1. Introduction to Anti-Doping

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. The International Surfing Association (ISA) seeks to maintain the integrity of ISA 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.

The ISA is unequivocally opposed, on ethical and medical grounds, to the practice of doping in sport and fully supports the position of the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the use of banned substances and methods.

The use, possession and/or trafficking of banned substances, methods, or the encouragement or counseling to use banned substances, or methods, and/or taking measures to mask the use of banned substances, or methods by any participant in competitions over which the ISA has jurisdiction is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, the ISA implements a strict adherence to the Code as a way to ensure a clean, healthy and fair sporting atmosphere for all athletes. By conducting both in-competition and out-of-competition testing, the ISA confirms proper testing and results management methods are administered throughout the sport.

The rules and regulations of ISA’s Anti-doping Policy aim to:

  • Promote Surfing as a drug-free sport;
  • Uphold and preserve the ethics of Sport;
  • Ensure that all athletes have an opportunity to compete equally;
  • Safeguard the physical health and mental integrity of the athletes;
  • Establish consistent standards of anti-doping policy and testing;
  • Encourage Member Federations to execute similar regulations with their athletes.
  • In addition, the ISA strives to continuously educate and monitor the National Federations’ yearly activities regarding their self-implemented policies to members. It is of the utmost importance that the ISA member federations accept and promote an anti-doping policy within their national events, camps and championships.

2. Principles and values associate with Clean Sport

At the International Surfing Association (ISA), we are committed to protecting the integrity of our sport and the well-being of every athlete. We recognize that clean sport is not only about preventing doping—it is about promoting and embodying the values that define surfing and the spirit of sport itself.

Our approach to anti-doping education is rooted in values-based education, as outlined in the WADA Guidelines for the 2021 International Standard for Education (ISE)

Education, as defined by the Code, is “the process of learning to instill values and develop behaviors that foster and protect the spirit of sport, and to prevent intentional and unintentional doping.

In line with the spirit of sport and the essence of Olympism, the ISA champions the following values within our community:

  • 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

These values are deeply embedded in the culture of surfing and are essential to fostering a positive, inclusive, and clean sporting environment for athletes, coaches, officials, and fans alike.

Alignment with Global Sporting Values

The ISA’s clean sport philosophy is also aligned with the broader values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements:

  • International Olympic Committee (IOC): Excellence, Friendship, and Respect

  • International Paralympic Committee (IPC): Respect, Integrity, Fairness, Collaboration, and Excellence

These shared values guide our educational programs and policies, and serve as the foundation for inspiring current and future generations of surfers to compete with honor and integrity.

3. The Anti-Doping Landscape

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 is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations around the world. The Code is supplemented by eight International Standards, including the Prohibited List that is updated at least annually.
The ISA has its own set of anti-doping rules and it is important that those involved in the sport are familiar with them. These rules can be found here: ISA Anti-Doping Rules.
The ISA has delegated the management of it’s Anti-Doping program and clean sport activities to the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent organization that manages anti-doping programs on behalf of International Federations and Major Event Organizers.
WADA, ISA, ITA and the National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) coordinate all anti-doping efforts within the sport of the ISA.

4. Rights And Responsibilities Under The Code

Rights and 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 (Code). Part Three of the Code outlines these foreach 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. For more information, you can refer directly to the document here: Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act.

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:

  • Not working with coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support Personnel who are ineligible on account of an ADRV, or who have been criminally convicted or disciplined in relation to doping (see WADA’s Prohibited Association List)

Further details of these roles and responsibilities can be found in Code Art. 21.1.

Athletes also have specific rights and responsibilities during the Doping Control Process. Please refer to this section for more information on this.

Rights and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel and other groups

Like athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and others under the jurisdiction of  the ISA 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 and the athlete(s) you support
  • Cooperating with the athlete testing program
  • Disclosing to the ISA 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.

5. The Principle Of Strict Liability

In anti-doping, the principle of Strict Liability applies – if it is in the athlete’s body, the athlete is responsible for it.

This means that every 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 vital that athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know the rules and understand their responsibilities under the Code.

Athletes must know and understand the Prohibited List and with the risks associated with supplement use. More information on the Prohibited List, medications and supplements is available in the Prohibited List, Medications & Supplements section at the bottom of this page.

6. Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in line with Code Art. 2 (Anti-Doping Rule Violations):
  1. Presence of a prohibited substance in an Athlete’s sample
  2. Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method
  3. Refusal to submit to sample collection after being notified
  4. Failure to file Athlete Whereabouts information & missed tests
  5. Tampering with any part of the doping control process
  6. Possession of a prohibited substance or method
  7. Trafficking a prohibited substance or method
  8. Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an Athlete
  9. Complicity in an ADRV
  10. Prohibited association with sanctioned Athlete Support Personnel
  11. Discourage or Retaliate other Persons from reporting relevant Anti-Doping information to the authorities.
The first four Anti-Doping Rule Violations apply only to athletes since they refer to the obligation not to take banned substances and the obligation to submit to testing.

The remaining seven Anti-Doping Rules apply to both the athletes and the Athlete Support Personnel including coaches, medical professionals, or anyone else working with the athlete or involved in anti-doping activities. National and International Federation administrators, officials and sample collection staff may also be liable for their conduct under the World Anti-Doping Code.

7. Substances And Methods On The Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) produces a list of substances and methods that are banned in sport in the form of the Prohibited List. It is updated at least annually, with the new list taking effect on January 1 of each year.

It is important that athletes and Athlete Support Personnel are familiar with the Prohibited List and know how to check whether medications are prohibited in sport.

A substance or method can be added to the Prohibited List if it meets at least two of the following three criteria:

  1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance.
  2. Use of the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
  3. Use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.

The Prohibited List includes substances and methods that are categorised into three groups:

  1. Substances and methods prohibited at all times
  2. Substances and methods prohibited in-competition
  3. Substances prohibited in particular sports
According to the Code, the in-competition is the period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such Competition and the Sample collection process related to such Competition.

The in-competition period is very important to understand when it relates to substances that are prohibited in-competition. When a substance is prohibited in-competition, it must leave the athlete’s system by the time the said competition begins. It does not mean that the athlete must stop taking the substance by the time the in-competition period begins. Different substances take different amounts of time to leave the system – athletes must be extremely careful to make sure that they are not caught with a positive test as a result of taking a substance prohibited in-competition.

The most up-to-date version of the Prohibited List can be found here.

8. Use Of Medications & Risks Of Supplements Use

Checking Medications

We recommend using Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) to check all medications. Global DRO provides athletes and Athlete Support Personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help athletes and Athlete Support Personnel navigate the Prohibited List and to be able to select medications that are safe to take within the context of sport:

  • Only the medical ingredient names are listed on the Prohibited List – not the brand names
  • Always check dosage restrictions, route administration of the medicine and any limitations for the use of the drug based on gender
  • Check both over-the-counter and prescription medications before using them
  • Inform your medical professional that you are an athlete and subject to anti-doping regulations
  • Different substances take different amounts of time to leave your system – take that into account when taking substances prohibited in-competition
  • Be careful when substituting one brand of medication for another – they may contain different medical ingredients
  • Be careful when travelling – the same brand of a medication may contain different medical ingredients abroad
  • Regularly check for updates to the 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;

Misleading and false claims that a particular supplement is endorsed by Anti-Doping Organisations or that it is “safe for athletes”. Anti-Doping Organisations do not certify supplements.

All athletes should do a risk-benefit assessment if they are considering the use 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 ISA anti-doping rules.

Checking Supplements

If, after careful consideration, an athlete chooses to use supplements, they must take the necessary steps to minimise the risks. 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 ISA 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.

For more information, please watch this ITA webinar on nutritional supplements.

9. Therapeutic Use Exemption Process

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 aTUE 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?

International Surfing Association (ISA) has delegated responsibility for all TUE applications to the International Testing Agency (ITA). This means that the ITA is now fully responsible for the TUE application process for all international-level athletes that fall under ISA’s jurisdiction.

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 the ITA 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 like globalDRO (https://globaldro.com) 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 the ITA if you are having difficulties in assessing the status of a substance.

Then, verify below your status, to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements:

International Level Definition

(a) Athletes who compete in any of the following International Events: 1. World Surfing Games; 2. World Stand Up Paddle Championships; 3. World Longboard Championships; 4. World Bodyboard Championships; 5. World Masters Surfing Championships; 6. World Adaptive (Para) Surfing Championships; 7. World Kneeboard Championships; 8. World Tandem Championships; 9. World Junior Championships (*Athletes competing in U16 division only are not to be considered International-Level Athletes) For the purposes of these Anti-Doping Rules, Continental Championships organized by ISA – Recognized Continental Associations in accordance with ISA Rulebook (as amended from time to time), or Olympic Qualification Events as defined in corresponding Qualification Systems, shall also be considered ISA International Events, and Athletes competing in those Events shall be considered as International-Level Athletes.

(b) Athletes who are part of the ISA’ Registered Testing Pool or ISA’s Testing Pool (if one is established).

ª If it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete you must apply to the ITA 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 the ITA for a TUE?” below.

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

ITA’s TUEC will automatically recognise it for purposes of international-level Competition without the need to review the relevant clinical information.

ª If you are NOT an International-Level Athlete and you have been tested by ISA, ITA’s TUEC recognizes a valid TUE granted by your NADO (i.e., it satisfies the ISTUE criteria for granting a TUE); unless you are required to apply for recognition of the TUE because you are competing in an international event.

If you are NOT a National-Level Athlete as defined by your NADO and you have been tested by ISA, you must apply for a retroactive TUE to the ITA.

CAN I GET A RETROACTIVE TUE?

You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to the ITA’s TUEC 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 ISA 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 the ITA’s TUEC 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 TO THE ITA FOR A TUE?

ISA 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]ort to have it set up.

Otherwise, please download the TUE Application Form (found on https://ita.sport/TUE), 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 costs incurred by the Athlete in making the TUE application and in supplementing it as required by the TUEC are the responsibility of the Athlete.

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 THE ITA?

ITA’s TUEC will automatically recognise your TUE for purposes of international-level Competition without the need to review the relevant clinical information. If the TUE is correctly entered in ADAMS, there is no need to contact us. Nevertheless, should you require a confirmation, you can submit your request to the ITA in writing quoting your ADAMS TUE reference number.

You can download your TUE certificate directly from ADAMS.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MAJOR EVENTS, FOR EXAMPLE THE OLYMPIC GAMES?

You must verify with the Major Event, what are its TUE requirements.

Before the Period of the Games

You should follow the normal process and submit new requests to your IF or NADO. Pre-existing TUEs will follow the recognition process provided they are entered in ADAMS.

 During the Period of the Games.

All Athletes participating in the Olympic Games must contact the ITA office located in the polyclinic of the Olympic Village.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE A DECISION ON MY TUE APPLICATION [OR REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION]?

The ITA’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, unless in exceptional circumstances.

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 the ITA, as you may be required to apply for a new TUE. Some substances and dosages, e.g. insulin, are often modified during treatment and these possible fluctuations should be mentioned by the treating physician in the TUE application and would usually be accepted by the ITA’s TUEC.

WHAT IF MY ISA’S 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 the ITA 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 to us.

You and/or your NADO may refer the matter to WADA for review no later than 21 days after notification of the ITA’s TUEC decision. You should send the same information that you submitted to us, and on which the decision to deny the TUE was based on, via a secure on-line method or by registered mail at:

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 ISA?

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 and in the TUE Application Form which can be found here. 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 the ITA’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 ISA, ITA’s TUEC 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.

10. Testing Procedures - Urine, Blood & The ABP

Introduction to Doping Control

The aim of testing is to detect and deter doping amongst athletes and to protect clean athletes. Any athlete under the testing jurisdiction of the ISA may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, in- or out-of-competition, and be required to provide a urine or a blood sample.

Athletes can be tested by the ISA, NADOs or Major Event Organizers. Certain International Federations and Major Event Organizers delegate part or all of their anti-doping programs to independent organisations like the International Testing Agency (ITA). For more information on ISA’s collaboration with the ITA, please see above.

What to expect during the Doping Control Process

The doping control process is clearly defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This means that no matter where and when an athlete is tested, the process should remain the same.

The key steps of the doping control process are listed out in this Doping Control resource prepared by the International Testing Agency (also available in Arabic (عربى), Chinese (中文), French (français), German (deutsche), Italian (italiano), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Portuguese (português), Russian (русский) and Spanish (español).

To learn more about the doping control process, please watch this ITA webinar on urine and blood sample collection.

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 Doping Control Officer or Chaperone
  • Comply with the collection procedure

Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was introduced in 2009 and is a pillar method in the detection of doping. It is an individual electronic profile that monitors selected athlete biological variables that indirectly reveal the effects of doping. ABP is integrated directly into ADAMS.

If you wish to learn more about ABP, you can watch this ITA webinar recording.

11. Requirements Of The Registered Testing Pool

The Registered Testing Pool (RTP) is the pool of highest-priority athletes established separately at the international level by the ITA an ISA and at the national level by National Anti-Doping Organizations.

Athletes included in the ISA RTP are subject to both in-competition and out-of-competition testing as part of the ISA’s test distribution plan and are therefore required to provide Whereabouts information as provided in Code Art. 5.5 (Athletes Whereabouts Information) and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

The ITA & ISA updates the composition of the RTP on a regular basis. Athletes are included in the RTP based on a set of criteria and are notified by the International Testing Agency/ISA upon inclusion.

Inclusion in the RTP is done via the ISA Inclusion Letter – this document contains all the key information, deadlines and athlete’s responsibilities as it relates to athletes’ RTP obligations.

Whereabouts Requirements

RTP Athletes must regularly provide whereabouts and contact information in ADAMS, WADA’s online anti-doping administration and management system. This information helps Anti-Doping Organisations with testing jurisdiction over the athlete to plan out-of-competition testing.

The Whereabouts requirements include but are not limited to:

  • An up-to-date mailing address and phone number
  • One daily specific 60-minute time slot between 5am and 11pm when the athlete is available and accessible for testing
  • Athlete’s overnight accommodation for each day
  • Information about training and regular activities that are part of the athlete’s regular routine (training at the gym, regular physio sessions, school, work, etc.)
  • Competition, training and travel schedule
  • Any additional relevant information that helps the Doping Control Officer locate the athlete (e.g., buzzer number or directions to a remote location)

Submitting late, inaccurate or incomplete whereabouts information may result in a Filing Failure.

An athlete may receive a Missed Test if they are not available for testing during the 60-minute timeslot indicated in ADAMS. Three Whereabouts Failures (any combination of a Filing Failure and a Missed Test) occurring within a 12-month period will lead to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and a potential two-year ban from sport.

It is important to note that under the Principle of Strict Liability, the athlete remains responsible for the information submitted, even if they have delegated this task to a member of their support team.

Below are some helpful whereabouts tips for athletes:

  • Set a calendar reminder of the key dates/deadlines to submit quarterly Whereabouts information
  • Set an alarm for the start of the 60-minute time slot
  • Be as specific as possible when submitting your Whereabouts information
  • When in doubt, ask for help via ITA, ISA or the ADAMS Help Centre
  • Make use of the Athlete Central app to submit your Whereabouts information on a mobile device

Retirement and Return to Competition

All international level athletes who decide to retire from competition must inform the ITA, the ISA, and the NADO by email. For RTP/TP Athletes, as soon as the retirement is officially confirmed to the ITA , ISA, and the NADO, the athlete will be immediately withdrawn from the RTP. The ITA will send a written communication to acknowledge that this information has been received.

If the athlete then wishes to return to competition, this athlete cannot compete in international or national events until they have given six months prior written notice to the ITA, ISA, and the NADO (Code Art. 5.6: Retired Athletes Returning to Competition).

12. Consequences of Doping

The Consequences of Doping

There are many risks associated with doping. From negative effects on mental and physical health, to loss of sponsorship or prize money, to permanent damage to an athlete’s image and relationships, it is important to understand and consider all consequences of doping. Below is a list of some of the common consequences of not competing clean.

Health

The use of Performance-enhancing Drugs (PEDs) may have long- and short-term impacts 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.
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

Social

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.

Financial

A ban resulting from an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) 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. Other negative consequences of doping include termination of contracts and sponsorship deals, loss of government funding and other forms of financial support.

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 of Surfing will also be prohibited from playing, coaching or working with athletes in any other capacity in a different sport.

It is also a violation of the Code to work with Athlete Support Personnel who have been sanctioned by an ADO, as well as any coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support Personnel who are ineligible on account of an ADRV, or those who have been criminally convicted or professionally disciplined in relation to doping.

A full list of sanctioned athletes and Athlete Support Personnel in the sport of Surfing can be found at the bottom of this webpage under “ISA Anti-Doping Reports” in accordance with Code Art. 14.3 (Public Disclosure).

A full list of all Athlete Support Personnel who are currently suspended from working with athletes or other persons can be found on

13. Revealing Suspicious Activity

Link to REVEAL, the ITA’s doping reporting platform: https://ita.whistleblowernetwork.net/

OR

the WADA Whistleblowing Platform:

https://speakup.wada-ama.org/

14. 2025 Anti-Doping Report

2025 Anti-Doping Report

15. Data Privacy

For any further information and questions in relation to personal information practices, please contact the ITA at [email protected] or ISA.

16. Clean Sport Education

With the enactment of the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and the new International Standard for Education, anti-doping education has become a key step towards ensuring a clean and fair field of play. Effective education and clean sport values-based education programs are important to create a strong doping-free culture.

The ISA supports this principle and has put in place a strong and comprehensive Education Program for Surfing athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other members of the Surfing community. To learn more about these initiatives, you can consult the ISA Education Plan.

It is strongly recommended that all Surfing athletes, coaches and other Athlete Support Personnel take the time to get educated and informed using the many available anti-doping educational tools and resources. Topic-specific resources are included as direct links within that topic, other, more general resources and materials are listed below.

WADA ADEL Platform

ADEL is WADA’s global Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform. ADEL welcomes anyone who wants to learn about clean sport – the e-learning courses are free for all.

There are courses for athletes of different levels, as well as for coaches, and other support personnel. These include:

  • Athlete’s Guide to the 2021 Code
  • Athlete Support Personnel Guide to the 2021 Code
  • ADEL for Registered Testing Pool Athletes
  • International-Level Athletes Education Program
  • National-Level Athletes Education Program
  • Parents of Elite Athletes Education Program
  • High Performance Coaches’ Education Program
  • Medical Professional’s Education Program

ADEL courses are available in many different languages. If your language is not available at the time of login, make sure to check the ADEL Roadmap section of the website to see what courses are currently being translated and to which languages.

ITA Athlete Hub

The ISA recommends regularly visiting the International Testing Agency’s Athlete Hub for the latest news, articles and informational resources. The Resources section is also helpful if you are looking for a specific document.

ITA Monthly Webinars

All members of the ISA community are invited to take part in the ITA webinar series. Each month, anti-doping experts or athlete guests discuss key anti-doping topics relevant to athletes and Athlete Support Personnel. All webinars are free and accessible to any interested member of the global sport community. The webinars are delivered in English with simultaneous translation to Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish.

Registration for each webinar opens 2-3 weeks prior to the live session on the ITA Athlete Hub and on the ITA social media channels. Previous webinars can also be viewed on the Athlete Hub.

18. Contact Information

For assistance with any of the following topics, please contact:

19. ISA Anti-doping reports

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