ITA Holds First Doping Control Officer Foundation training in Asia
WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE AND QUALITATIVE FOUNDATIONAL TRAINING ON A GLOBAL SCALE TO PERSONNEL OF ANTI-DOPING ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES AS DOPING CONTROL OFFICERS (DCOS), THE INTERNATIONAL TESTING AGENCY (ITA) RECENTLY CONDUCTED ITS FIRST ITA DCO FOUNDATION TRAINING IN ASIA. THE THREE-DAY FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING WAS CONDUCTED AT THE SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY OF SPORTS (SUS), ITA’S FIRST EVER ACADEMIC CENTRE.
Equipping DCOs for Effective Anti-Doping Operations
The ITA’s DCO Foundation Training which was held on 10-12 July at the SUS is an intensive three-day program designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and ethical insights needed to conduct effective anti-doping operations. The training covers a wide array of topics, including an introduction to anti-doping, DCO roles in testing procedures, sample collection techniques, athlete communication, and the legal and ethical dimensions of anti-doping efforts. Role play, the practical handling of doping control kits, interactions and discussions supported the learning process.
The main aim of the training is not only to prepare the participants for their first doping control missions as DCOs, but also to harmonise testing processes worldwide and emphasise the importance of maintaining high ethical standards throughout their work. The ITA aims to instill a deep appreciation for the significance of anti-doping endeavors, inspiring these professionals to be advocates for clean sport.
SUS: A Hub for Anti-Doping Education
Selecting the Shanghai University of Sports as the venue for the ITA DCO Foundation Training underscores the institution’s commitment to sports education and research. As a recognised ITA Academic Centre, SUS provides an ideal setting for a training program that focuses on upholding the values of sports. The collaboration with SUS also allowed the ITA to hold the training for the first time on the Asian continent, easing access for participants from Asian National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations, sports bodies and interested individuals living on the continent.
Global Participation for Unified Action
The ITA DCO Foundation Training in Shanghai was also held with the support of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) and saw participation from a diverse group of thirty course graduates representing various countries: China, HongKong, Chinese Taipei, South Africa, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand and the United States.
This global participation showcases the collaborative efforts being made by the ITA to promote quality testing across the globe and uphold the principles of fair play and clean sport. As the thirty course graduates return to their respective regions and countries armed with newfound knowledge and an ITA certification, they may apply to become a DCO with their respective national anti-doping agency or any other anti-doping organisation and hopefully join the clean sport community for many years to come.
The training is delivered with the support of Berlinger Special AG, who also provides the sample collection equipment for the training.
The next ITA DCO Foundation Training will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 25-27 October, more information can be found here.
Investment in Sport