| What is In-Competition Testing? |
In-Competition testing is testing that is conducted in connection with a gymnastics event as defined by the FIG Anti-Doping Rules. Every sporting event should be open to the possibility of In-Competition testing.
The period of In-Competition for FIG Events is defined as follows: “In-Competition” means the period commencing once the gymnast is accredited in the period of the official date of his/her arrival at the Event, according to the related official FIG Workplan, and ending twelve hours after the completion of the last Exercice of the Event and of the Sample collection process related to this last Exercice. (Definition in Appendix 1 of the FIG Anti-Doping Rules, version effective as of 1 January 2009)
Any gymnast that has entered a competition or has been named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level can be tested as part of FIG, WADA or a National Federation's Anti-Doping Programme.
| How are gymnasts selected for testing In-Competition? |
The selection of gymnasts for testing In-Competition is determined by FIG in conjunction with the NADO or testing body. The selection policy may be:
- placing in the event (e.g. 1st, 2nd or 10th) or lane draw
- discipline, category or round
- random selection
- a set number of gymnasts from each team (usually using random selection)
- qualifying for national representation.
| What is Out-of-Competition Testing? |
Out-of-Competition testing can occur at any time of the year and at any location, such as a gymnast's home, place of training, or even while they are overseas. FIG’s Out-of-Competition testing should take place with no-advance notice to the gymnast.
| Who can be tested Out-of-Competition? |
All the gymnasts who fall within the criteria of the current FIG Registered Testing Pool have been listed on the FIG RTP List. The FIG RTP List is published on the FIG Website and updated as necessary. All gymnasts within the FIG RTP are eligible for Out-of-Competition testing.
If a gymnast is nominated for inclusion in the FIG RTP, they will be notified by FIG to provide “athlete whereabouts information”. If you are notified of this requirement, you will be given instructions on how you should provide this information.
As of 1 January 2009, all whereabouts information shall be submitted through ADAMS only.
| Out of Competition Testing |
Procedure for locating gymnasts for Out of Competition Testing using “athlete whereabouts information”
If you are selected for an Out-of-Competition test using your athlete whereabouts information, a DCO is required to visit at least one (1) of the locations specified, on the specific day and at the specific time that you have nominated on your “athlete whereabouts information”.
The DCO must wait for you at that location for one (1) full hour, and that hour must fall within the time that you have nominated for that specific location. You may also be tested outside of your hour slot and if you are notified for doping control you must continue with the procedures until they are complete.
Testing at a time not specified on your athlete whereabouts information
FIG may not always attempt to test you on a day, a time or at a location you have specified on your athlete whereabouts information.
This means that you may be tested any time and any where.
If a DCO officially notifies you of your selection for a test at a time not specified on your athlete whereabouts information, you are required to complete the procedures.
A refusal to submit to testing or failure to comply may constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
If a DCO attempts to locate you at a time not specified on your athlete whereabouts information and is unable to locate you, this will not constitute a missed test.
The Testing Procedures here outlined apply to testing conducted by FIG and they follow the International Standard for Testing as determined by the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC). These procedures are applicable to testing In-Competition and Out-of-Competition.
When tested abroad, gymnasts may notice that the procedure for testing varies slightly from country to country. It is important that the sample collection procedures meet the same International Standard for Testing and therefore, the rights of the gymnast should be maintained. Gymnasts are encouraged to read and understand the FIG Anti-Doping Rules and testing procedures.
WADA Video on Doing Control Process ENG/FRA
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