The International Olympic Committee may have resolved some of the testing issues that come up at international games. The plan is to have an Independent Testing Authority in place. The first games to test this practice out will be the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Perhaps it will work and be a standard to follow thereafter.
From Inside the Games
Plans for an Independent Testing Authority (ITA) to take over all aspects of doping control at major events have been approved here today by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.
It is planned to be launched in time for next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
This is likely, however, to be in a preliminary form.
It is hoped that the new body will ultimately replace International Federations and event organisers as the primary body responsible for drugs testing.
Core responsibilities will involve in and out of competition testing, case management in the event of failed tests and therapeutic use exemptions (TUE).
Additional tasks could also be carried out if required, such as analysis of athlete biological passport, further case management on appeal and the storage of samples and reanalysis.
International Federations will pay varying amounts depending upon what support they received.
The IOC will also pay in the same way when it uses the ITA at an Olympic Game but will also contribute a lump sum to get the new organisation up and running over the first “two or three years”.
“This will be independent, but also more efficient and effective,” IOC medical and scientific director Richard Budgett said.
“This will be in place for the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, and if there are delays and this is not in place then the preliminary ITA will be there to make sure that doping control is independent of the IOC.
“We will assist but it will be under the authority of the ITA.”
Read more>>
