]. Alternatively, you may send to:
WADA Medical Department
World Anti-Doping Agency
Stock Exchange Tower
800 Place Victoria (Suite 1700)
P.O. Box 120
Montreal (Quebec) H4Z 1B7
Canada
The same information that was provided to your NADO should be submitted to WADA. Please use a secure on-line method unless sending by registered mail.
Pending WADA’s decision, your NADO TUE remains valid for national-level competition and out-of-competition testing only.
If the matter is not referred to WADA for review, your NADO must determine whether the original TUE that was granted should remain valid for national-level Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing.
Will my medical information be treated in a confidential manner?
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 BISFed´s TUE Application Form. All members of the TUEC and any other authorized recipients of your TUE request and related information (as described in the Athlete’s Declaration) are subject to a professional or contractual confidentiality obligation.
Please review the terms of the Athlete’s Declaration carefully. In particular, note that should you wish to revoke the right of BISFed’s TUEC to obtain the information related to your TUE in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration, your TUE application will be deemed withdrawn without approval [or recognition] being granted.
Your TUE request-related information will be retained by BISFed and any other authorized recipients for no longer than necessary for the purposes stated in the Athlete’s Declaration, in accordance with the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.
Contact information
For any further information and questions in relation toBISFed’s personal information practices, please contact [email protected].
If you have a doubt as regards to which organization you should apply for a TUE, or as to the recognition process, or any other question about TUEs, please contact: [email protected]
Other useful links:
WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
WADA Checklists for TUE Applications
WADA Guidelines for the 2021 International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
Anti-doping
Rules & Documents
Testing procedures
The aim of testing is to detect and deter doping among Athletes to protect clean Athletes. Any Athlete under the testing jurisdiction of BISFed may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, in- or out-of-competition.
The doping control process is defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency with clearly formulated rights and obligations in order to make sure that doping controls satisfy high quality standards. This means that no matter where and when you are tested, the process should remain the same.
Rights & Responsibilities during Sample Collection
Athletes have a number of rights and responsibilities during sample collection.
Athlete rights during sample collection are to:
- Have a representative accompany them during the process
- Request an interpreter, if one is available
- Ask for Chaperone’s/Doping Control Officer’s identification
- Ask any questions
- Request a delay for a valid reason (e.g., attending a victory ceremony, receiving necessary medical attention, warming down or finishing a training session)
- Request special assistance or modifications to the process
- Record any comments or concerns on the Doping Control Form
Athlete responsibilities during sample collection are to:
- Report for testing immediately if selected
- Show valid identification (usually a government-issued ID)
- Remain in direct sight of the DCO or Chaperone
- Comply with the collection procedure
Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)
The ABP is an important tool for International Federations and Anti-Doping Organizations in the fight against drugs in sport, specifically in that it allows 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.
What is the ABP?
The principle behind the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is the monitoring of selected biological parameters over time that may indirectly reveal effects of doping on the body. This approach allows anti-doping organizations to generate individual, longitudinal profiles for each Athlete and to look for any fluctuations that may indicate the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. The longitudinal profile for each Athlete is generated based on statistical tools that utilize data from an Athlete’s previous samples to predict the likely individual limits or reference range for future samples. If any data from a sample falls outside of the Athlete’s reference range, this abnormal value may be an indication of doping or a pathological condition. This data can also be used to conduct targeted, conventional anti-doping tests on Athletes with abnormal profiles. ABP data can also be used as corroborating evidence of doping during an anti-doping rule violation case.
What are the variables that are monitored in the Athlete Biological Passport?
Initially, only the hematological biomarkers had been validated by WADA for the ABP. Hematological biomarkers that are measured and can be used for blood profiling include hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, reticulocyte number, reticulocyte percentage, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and OFF-score. In 2013, the WADA Athlete Biological Passport Guidelines introduced a second module, the Steroidal Module, which became operational on January 1, 2014. The Steroidal Module tests an Athlete’s urine sample to observe unique steroidal variables, therefore making it a useful technique in spotting Athlete abuse of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. The urinary steroid profile consists of the urinary concentrations of Testosterone, Epitestosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, 5a-androstane-3a,17β-diol and 5β-androstane-3a,17β-diol, together with the specific gravity of the urine sample. The model used by the ABP replaces the ‘population reference’ approach with an ‘intra-individual’ approach, which allows for a more refined evaluation.
Can the ABP replace traditional anti-doping testing?
Drug testing in sports relies on various strategies that include the direct testing of Athletes for the presence of performance enhancing agents as well as the evidence gathered through the non-analytical or indirect approach. While the approach of detection of prohibited substances or their metabolites in an Athlete’s blood or urine sample is an effective approach, it has its limitations. With the onset of new or modified substances or designer drugs being misused by Athletes, anti-doping agencies seek new detection strategies to combat these emerging threats. Thus, the Athlete Biological Passport provides a complementary and more sophisticated strategy to traditional analytical testing in an effort to scientifically gather evidence of possible doping in sport. The ABP is one tool in a kit of intelligent anti-doping practices meant to deter and detect the use of prohibited substances in sport.
You can find more information about ABP here.
Testing Pool, whereabouts and ADAMS
Who shall provide whereabouts and when?
International-level Athletes who are registered in BISFed’s Testing Pool (TP) are obliged to provide whereabouts information in ADAMS. International-level Athletes are defined as athletes taking part in a BISFed competition, as defined in BISFed’s Anti-Doping Rules.
In accordance with the BISFed rules, TP Athletes are required to provide whereabouts for the whole year quarterly.
Inclusion letters of TP athletes are sent out by BISFed to the athletes respective Member Federation. Member Federations are obliged to inform their Athletes of their inclusion and are to send back to BISFed the “Athlete Acknowledgement Form” signed by their athlete .
From notification of inclusion athletes are obliged to submit whereabouts for the determined quarter until the deadline set out in the notification letter.
How to register in ADAMS?
Contact your NADO for help
How to provide Whereabouts?
You are required to be precise when submitting whereabouts information. Please make sure to provide the POSTAL CODE / ZIP besides other information such as Street address, Country, Town/City and Region of your location. The provided information should be complete and accurate to properly identify the athlete’s location for out of competition anti-doping control.
Ensure that athletes whereabouts is up-to-date to ensure eligibility for upcoming events.
How to modify data in ADAMS?
Contact your NADO
Guidelines for ADAMS
NEW USER GUIDE FOR ADAMS: http://adams-docs.wada-ama.org/display/EN/ADAMS+User+Guide+for+Athletes
Check out the Whereabouts reference card: http://adams-docs.wada-ama.org/display/EN/Whereabouts+Quick+Reference+Card+-+EN
How is personal data handled?
Doping control related data of athletes are used and processed for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of an effective anti-doping programme. If you have further questions please check the following documents:
BISFed Anti-Doping Data Policy
ADAMS
The Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS) was developed to coordinate anti-doping activities of the stakeholders and to help them with their implementation of the Code, and to enable easier whereabouts submission.
ADAMS is an internet-based database management tool available in several languages.
It is a centralized system that allows data entry and storage, as well as data-sharing and reporting to take place in a highly secure environment that restricts access to all but relevant parties.
It is designed exclusively to assist stakeholders in their anti-doping operations with full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
All data in ADAMS is highly protected thanks to a security system that complies with the highest protection standards.
Report in Confidence
As a further step in the fight against doping, and in line with WADA guidelines, BISFed has set up a dedicated e-mail, allowing anyone to report potential anti-doping rule violations in a confidential and secure manner.
Education
BISFed has chosen WADAs Anti-Doping Education and Learning platform (ADEL) as the best
tool for this purpose. The course ADEL for International-Level athletes is mandatory for all BISFed Athletes and Sport Assistants.
This on-line course gives information about the dangers of doping and the importance of anti-doping controls and promotes positive attitudes to avoiding doping. The tool shifts the focus from what athletes are not allowed to do, to offering solutions for clean progression in
sport.
Find details of BISFed´s Anti-doping Education Programme here
Anti-doping
