Malamalama le Faagasologa

As a Samoan athlete, you should be familiar with the Doping Control Process to ensure fair competition and protect your health.

Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Athlete Selection:

• You can be chosen for Doping Control testing anytime, anywhere.

2. Notification:

• A DCO or chaperone will inform you of your selection and explain your rights and responsibilities.

3. Reporting to the Doping Control Station:

• Head to the station promptly. The DCO may allow delays for urgent situations.

4. Selecting the Sample Collection Vessel:

• Choose from sealed vessels, ensuring they're intact and free of contamination.

5. Providing the Sample:

• You'll be accompanied by a same-gender DCO or chaperone to the washroom.
• Wash your hands, disrobe from knees to chest and hands to elbows for the sample collection.
• Provide at least 90 ml of urine. You may also be asked for a blood sample.

6. Selecting the Sample Collection Kit:

• Choose a sealed kit with A and B Sample bottles. Check for tampering.

7. Dividing and Sealing the Sample:

• Divide the sample between the A and B bottles, then seal them tightly.
• The B Sample needs at least 30 ml. Seal both bottles and place them in the storage box.
• You can ask the DCO or your representative for assistance if needed.
• Leave a small amount of urine for the DCO to measure the specific gravity.

8. Testing the Suitability of the Sample:

• The DCO checks the specific gravity to ensure it's not too diluted.
• If diluted, you may need to provide additional samples until one meets the required range.
• In exceptional circumstances, the DCO may end the session.

9. Completing the Doping Control Form (DCF):

• Declare any medications or supplements taken in the past 7 days.
• Provide details of any Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).
• Note any comments about the procedure.
• Confirm the information is correct and ensure the lab copy doesn't identify you.
• Sign and receive a copy of the DCF.

10. The Laboratory Process:

• All samples are sent to a WADA-accredited lab for analysis.
• Transportation is monitored to ensure security and tracking of the samples.

Modifications for Minors and Athletes with Disability:

Minors:

• Notified in the presence of an adult (coach, manager, etc.)
• Can be accompanied by a representative throughout the process, including the washroom (representative won't witness the sample passing).
• If no representative, the DCO may ask a third party to be present.

Athletes with Disability:

• Can ask a representative or the DCO to assist with handling equipment, splitting the sample, or completing the DCF.
• The representative can complete the DCF and sign on the athlete's behalf if needed.

Visual Impairment:

• Must be accompanied by a representative throughout the process, including the washroom (representative won't witness the sample passing).
• The representative will read the DCF and take any comments on the athlete's behalf.

Intellectual Disability:

• Must be accompanied by a representative throughout the process, including the washroom (representative won't witness the sample passing).
• The representative will read the DCF if needed.

Athletes using catheters:

• Remove the existing collection bag and drain the system for a fresh sample.
• Self-catheterizing athletes can use their own tamper-evident catheter or one provided by the DCO.
  

Remember:

Understanding the Doping Control process is crucial for all athletes. By following these steps and adhering to the rules, you can ensure fair competition and protect your health and sporting career.