Understanding the testing process

Who can be tested?

All players who compete in an event organised by, recognised by or affiliated to Wales Rugby League are subject to doping control, regardless of age, gender, classification, discipline or skill level. Any player can be tested anytime, anywhere.

Where and when can I be tested?

UK Anti-Doping carries out both ‘In-Competition Testing’ and ‘Out-of-Competition Testing’. Any player at any level may be asked to submit a sample in or out of competition.

In-Competition is defined in the WADA Code 2021 as, “The period commencing at 11:59 pm on the day before a competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to compete through to the end of such competition and the Sample collection process related to such competition.”

Out-of-Competition testing refers to any other time, outside of the in-competition period. While this does include any location suitable for testing, the locations used are typically your home or your training venue.

Testing Procedure

UK Anti-Doping provides comprehensive information concerning the testing procedure which we recommend you read: https://www.ukad.org.uk/violations/testing-process

For players with either a physical or visual impairment, as well as those who are minors, there are modifications made by UK Anti-Doping to the testing process in order to protect the integrity of the testing procedure, but also to safeguard the players.

Do not refuse a test.

This could result in an ADRV and a ban from sport. Follow instructions provided by Doping Control Personnel and report any concerns on the Doping Control Form, you email athlete@ukad.org.uk.

Players’ Rights

Throughout the doping control process, players have rights and responsibilities. Players have the right to;

  1. request to see Doping Control personnel identification
  2. be accompanied by a representative
  3. request a delay to Doping Control
  4. be observed while providing a sample by a Doping Control personnel of the same gender
  5. hear additional information regarding the sample collection progress
  6. receive a copy of the Doping Control Form
  7. confidentiality
  8. request modifications

It is very important that players familiarise themselves with their rights before they are tested, as this will ease the testing process, reducing the risk of any mishaps.

Players may also wish to refer to WADA’s Athlete’s Anti-Doping Rights Act, which is based on the 2021 Code and Standards and aims to ensure that athlete rights within anti-doping are clearly set out, accessible, and universally applicable.

ATHLETE’S ANTI-DOPING RIGHTS ACT

Player Responsibilities
  • always remain within direct observation of the Doping Control Personnel from the point of notification until the completion of the sample collection procedure
  • produce identification such as a driving licence or passport
  • comply with sample collection procedures
  • report immediately for a test, unless there are valid reasons for a delay
  • disclose the identity of any Athlete Support Person upon request from an anti-doping organisation