Anti-Doping
World Sailing is responsible for conducting all aspects of Doping Control in compliance with the World Sailing Anti-Doping Code, International Standards and the World Anti-Doping Code.
The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance in sailing is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the values of World Sailing.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an independent international agency that works towards a vision of a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.
According to The Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024, Fundamental Rule 6, sailors must comply with the World Sailing Anti-Doping Code. The World Sailing Anti-Doping Code follows the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).
World Sailing is responsible for conducting all aspects of Doping Control in compliance with the Code, WADA International Standards and the World Sailing Anti-Doping Code. (Appendix 2 of the World Sailing Regulations). World Sailing has delegated its adjudication responsibilities and Results Management to the CAS Anti-Doping Division.
World Sailing has delegated its adjudication responsibilities to the CAS Anti-Doping Division and its Results Management to the International Testing Agency (ITA).
REVEAL
Help us protect the clean athlete and the integrity of sailing. Every time someone steps forward with information on doping, we move closer to a clean and fair playing field for all.
We know that coming forward with sensitive information is a big decision – one that you would not enter into lightly. We applaud the courage and conviction required to raise concerns about cheating.
You have chosen to put your trust in us and we take this very seriously. World Sailing has partnered with the International Testing Agency (ITA) and are using their secure platform REVEAL.
We encourage all World Sailing stakeholders to make use of the ITA confidential reporting platform REVEAL. You can share all knowledge or suspicions of doping anonymously via this platform with the experts at the ITA.
You can access REVEAL here: www.reveal.sport
The principle of Strict Liability
The principle of Strict Liability is applied in situations where urine/blood samples collected from an athlete have produced adverse analytical results.
It means that each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their bodily specimen, and that an anti-doping rule violation occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in bodily specimen, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.
Strict liability means that you are solely responsible for any banned substance you use, attempt to use, or is found in your system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was any intention to cheat. In anti-doping, not knowing is not an excuse!
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 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 substances 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 Performance Enhancing Drugs and mental health issues. Most commonly, it was found that the use of doping substances can trigger anxiety, obsessive disorders or psychosis.
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 sailing and displayed poor judgement.
Financial
A ban resulting from an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) may have a significant financial impact on the individual. For athletes and Athlete Support Personnel, this includes the requirement to return prize money and/or a financial sanction. Other negative consequences of doping include termination of contracts and sponsorship deals, loss of government funding, grants 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 practice their profession and work within sailing. A sanction resulting from an ADRV can range from a warning to a lifetime ban from all sport.
It is important to note that individuals banned in one sport will also be prohibited from playing, coaching or working with athletes in any other capacity in a different sport.
It is also against the Code to work with any Athletes or Athlete Support Personnel who have been sanctioned by any Anti-Doping Organisation (IF, NADO, NGB), 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.
Risks of supplement use
Is there a risk of doping when taking nutritional supplements?
Yes. Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use even when no prohibited substance is listed on the label. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labelling or contamination of dietary supplements.
The use of dietary supplements by athletes is a concern because in many countries the manufacturing and labelling of supplements may not follow strict rules, which may lead to a supplement containing an undeclared substance that is prohibited under anti-doping regulations. Taking a poorly labelled dietary supplement is not an adequate defence in a doping hearing.
Further information is available on the UKAD website and Informed Sport, a global testing and certification programme for sports and nutritional supplements.
Neither WADA nor the World Sailing are involved in any supplement certification process and therefore do not certify or endorse manufacturers or their products. There is always a risk and athletes are therefore advised to approach supplement use with extreme caution.
Anti-Doping Education
The Anti-Doping e-Learning platform (ADeL) , which has been developed by WADA and is recommended by World Sailing, offers access to all topics related to clean sport and anti-doping. It offers courses for athletes, coaches, doctors, administrators and anyone interested in learning more about anti-doping and protecting the values of clean sport.
TUE Guidance
International-Level Athletes, those racing at Olympic events, Youth and Para Sailing World Championships, America’s Cup and The Ocean Race require any Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) issued by World Sailing. Athletes issued a TUE from their National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) must forward a copy to World Sailing. World Sailing will respect the TUE decision of other Anti-Doping Agencies provided that such TUE decisions have been reported following the TUE Recognition process contained within the WADA International Standard for TUEs.
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 authorisation 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).
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.
International-Level Athletes require any Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) to be issued by World Sailing.
Athletes who have been issued a TUE from their NADO (National Anti-Doping Organisation), please forward a copy to World Sailing.
World Sailing will respect the TUE decision of other Anti-Doping Agencies provided that such TUE decisions have been reported in accordance with Article 5.4.
Athletes who compete in any of the following events are “International-Level Athletes”:
- Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Sailing World Cup
- Sailing World Championship
- Youth Sailing World Championship
- Para World Sailing Championship
- All events connected with the America’s Cup
- All events connected with the Ocean Race (or its successor race)
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 World Sailing 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 World Sailing if you are having difficulties.
Then, contact World Sailing, via medical@sailing.org to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements.
If it is determined that you are an International-Level Athlete, you must apply to World Sailing in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances.
World Sailing Definition of International-Level Athlete as per Regulation 21 – Appendix 2 – Anti-Doping Code:
Within the overall pool of Athletes set out above who are bound by and required to comply with these Anti- Doping Rules, the following Athletes shall be considered to be International-Level Athletes for the purposes of these Anti-Doping Rules, and, therefore, the specific provisions in these Anti-Doping Rules applicable to International-Level Athletes (e.g., Testing, TUEs, whereabouts, and Results Management) shall apply to such Athletes:
(a) Athletes who are part of World Sailing Registered Testing Pool or World Sailing Testing Pool (if any);
(b) Athletes who participate in the following International Events:
- Olympic & Paralympic Games
- Sailing World Championships
- World Cup Final
- Youth Sailing World Championships
- Para World Sailing Championship and any other Events that World Sailing adds to the recognised International Events on the World Sailing Anti-Doping microsite found at: https://www.sailing.org/sailors/antidoping/international_events.php
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 World Sailing for a TUE?” below.
If you already have a TUE granted by your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO):
In such case, please notify World Sailing that you have a TUE granted by your NADO.
If your existing TUE does not fall under a category of decision described above, you must submit a request for recognition to World Sailing. Please refer to the section “How to submit a request for recognition of your NADO’s TUE to World Sailing?” below.
If you are NOT an International-Level Athlete and you have been tested by World Sailing, World Sailing recognises 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 World Sailing, you must apply for a retroactive TUE to World Sailing.
Can I Get a Retroactive TUE?
You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to World Sailing 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 World Sailing 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 World Sailing’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 to World Sailing for a TUE?
World Sailing encourages to submit TUE applications via ADAMS, together with the required medical information. If you do not have an ADAMS account yet, please contact medical@sailing.org to have it set up.
Otherwise, please download the World Sailing TUE Application Form WS TUE Application Form, and once duly completed and signed, send it together with the required medical file to medical@sailing.org
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 Recoginition of My NADO’s TUE to World Sailing?
Your request for recognition should be submitted to World Sailing in writing quoting your ADAMS TUE reference number.
Keep a complete copy of the proof that your request for recognition has been sent to World Sailing.
What Happens at Major Events?
A Major Event Organisation (MEO) rquires athletes to apply for the recognition of their TUE if they wish to use a prohibited substance of method in connection with the Event.
If you have a TUE granted by World Sailing and you will be competing at a Major Event e.g., the Olympic 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)?
World Sailing’s TUEC’s 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 World Sailing, 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 ADO TUEC.
What if My World Sailing 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 World Sailing 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 World Sailing 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: medical@wada-ama.org
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).
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 World Sailing’s WS TUE Application Form All members of the TUEC and any other authorised 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 World Sailing 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 World Sailing and any other authorised 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.
Privacy
World Sailing is committed to respecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal data. World Sailing are a ‘data controller’ for the purposes of data protection legislation, and is responsible for, and control the processing of any personal data you share with us. The Anti-Doping Privacy Notice, together with our main Privacy Policy which sets out more information about what we do with your personal data), applies to Athletes who are selected for doping control by World Sailing.
Contact Information
For any further information and questions in relation to World Sailing’s personal information practices, please contact legal@sailing.org
If you have a doubt as regards to which organisation you should apply for a TUE, or as to the recognition process, or any other question about TUEs, please contact: medical@sailing.org
Testing Procedures
What are the steps of a Doping Control Procedure for Urine Test?
This video created by the Japan Anti-Doping Agency outlines the doping control procedure.
- Selection of Athlete: The athlete is selected for doping control by World Sailing.
- Notification to the Athlete: A Chaperone or a Doping Control Officer will notify the athlete that they have been selected for testing and they will show their identification. The athlete’s rights and responsibilities will be explained (see below), and the chaperone will ask for identification. Once it has been established that the chaperone has the right person, the athlete will sign the notification form, confirming that they have been notified that they have been chosen for doping control.
- Reporting: The chaperone will escort the athlete to the doping control station (DCS) where the testing will be taking place. They should report immediately to the station unless a delay of testing has been granted for a permitted reason (see section below).
- Selecting Sample Collection Equipment: A choice of sample collection kits will be offered to the athlete. The athlete will select one and make sure this kit is sealed and has not been tampered with.
- Providing a Sample: Once ready to submit the sample, the athlete will wash their hands or wear the provided gloves and then provide their urine sample. The Doping Control Officer (who must be of the same gender as the athlete) will directly observe the providing of the sample. Clothing should be removed or lifted above one’s chest and below one’s knees so there is an unobstructed view.
- Splitting the Sample: A minimum of 90ml of urine must be provided. It is not mandatory to provide this volume at once: this can be done on more than one occasion until the required amount is reached. Once achieved, the Doping Control Officer will ask that the athlete splits the sample between the A and B bottles (starting with the B bottle first). The athlete will make sure that these sample collection bottles have not been tampered with and check that the code on the kit matches with what is written on the doping control form.
- Sealing the Sample: Once the sample is split the athlete will seal the bottles while making sure that the tamper-evident bottle lids are securely fastened so that there is no leakage.
- Checking the Sample’s Concentration (Specific Gravity): For the accredited laboratory to be able to analyse the sample, it needs to be of a specific concentration. The Doping Control Officer will test the urine sample to make sure it is within range. If not, an athlete may be asked to provide another sample.
- Filling the Doping Control Form: The Doping Control Form (DCF) must be completed and signed to complete the process. The athlete must list any medications and/or supplements that they have taken within the last seven days. The athlete can consent to allowing their sample to be used for research purposes too, if they want to. The Doping Control Officer must also sign the DCF. The athlete will be given a paper copy or sent an electronic copy of the DCF that they should keep for reference.
Are there any differences for the Blood Testing Procedure?
Although the main sample collection process is similar for the blood and urine procedures, there are still some specifics for blood sample collection that the athlete should be aware of:
Providing a Sample: The Doping Control Officer shall ensure the athlete is offered comfortable conditions and shall instruct the athlete to remain in a normal seated position with their feet on the floor at least 10 minutes prior to providing a blood sample.
The Blood Collection Officer (BCO: an official who is qualified and authorized to collect a blood sample) shall assess the most suitable location for venipuncture that is unlikely to adversely affect the athlete or their performance (This is usually non-dominant arm unless the other arm is more suitable).
In the event the amount of blood that can be removed during the first attempt is insufficient, the BCO shall repeat the procedure up to a maximum of 3 (three) times in total.
Sealing your Sample: The athlete must seal the sample into a Tamper Evidence Kit as directed by the Doping Control Officer who will check that the sealing is satisfactory.
Athletes with Impairments May Request Modifications to the Procedure
To ensure that the needs of an athlete with impairments are considered, some modifications might be necessary in the standard sample collection procedures. These modifications may not compromise the identity, security, or integrity of the sample.
The Doping Control Officer may decide that alternative equipment or station will be used if required to enable the athlete with impairment to provide the sample. Should the athlete require additional equipment to provide a sample, it is their responsibility to provide it. However, all equipment used must be approved by the DCO.
Athletes who are Minors Have Special Considerations
An athlete who is a minor (a person under the age of 18) should be notified in the presence of an athlete representative (who shall not be a minor too) and should be accompanied by a representative throughout the entire sample collection procedure.
What about a need of delay for In-Competition Testing?
There may be situations where a delay in immediately reporting to the Doping Control Station may be appropriate. There is a right to request a delay for the following reasons, but the delay may not be granted:
- Participate in a medal ceremony;
- Fulfil media commitments
- Compete in further competitions;
- Perform a warm-down;
- Obtain medical treatment;
- Locate a representative and/or interpreter;
- Obtain photo identification;
- Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified, and which shall be documented.
What about a need for a delay for Out-Of-Competition Testing?
These are the permitted reasons to request a delay for an Out-Of-Competition Testing but, again, the delay may not be granted:
- Locate a representative;
- Complete a training session;
- Receive medical treatment;
- To obtain photo identification;
- Any other exceptional circumstances which may justified, and which shall be documented.
What are an athlete’s rights?
Athletes have rights within the Testing Procedure that must be strongly respected. From the notification of Doping Control, the athlete has the right to:
- Be accompanied by a representative and/or interpreter of their choice
- Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons as detailed above
- Ask for additional information about the sample-collection process
- Request modifications.
What are an athlete’s responsibilities?
Having rights implicates also having responsibilities. An athlete has the responsibility to:
- Always remain within direct observation of the Doping Control Officer or the Chaperone from the notification until the completion of the sample collection procedure.
- Produce identification such as competition accreditation or ID/Passport/Driving’s licence.
- Comply with the entire sample collection procedure.
- Report immediately for a test, unless there are valid reasons for a delay (as detailed above).
What happens if an athlete refuses to submit to a sample collection?
As defined by the WADA Code, if a person evades, refuses, or fails to submit a sample collection for an Anti-Doping Control, they will be committing an Anti-Doping Rules Violation and so subject to the relevant consequences (outlined in article 10 of the Code).
What should an athlete do if something unusual happened during a Testing Procedure?
On the doping control form, there is a section where an athlete has the opportunity to write comments about the procedure. This is an important tool that the athlete should use to record anything of note that they would like the Anti-doping Organisation undertaking the test to know.
Athlete Rights
Athlete rights exist throughout the Code and International Standards, and they include:
- Equality of opportunity
- Equitable and Fair Testing programmes
- Medical treatment and protection of health rights
- Right to justice
- Right to accountability
- Whistle-blower 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
The WADA Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act is a key document that consolidates these athlete rights in anti-doping. It is based on the 2021 WADA Code and International Standards, and it aims to ensure that athlete rights within anti-doping are clearly set out, accessible and universally applicable.
Registered Testing Pool and Whereabouts
Athletes at the highest level of sailing are selected for what is known as World Sailing Registered Testing Pool (RTP).
What is the RTP?
- The RTP includes all sailors subject to Out of Competition World Sailing testing.
- Athletes are required to provide full quarterly whereabouts details via ADAMS and a 60 minute, no notice, time slot where they can be found without fail.
- World Sailing will concentrate it’s testing on the RTP but can test any athlete at any time.
- A Sailor receives full notification of their addition to, and removal from, the RTP.
- Removal from the RTP does not mean removal from any national anti-doping organisation RTP.
This list of sailors in the World Sailing RTP is reviewed and updated on a regular basis with the last update being on the 1 January 2023.
Athletes selected for World Sailing RTP must submit whereabouts details to ADAMS.
What is Whereabouts?
Whereabouts is information that allows athletes to be located for testing. It is information used by those who have authority to test athletes. Not providing the information or providing inaccurate or misleading information can result in consequences.
This information is stored in WADA’s site the Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS) which coordinates and simplifies anti-doping activities.
ADAMS is designed to be a secure and cost-free web-based system that centralizes doping control-related information such as athlete whereabouts, testing history, laboratory results, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and information on Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs).
For athletes who are new to ADAMS, the International Testing Agency (ITA) have developed several videos which may assist. The tutorials cover the very first steps from setting up an ADAMS account for the very first time, how to reset the password and how to submit your whereabouts in ADAMS.