Who are the doping control officials involved in sample collection?

 

Doping Control Officers organise and manage the sample collection session.

Blood Collection Officers are qualified to perform the phlebotomy, which is the collection of blood samples from athletes (where required).

Chaperones notify, accompany and witness you providing a sample. The Doping Control Officer can also perform all the duties of a Chaperone.

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Doping Control Officers (DCOs) and Blood Collection Officers (BCOs) are responsible for the urine and blood sample collection from athletes as part of an anti-doping program managed by an ADO and USAD. The DCOs and BCOs may be involved in Out-of-Competition sample collection or In-Competition delivering the testing program at sport events.

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Doping Control Officer 

 

A Doping Control Officer (DCO) registered on the list of USAD DCOs is an official who has been selected, trained, and authorised by the USAD or ADO with delegated responsibility for the coordination and management of anti-doping sample collection session with athletes at either events or in the Out-of-Competition setting. 

The DCO is at the forefront of the anti-doping program carried out by the USAD on behalf of ADOs and plays an important role in protecting the rights of athletes to compete in doping-free sport. 

DCOs registered on the list of USAD DCOs are independent contractors who receive offers for testing athletes on a mission-by-mission basis according to USAD needs.

 

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure that all the logistical aspects are in place for a successful completion of the doping control mission on USAD managed competitions. 

• Conduct urine and blood sample collection sessions in-competition on USAD selected competitions. 

• Ensure that all actions and decisions in relation to a sample collection session are taken in accordance with the WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). 

• Explain the doping control process to athletes and their support personnel if necessary. 

• Train and oversee Chaperones. 

• Witness sample collection or overseeing the witnessing of the sample collection process. 

• Ensure accurate documentation/completion of the doping control process. 

• Data entry into ADAMS (Anti-Doping Administration and Management System). 

 

Skills and experience required:

• Ukrainian and English written and oral communication skills are crucial, other languages are an asset. 

• Accredited as Doping Control Officer by an Anti-Doping Organisation or Sample Collection Authority.  

• Accredited as USAD IDCO is an asset.  

• Qualified phlebotomist is an asset. 

• Strong interest in sport, with a sensitivity to sports ethics and the issue of drugs and doping in sport. 

• Sensitivity, understanding and calmness under pressure. 

• Ability to interact in a professional manner with athletes and their support personnel, coaches, and other doping control team members. 

• Strong sense of discretion, confidentiality, and handling of sensitive and confidential data. 

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail, ability to set and manage priorities. 

• Be willing and able to travel. 

• Have a flexible schedule of availability, assignments are on demand. 

 

Conflicts of interest 

• The DCO must inform the USAD of any possible conflicts of interest relating to particular sports, sport federations, individual athletes, or sporting teams. 

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Blood Collection Officer

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Blood Collection Officers (BCOs) are professionally trained, qualified and experienced phlebotomists. BCOs are required to collect blood samples in accordance with WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI). This involves collaborating with a Doping Control Officer on testing missions to collect blood samples from athletes and ensuring the correct aftercare procedures are conducted. 

 

The BCO may also be requested to fulfil the duties of a Chaperone including: notification of athletes selected for an anti-doping test, chaperoning of selected athletes, witnessing urine sample provision and the completion of administration duties in accordance with the USAD policies and procedures relating to testing. 

 

The BCO is at the forefront of the anti-doping program carried out by the USAD on behalf of ADOs and plays an important role in protecting the rights of athletes to compete in doping-free sport. 

 

BCOs registered on the list of USAD BCOs are independent contractor who receive offers for testing athletes on a mission-by-mission basis according to USAD needs. 

 

Key tasks:

• The BCO shall assist the DCO in all aspects related to the blood sample collection session. 

• Collaborating with a Doping Control Officer to undertake testing missions for athletes in the out-of-competition setting, which often involves visiting the athlete’s home or training facility. 

• Attending sport competition events to undertake blood testing missions in the in-competition setting. 

• Undertaking blood sample collection duties as part of the USAD’s anti-doping program in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code provisions and guidelines set down by the USAD. 

• Ensuring the integrity of the blood sample collection. 

• Accurately and adequately completing the procedures and administration duties associated with the role of BCO, including report and notes writing. 

• Contributing to the development or improvement of procedures for BCOs 

 

If the BCO also acts as a Chaperone, the BCO will be responsible for: 

• Completing notification and chaperoning duties as part of the USAD’s anti-doping program in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code provisions and guidelines set down by the USAD. 

• Supporting the Doping Control Officer through the testing procedure. 

• Directly observing and witnessing urine sample provision. 

• Assisting with maintaining the security and forward chain of delivery of sample. 

• Writing comprehensive and legible reports when required. 

• Undertake training where required as provided by the USAD. 

 

Professional skills:

• Professionally trained, qualified and experienced phlebotomist – evidence of qualification from a recognised medical education institution or university and proof of local registration or certification will be required on application. 

• Legally allowed to practice phlebotomy in your country of residence – proof of any national licence or registration is required on application. 

• Completion of first aid training and certification and able to deliver first aid if required. 

 

Personal skills 

• Ukrainian and English written and oral communication skills are essential, other languages are an asset. 

• Sensitivity, understanding and calmness under pressure. 

• Ability to interact in a professional manner with athletes and their support personnel, coaches, and other doping control team members. 

• Strong sense of discretion, confidentiality and handling of sensitive and confidential data. 

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail, ability to set and manage priorities. 

• Interest in sport, with a sensitivity to sports ethics and the issue of drugs and doping in sport 

• Be willing and able to travel. 

• Have a flexible schedule of availability, assignments are on demand. 

 

Conflicts of interest 

• The BCO must inform the USAD of any possible conflicts of interest relating to particular sports, sport federations, individual athletes, or sporting teams.