Testing Programme

Testing Programme in the UK

In operating a National Anti-Doping Programme, UK Sport is responsible for the collection and transportation of samples for analysis to a World Anti-Doping Agency Accredited Laboratory.  UK Sport is also responsible for reporting all test results to the appropriate National Governing Body (NGB) or International Federation (IF).


What is In-Competition Testing?

In-Competition testing is testing that is conducted in connection with a sporting event as defined by your sport. The period of In-Competition can be either be a few hours of competition (e.g. match day), competition at one (1) single event (e.g. National Championships) or over a more prolonged period of time (e.g. at a Major Games like the Olympics),. Every sporting event should be open to the possibility of In-Competition testing.

Who can be tested?

Any athlete 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 UK Sport's Anti-Doping Programme.

How are athletes selected for testing In-Competition?

The selection of athletes for testing In-Competition is determined by UK Sport in conjunction with the NGB or IF. 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 players from each team (usually using random selection)

  • qualifying for national representation.

In many sports such as athletics, swimming and cycling, a world or national record will not be recognised until an athlete has undertaken a drug test and returned a negative result.  

What is Out-of-Competition Testing?

Out-of-Competition testing can occur at any time of the year and at any location, such as an athlete's home, place of training, or even while they are overseas. UK Sport’s Out-of-Competition testing takes place with no-advance notice to the athlete.

Who can be tested Out-of-Competition?

UK Sport will work with a NGB to determine those athletes who fall within the National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP). All athletes within a NRTP are eligible for Out-of-Competition testing.

If an athlete is nominated for inclusion in the NRTP, they will be notified by their NGB, IF or by UK Sport to provide athlete whereabouts information. If you are notified of this requirement, you will be given instructions on how you should provide this information. 

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