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Some of the best athletes in the world are in a database called the Registered Testing Pool (RTP). It is at this time of the year that these athletes are required to update the Whereabouts program.
Without notice, doping control officers (DCO) may show up at where an athlete has indicated that they will be. This may be at home or on the road at a training camp.
Penalties for missing tests
If an athlete in the RTP is not available, he or she will have a strike against their record. Missing three out-of-competition tests within 12 months leads to a provisional suspension. This suspension is equal to testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug. Missing the tests will cost the athlete up to a four-year suspension.
The information required by the AIU from athletes includes travel schedules, 60-minute windows of opportunity to test, overnight accommodations and training activities.
Athletes cannot refuse testing, even if the DCO shows up outside of the 60-minute window indicated. A DCO may be from a national testing authority.
The Whereabouts must be updated quarterly by Dec. 15, March 15, June 15 and Sept. 15.
Athletes who are in the RTP are of world-class ability and are under a more watchful eye. The glory and financial gain from winning major events is worth the effort to update the Whereabouts program quarterly. And to be where indicated at the time indicated in the quarterly report.
Doping rampant
Doping is rampant in the sport of athletics. For athletes who do not take PEDs and are displaced in competitions by those who dope suffer financial loss. They also miss opportunities to qualify to compete in international competitions. Clean athletes who finish deeper in their competitions may not receive invitations to prestigious events, sponsorships or travel opportunities.
Qualification standards are set against world records and world-best performances. If the standards are artificially inflated due to doping, this causes greater unfairness in the sport.
The intention of the World Anti-Doping Agency, AIU, and national anti-doping agencies is to provide an even playing field for those who do not dope.
There is a growing opinion in athletics that change is needed. That an athlete who tests positive for certain PEDs and the A-sample is backed up by the B-sample, with identical results, should receive a provisional lifetime ban. This should only be appealable at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It is the opinion of Athletics Illustrated Magazine, that all performances should be erased and all prize money, medals and awards should be returned in certain situations. The penalties need to be as high as the rewards.
