Out-of-competition testing includes all tests that do not take place at competitions. For example, these tests can take place at home, at practice, at university etc.
Intelligence and unpredictability
Athletes are controlled selectively according to their sport, their squad status, as well as their performance. Particularly in times when athletes prepare for their sporting highlights, or are in the regeneration phase, doping controls out-of-competition are initiated by NADA. NADA tests 365 days of the year at any time of the day (and night) at home and abroad, for example at training camps.
Testing pool and whereabouts reporting
In principle, only athletes that belong to a so-called testing pool are asked to participate in out-of-competition controls. There are four testing pools: the Registered Testing Pool (RTP), the National Testing Pool (NTP), the General Testing Pool (ATP) and the Team Testing Pool (TTP). The classification of an athlete in a testing pool is based on the risk assessment of the sport and the individual squad the athlete is in.
In order for NADA to fulfill its mission of comprehensive controls at any time and place, the athletes report the relevant information of their whereabouts periodically to NADA. These whereabouts requirements vary depending on the athlete's test pool. For more information, see the section test pools and whereabouts.
Doping control process for out-of-competition tests
Athletes in a test pool can be controlled at any time and place. This may include the training venue or the place of residence, as well as school, college or the workplace of the athlete. If an athlete has been asked by the doping control officer to participate in a test, the athlete has the right to complete their started activity. However, the athlete must ensure that they remain within the vision of the control officer until the test is concluded. Further information about the process of a control can be found in our doping control film for urine tests as well as blood tests.
Paperless
The doping control form is a so-called "paperless" form. The recorded data in the "paperless" document are encrypted with recognized security standards. Once the check is complete, no changes can be made to the form. If you have any questions, please contact the doping control system staff.
Minors
There is no minimum age for doping controls. It is also possible to control under-age athletes. However, due to their age, they enjoy special protection. Minor athletes and their parents should be aware of their rights and obligations. More information can be found in our fact sheet "Dopingcontrols for underage athletes".
