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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL

OFFICER

1. PLANNING A MISSION

1.1. Based upon the ITA request, the DCO will be provided with:

✓ Testing Order

✓ Letter of Authority (“LOA”)

✓ Athlete’s whereabouts information

✓ The ITA Out-of-Competition (OOC) Testing instructions

✓ The ITA Testing Guidelines during the COVID-19 affected period

✓ Depending on the circumstances, specific instructions may apply to the mission


(e.g., requirements relating to the time of the attempt, additional whereabouts
information, reporting needs, etc.). The additional instructions will be specified
in the Testing Order and/or a document attached to the ITA Testing request
(“Specific Instructions”).

1.2. When preparing for an Out-of-Competition test, the DCO shall proceed as per
the following instructions

1.2.1. Review the Testing Order and the Athlete’s Whereabouts information
to ensure it is sufficient to plan an unannounced Out-of-Competition
Doping Control. If the information is not accurate or insufficient, the
DCO should report it to the Sample Collection Authority (“SCA”)/ITA
and wait for further instructions.

1.2.2. Check the Sample type and analysis requirements indicated in the
Testing Order.

1.2.3. Review the Testing Order for any Specific Instructions, such as
completing the test within the athlete's 60-minute time slot or any other
instruction relating to the timing of the test. Specific Instructions may
prevail over the requirements listed in the present general instructions
or the Whereabouts information available. In case of doubt, the DCO
is required to contact the SCA/ITA in order to clarify the expected
actions.

1.2.4. Ensure that the necessary Sample Collection Equipment is available


and meets the requirements of the International Standard for Testing
and Investigations (ISTI)1.

1International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) – 6. PREPARING FOR THE SAMPLE
COLLECTION SESSION

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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1.2.5. Check whether the mission concerns an Athlete with an Impairment or


a Minor. The Testing Order will indicate whether the sport discipline is a
Paralympic sport and the Athlete’s age.

1.2.6. Monitor the Whereabouts information of the Athlete through the whole
period from the date of receipt of the Testing Order until the date of
the test attempt. The whereabouts must be checked before travelling
to the location where the mission is planned.

1.2.7. Where possible, the DCO should check the Athlete's Whereabouts right
before departing for the planned location of the attempt and also
upon arrival at the location, before the notification.

1.2.8. Document the latest version of the Whereabouts information (by


recording a screenshot of the Whereabouts entries, for example) and
record the time when the Whereabouts were last checked.

1.2.9. Plan to conduct the test attempt between 6 am and 11 pm, unless
otherwise indicated in the Specific Instructions or at the hour provided
by the ITA. The DCO may conduct the test attempt as of 5 am if the
Athlete indicated this time as the 60-minute slot in the Whereabouts
Filings or if so required by the ITA.

1.2.10. All tests shall be with No Advance Notice.

1.2.11. Ensure the following documents can be presented to the Athlete


during the notification:

✓ LOA printed from the Testing Order in ADAMS2 or any other format provided
by the ITA

✓ SCA DCO ID card/certificate

✓ Valid Identification Document (national ID card, passport or driving license)

2 Please ensure the following information is accurate in the Testing Order/Letter of Authority:
✓ Testing window
✓ Sample type
✓ Name of the Athlete
✓ Lead DCO name
✓ Country of test

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
OFFICER

2. LOCATING AND NOTIFYING THE ATHLETE

2.1. In-hour Testing (during the Athlete’s 60-minute slot) Procedure

2.1.1. Upon arrival, if the Athlete cannot be found at the designated location,
the DCO should do what is reasonable in the circumstances to try to
locate the Athlete for the entire time slot period, in a discrete manner
and short of giving the Athlete any advance notice.

2.1.2. If the Athlete receives advance notice of the Doping Control (such as
via a phone call), the DCO is required to document the time advance
notice was given as well as the circumstances that led to the advance
notice.

2.1.3. If the Athlete is not available when the DCO arrives at the designated
location but becomes available for Testing later on (but still within the
60-minute slot), the Sample Collection should be carried out as per
normal procedure. No Unsuccessful Attempt Form (“UAF”) should be
filled. However, the DCO is required to provide full details about the
Athlete’s delay on a Supplementary Report Form (“SRF”).

2.1.4. If, after using best efforts, the DCO still cannot locate the Athlete at the
end of the 60-minute slot, the DCO should conclude the attempt and
an UAF shall be issued.

2.1.5. After the end of the 60-minute slot and once the UAF is filed, the DCO
should telephone the Athlete using the telephone number provided in
the Athlete’s Whereabouts or the Specific Instructions of the Testing
Order, and comply with the ITA Phone Call Policy outlined in clause 3.
of the present Instructions.

2.1.6. If the DCO can’t reach the athlete, the DCO shall follow the procedure
outlined in clause 3.5.

2.1.7. If the Athlete can meet the DCO within 15 minutes from the time of the
call, the DCO shall wait for the Athlete at the agreed location and
collect the Sample as per normal procedure.

2.1.8. The details of the phone conversation with the Athlete and the Athlete’s
arrival time shall be recorded on a UAF/SRF.

2.1.9. If due to any reason, the phone call cannot be made, the DCO is
required to provide an explanation on the UAF/SRF.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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2.2. Out-of-hour Testing (attempt to test the Athlete outside the Athlete’s 60-
minute slot) Procedure

2.2.1. If, after using best efforts, the DCO cannot locate the Athlete following
the arrival at the specific address provided in the Athlete’s Whereabouts
or the Specific Instructions of the Testing Order, the DCO should call the
Athlete using the phone number(s) indicated in the Athlete’s
Whereabouts or the Specific Instructions of the Testing Order and follow
the procedure outlined in clause 3 of the present document.

2.2.2. If the Athlete can meet the DCO within 60 minutes from the time of the
call, the DCO shall wait for the Athlete at the agreed location and
collect the Sample as per normal procedure.

2.2.3. The details of the phone conversation with the Athlete and the Athlete’s
arrival time shall be recorded on a SRF.

2.2.4. If the Athlete cannot become available for Testing within 60 minutes
from the call, the DCO shall complete an UAF and conclude the
attempt.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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3. PHONE CALL POLICY (APPLICABLE TO ALL MISSIONS )

3.1. In addition to the cases described in in clauses 2.1.5 and 2.2.1 above, the
DCO can exceptionally call the Athlete upon arrival if he/she encounters
restricted or limited access to the location (e.g. doorbell does not work,
gated access, no apartment number, etc.), but only after using best efforts
to access the location without giving any advance notice to the Athlete.

3.2. When calling the Athlete, the DCO should not use hidden phone numbers.

3.3. If no phone number is provided and obtaining the Athlete’s number from a
third party isn’t possible, the DCO must document the circumstances on an
UAF/SRF.

3.4. If the Athlete answers the phone:

3.4.1. the DCO should introduce themselves, inform the Athlete about the
address from where the phone call is placed and inquire about the
Athlete’s location.

3.4.2. If the Athlete is not at the specified address, but is nearby, the DCO
should arrange a time and location to meet the Athlete to conduct the
doping control within approximately 15 minutes (for in-hour testing) or 60
minutes (for out-of-hour testing) from the phone call.

3.4.3. Upon the Athlete’s arrival the DCO is required to proceed with the
Sample Collection session as per normal procedure and describe the
circumstances pertaining to the Athlete’s delay on a SRF.

3.4.4. The time of notification should be recorded as the time the Athlete and
DCO spoke on the phone, and the arrival at the Doping Control Station
("DCS") (or equivalent) should be documented as the time the Athlete
and DCO met. Any suspicious circumstances suggesting Tampering or
manipulation of the Athlete’s urine or blood during the time elapsed
between the phone call and the Sample Collection shall be duly
documented on a SRF.

3.4.5. If the Athlete is not close by and cannot meet the DCO within 15 minutes
(in-hour testing) or 60 minutes (out-of-hour testing), the DCO should
thank the Athlete and end the mission by informing the Athlete to direct
any further questions to the ITA.

3.4.6. Any details pertaining to the phone calls and phone conversations with
the Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel shall be recorded on a SRF.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
OFFICER

3.5. If the Athlete does not answer the phone:

3.5.1. the DCO should not leave a voicemail.

3.5.2. the DCO shall keep the records of the phone call in the device and take
a screenshot of the call(s).

3.6. If the Athlete calls the DCO back, the DCO may decide not answer the phone
call once the time has elapsed (15 minutes or 60 minutes) and record the
event of the call on a SRF.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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4. UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT (UA)

4.1. If any of the above steps resulted in a UA, an UAF must be filled out. When
issuing the UAF, the DCO should follow the below instructions:

4.1.1. If using a paper form, use clear handwriting, preferably capital letters
and make sure all the requested information is provided.

4.1.2. Describe the reasonable efforts that were made to discreetly locate
the Athlete.

4.1.3. Provide any relevant information regarding the circumstances of the


attempt (e.g. how many times the DCO rang the doorbell, any
conversations with third parties and the content of the conversations,
if the Athlete’s location was difficult to access, etc.) and any other
relevant observations.

4.1.4. Record the date and the time of the last Whereabouts check.

4.1.5. Check if the name of the Athlete, the address and the date of the
attempt are accurate.

4.1.6. No reference to other Athletes or other testing missions shall be made


on the UAF.

4.1.7. Use neutral language and remain factual in any description.

4.1.8. Attach the Whereabouts information used for the Mission to the UAF.

4.1.9. Attach a screenshot of the phone call(s) made.

4.1.10. Attach photos taken at the place where the Unsuccessful Attempt
took place.

4.1.11. In the event of the Unsuccessful Attempt occurred due to COVID-19


reasons, follow the ITA COVID-19 Testing Protocols and attach the
Athlete’s COVID-19 Questionnaire to the UAF.

4.1.12. Send the UAF to the SCA/ITA coordinator as soon as possible.

4.1.13. Once the Unsuccessful Attempt is reported, the DCO should not make
any further attempts to locate the same Athlete, unless it is specifically
required by the ITA. Such instructions will be provided by the ITA as part
of the Testing Order or a new Testing Order will be issued.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
OFFICER

5. FAILURE TO COMPLY: REFUSING, EVADING OR OTHERWISE FAILING TO PROVIDE A


SAMPLE

5.1. The World Anti-Doping Code (Code)states that: “Evading Sample collection;
or refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling
justification after notification by a duly authorised Person” may constitute an
Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) (Article 2.3)

5.2. A refusal is when Athlete doesn’t agree to submit for Doping Control after
being notified of the Doping Control, whereas evasion is when the Athlete
escapes prior to being formally notified of the Doping Control. Failing to
submit to Sample collection is when the Athlete appears to be trying to give
a Sample, but cannot due to exceptional circumstances3. All these situations
amount to a “Failure to Comply4”.

5.3. In the event of a Failure to Comply , the DCO should manage the situation
calmly and endeavour to complete the notification process whilst
persuading the Athlete that complying with the Doping Control process is in
their best interest. If possible, the DCO should ensure the Athlete signs the
notification section of the Doping Control Form (DCF).

5.4. If the Athlete continues to refuse or is unable to submit to doping control, the
DCO must refer to the following guidelines:

5.4.1. Inform the Athlete that a Failure to Comply shall be considered as a


potential ADRV in accordance with the Code and proceed as per the
International Standard for Results Management.5

5.4.2. Confirm and document that the Athlete understands the


Consequences of a Failure to Comply, including that it may lead to a
four-year ban from the sport.

5.4.3. If the Athlete continues to refuse to undergo the doping control process
or otherwise cannot provide the Sample, provide a detailed report
describing the circumstances, conversations with all parties and the
reasons of the Failure to Comply given by the Athlete (UAF, SRF, or a DCF
may be used for this purpose).

3
Please note that the Code specifies that: “It has sometimes been claimed that the collection of blood
Samples violates the tenets of certain religious or cultural groups. It has been determined that there is no
basis for any such claim”. This mean that the Sample Collection should proceed.

4Failure to Comply is defined as “Term used to describe ADRV under Code Articles 2.3 and/or 2.5.
(Definition of the International Standard for Results Management).

5 International Standard for Results Management - ANNEX A – REVIEW OF A POSSIBLE FAILURE TO COMPLY

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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5.4.4. Offer the Athlete the opportunity to record their own reason(s) for the
Failure to Comply on the DCF or on a SRF, if required.

5.4.5. Ensure the Athlete reads the report carefully, agrees with the content
and signs the DCF and/or SRF. Should the Athlete refuse to
complete/sign the DCF, this must be recorded in the DCO’s report.

5.4.6. At no time should the DCO or other Sample Collection Personnel give
the Athlete their personal opinion on the reasons for or Consequences
of the Failure to Comply. The Athlete must be informed that it is the
discretion of the Results Management Authority to determine which
Consequences will apply.

5.4.7. If possible, the DCO should contact the Lead DCO or a colleague to
witness the interaction with the Athlete. The DCO must obtain the
contact details of anyone who witnessed the Athlete’s Failure to
Comply, and if possible, ask them to record an SRF.

5.4.8. The SRF documenting the events of the Failure to Comply must be sent
to the ISCA/ITA as soon as possible, specifying that it is related to a Failure
to Comply.

5.4.9. Should the Athlete state the reason for their Failure to Comply is illness or
injury, the Chaperone/DCO may locate an independent medical
practitioner (doctor or paramedic) or if not available then a team
doctor and ask them to document the reasons for the Athlete’s inability
to provide a Sample. If the Athlete is still present (i.e., has not been
hospitalised) they should complete the DCF as a Failure to Comply
stating the reasons why they are unable to comply6.

6 This situation may typically apply to out-of-competition testing prior or on the eve of Events or at
training camps where medical practitioners might be available on-site for further consultation.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
OFFICER

6. FAILURE TO COMPLY: TAMPERING

6.1. The Code defines Tampering as “intentional conduct which subverts the
Doping Control process” and this constitutes as an ADRV (Article 2.5).
Tampering includes for example: offering or attempting to offer a bribe to
perform or fail to perform an act, preventing the collection of a Sample,
affecting or making impossible the analysis of a Sample. Tampering is also
considered as a “Failure to Comply”.

6.2. Generally speaking, should the Sample Collection Personnel witness any
suspicious or collusive actions of the Athlete, or any Third Party associated
with the Athlete interfering with Doping Control process, the DCO shall warn
the Athlete that such behaviour may be considered as Tampering with the
Doping Control Process and lead to disciplinary consequences. The DCO
shall describe any cases of an alleged Tampering with the Doping Control
on a SRF and immediately submit it to the SCA/ITA. The procedure described
under clause 5.4 above must be pursued

6.2.1. “Sample Swapping/ Use of Doppelganger”

If the DCO has doubts on the Athlete’s identity or the identification


documents provided by the Athlete upon notification, the DCO may
require additional documents to ensure the correct Athlete is notified. The
DCO may ask the Athlete to take a picture of the Athlete and/or of the
identification documents in the event that the identification process is
suspicious. The Athlete and/or Athlete Support Personnel has the right to
refuse to have pictures taken. However, any suspicious behaviour from the
Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel (and refusal to take pictures) shall be
documented on the DCF and/or SRF and reported to the ITA without
delay. The DCO must detail the reasons as to why it is believed that the
Person is not the Athlete in the SRF (distinctive physical features (tattoos),
fact that he/she speaks a different language, inexperience with Doping
Control process, etc.).

6.3. In any event, regardless of the doubts the DCO has on the Athlete’s identify
or circumstances, the Sample Collection must proceed7.

7It is paramount to collect a Sample regardless of the circumstances since this will enable the Results
Management Authority to obtain additional evidence of the alleged Tampering, such as DNA mix-
match.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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7. SAMPLE COLLECTION SESSION

7.1. The ITA Testing Guidelines during the COVID-19 shall be considered when
Testing during the pandemic and until further notice from the ITA.

7.2. If the Testing Order includes Blood Collection, the DCO/BCO must ensure the
requirements for blood samples collection, storage and transportation set out
in the ISTI are met. In particular, the DCO/BCO is required to:

✓ Be familiar with the local regulations for blood collection and comply with
them in addition to the requirements of the ISTI8;

✓ Ensure the collection tubes type are compliant for the requested blood
sample type (e.g. EDTA or Serum);

✓ Whenever the blood collection involves Blood EDTA Samples, two tubes of
Blood EDTA should be collected.

✓ It is strongly recommended to avoid using Berlinger “BEREG-Kit small 3er set”


when collecting Blood EDTA Samples together with Blood Serum Samples.

7.3. If the DCO has doubts on the Athlete’s identity or the identification
documents provided by the Athlete upon notification, the DCO may require
additional documents to ensure the correct Athlete is notified The DCO shall
pursue the process described in clause 6.3 above.

7.4. Athletes shall be advised not to consume alcoholic beverages after having
been notified and until the provision of a urine Sample insofar as alcohol
consumption is prohibited within the Doping Control Station (or equivalent)9.
Should alcohol be consumed prior or during the Sample collection session,
the DCO shall mention such circumstances on a SRF.

7.5. The DCO shall ensure to have an unobstructed view of the passing of the
Sample. Any suspicious behaviour from the Athlete shall be documented and
reported to the ITA as soon as possible.

7.6. If the Doping Control involves a Minor and/or Athlete with Impairments, the
DCO must consider the modifications to the process contained in the ISTI1011.
Furthermore, the DCO should provide the SCA/ITA with a SRF when a Minor

8 International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) - ANNEX D - COLLECTION OF BLOOD
SAMPLES
9 When Testing occurs at the Athlete’s private location, alcohol may still be present, however, once the

Athlete is notified of the Doping Control, he/she should be advised not to consume any alcohol until
the provision of a Sample.
10 International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) – ANNEX B – MODIFICATIONS FOR ATHLETES

WHO ARE MINOR


11 International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) – ANNEX A – MODIFICATIONS FOR ATHLETES

WITH IMPAIRMENTS.

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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and/or Athlete with Impairments has been tested and document details
evidencing that the respective modifications, where applicable, have been
complied with.

7.7. Whenever the urine Sample volume is less than 90 ml, the Partial Sample
Procedure set out in Annex E of the ISTI12 must be carried out until the required
amount of urine is met.

7.8. If for any valid reasons the Athlete is unable to complete the Sample
Collection session, the DCO shall document such reasons on a SRF and as a
potential Failure to Comply. The DCO is then required to split the partial
Sample between A and B bottle as follows:

7.8.1. Partial Sample with volume less than 60ml: equally split between the A
and B bottles.

7.8.2. Partial Samples with volume between 60ml and 90ml, the B bottle shall
be filled up to the minimum level and the A bottle shall be filled up with
the rest of the urine.

7.9. If an Athlete claims to have already been tested by another Anti-Doping


Organization (ADO) on the same day of the attempt mandated by the ITA,
the DCO should ask the Athlete to show the DCF of the previous Doping
Control.

7.9.1. If the Athlete is able to provide such evidence and the other ADO
collected the same type of Samples that the DCO was supposed to
collect, the test should be cancelled unless Specific Instructions to that
effect have been provided by the ITA. The DCO shall record the details
on the UAF/SRF and the SCA/ITA should be informed as soon as possible.

7.9.2. If the DCO determines that additional sample(s) may be collected to


fulfil the ITA’s Specific Instructions or the Testing Order, the DCO shall
proceed with collecting the Sample. (e.g. the ITA Testing Order included
urine and blood collection, but the other ADO only collected a urine
sample. In this case, the DCO may decide to collect the blood sample).

7.10. The DCO should ensure the requirements for Suitable Specific Gravity for
Analysis are met. Acceptable specific gravity readings are the follows:

✓ Volume of 150ml or more = 1.003

✓ Volume of 90mlsor less than 150ml = 1.005

12International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) - ANNEX E - URINE SAMPLES - INSUFFICIENT
VOLUME

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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7.11. If the value falls below the acceptable threshold, the DCO shall inform the
Athlete that additional urine sample(s) shall be collected until the
requirement for Suitable Specific Gravity is met and follow the Procedure set
out in Annex F of the ISTI13.

7.12. The DCO may stop collecting the additional Samples only in case of
exceptional circumstances and/or for logistical reasons, when it becomes
impossible to continue the Sample Collection Session. Such circumstances
shall be documented accordingly on a SRF.

International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) - ANNEX F - URINE SAMPLES THAT DO NOT
13

MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR SUITABLE SPECIFIC GRAVITY FOR ANALYSIS

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ITA OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOPING CONTROL
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8. PAPERWORK AND REPORTING

8.1. The Testing Authority (TA) and the Result Management Authority (RMA) shall
be double-checked in the Testing Order and correctly recorded on the DCF.
Please note that the ITA acts as a Doping Control Coordinator (DCC) and/or
the Sample Collection Authority (SCA) and should not be recorded as the
TA/RMA on the DCF.

8.2. The Athlete’s identity shall be verified and the Athlete’s personal information
(name, date of birth, nationality, sport, discipline) must be correctly recorded
on the DCF.

8.3. The DCO shall ensure that all the fields of the DCF are completed accurately
and the document is signed by all the parties involved in the Notification and
Sample Collection session.

8.4. DCF/SRF must remain factual, without subjective opinions or personal


interpretations.

8.5. As a general rule, the DCO shall always report any extraordinary
circumstances as observations on a SRF14 and the ITA should be informed at
the earliest opportunity. When submitting reports requiring immediate
attention, the DCO shall inform the respective SCA in written.

8.6. The SCA is requested to send the DCF or the UAF to the ITA as soon as possible
and no later than five calendar days following the date of the Test Attempt.

8.7. After having submitted ALL documentation and supplementary information


to the ITA/SCA, the DCO is required to delete from any personal/working
devices all existing copies of information pertaining to the mission, including
in particular any personal information of the athlete(s) (e.g. screenshots of
athlete’s whereabouts).

14 As mentioned in the Code, offensive conduct towards Doping Control Personal or other Person
involved in Doping Control may not constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation per se, that said, offensive
conduct may be punishable depending on the Testing Authority’s disciplinary rules. It is paramount that
the DCO or other Person involved in the Doping Control reports offensive conduct and the circumstances
to the SCA/ITA by completing a SRF.

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