Athletes from a wide range of sports, ages, and competition levels are subject to USADA testing, which means that they will interact with USADA Doping Control Officers (DCOs) all over the world. These DCOs are responsible for managing the sample collection process to protect the integrity of the sample and ensure that athletes’ rights are protected throughout the collection session. In practice, the DCO typically notifies the athlete, initiates the sample collection session, witnesses the athlete as they provide a sample, and assists with the collection equipment and paperwork.
DCOs play a critical role in USADA’s effort to preserve the integrity of clean sport, but just as importantly, they help define the athlete experience in regards to anti-doping. As such, USADA DCOs are held to a particularly high standard, meaning athletes can expect the following qualities and behaviors.
1. Professional
It’s no secret that the sample collection process can be intrusive, especially if it’s an athlete’s first time providing a sample. USADA DCOs approach each collection with professionalism and care for the athletes while upholding the protocols outlined in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
Every USADA DCO undergoes extensive hands-on training and a rigorous certification process before entering the field. From there, USADA DCOs engage in ongoing education and re-certification processes.
2. Accommodating
While USADA DCOs are charged with upholding testing protocols, they also have athletes’ well-being at the forefront of their minds and understand that athletes are people with busy lives, responsibilities, and pressing concerns that aren’t related to anti-doping. With this in mind, USADA DCOs will try to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to testing and working around athletes’ lives. For example, a DCO will always give athletes plenty of time to celebrate a podium moment or engage with media after notifying them for an in-competition test.
Athletes also have both rights and responsibilities when it comes to testing. For example, athletes have the right to complete a training session or other activity while the DCO or notifying chaperone observes the athlete for an out-of-competition test.
During in-competition testing, athletes can request a delay in reporting to the doping control station after notification if there’s a valid reason, such as:
- A medal ceremony
- Media commitments
- Medical obligation
- Warming up and cooling down
- Competing in further events
3. Knowledgeable
Testing and anti-doping in general can be confusing, which is why USADA DCOs often act as a resource for athletes when they have questions or concerns. DCOs are sometimes the only representative from USADA that athletes will interact with face-to-face, so athletes are encouraged to ask questions and use their DCO to learn more about anti-doping. USADA DCOs can explain the testing process and point athletes to the USADA website, where a wide range of resources are available on the results management process, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and prohibited substances and methods.
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More questions?
For additional questions about the testing and sample collection process, contact Athlete Connect at AthleteConnect@USADA.org or call (719) 785-2000.
