NADA

The National Anti-Doping Agency(NADA) is the national organization responsible for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the doping control program in sports in all its forms in the country.NADA works towards a vision of ’dope free’ sport in India.

 

NADA’S PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Adopting and implementing anti-doping rules and policies which conform with the World Anti- Doping Code,

Cooperating with other sports related organizations and other anti-doping organizations,

Encouraging reciprocal testing between National Anti-Doping Organizations, and

Promoting anti-doping research & education

 

CODE

The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the document that harmonizes regulations regarding anti-doping in sport across all sports and all countries of the world. The Code provides a framework for anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations for sport organizations and public authorities so that there may be a level playing field for all athletes worldwide.

 

ANTI DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS

Doping is defined by WADA as the occurrence of one or more of the following anti-doping rule violations mentioned in the WADA/NADA Code.

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.

Refusing to submit to sample collection after being notified.

Failure to provide whereabouts information or being unavailable for doping control.

Tampering with any part of the doping control process.

Possession of a prohibited substance or method.

Trafficking a prohibited substance or method.

Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an athlete.

Complicity

Prohibited Association

 

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES AND METHODS

The World Anti-Doping Agency annually updates the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. The list is the International Standard defining what is prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition. The list also indicates whether particular substances are banned in particular sports.

 

ATHLETES RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with WADA Code the athletes are responsible whenever a prohibited substance is found in their bodily specimen. This means that a violation occurs whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or unknowingly, used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.

 

LATEST INFORMATION

Athletes should always check with their National Federations/ International Federations (IFs) to find out what additional substances and methods are prohibited in their sports. Also, athletes should always make their doctor aware that they are bound by the specific rules of their sport. Those who are unsure of what a product contains should not take it until they are sure it is not prohibited. Ignorance is never an excuse.

 

DOPING CONTROL

Doping controls or athlete testing are carried out in accordance with the Code and the International Standard for Testing. Athletes who compete at the international and national level may be tested anytime, anywhere. Specially trained and accredited doping control personnel carry out all tests.

 

TESTING

NADA is responsible to implement an effective number of in-competition and out-of-competition tests on the athletes in its registered testing pool. This includes international and national level athletes being tested by NADA. The NADA develops a test distribution plan and allocates the number of samples for each sport or discipline required for effective deterrence. The plan includes out-of-competition testing, in- competition testing, and may include blood as well as urine collection.

 

IN-COMPETITION TESTING

NADA coordinates in-competition testing so that there is only one organization testing at one event. Criteria for the selection of athletes are predetermined, based on the regulations of the relevant IF or event ruling body. Athletes are notified of theirs election for testing immediately following competition, and sample collection takes place in accordance with the International Standard for Testing. Samples are analyzed for “in-competition substances” as outlined in the WADA Prohibited List.

 

OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING

Out-of-competition testing or any testing done outside of an event ensures that all athletes can be tested at any time and at any place. An athlete identified in the registered testing pool by NADA is required to provide accurate and current whereabouts information. This information is usually required on a half- yearly basis, although NADA may have specific requirements, and updates are required if the athlete’s plans change. Whereabouts information may include details such as home address, work schedule, training venues and schedule, and competition schedule anything which will help a Doping Control Officer (DCO) find the athlete on any given day. International or national level athletes identified in a registered testing pool are responsible under the Code for providing whereabouts information to NADA. Failure to do so in accordance with anti-doping regulations may be considered an anti-doping rule violation and may result in a sanction.