British Triathlon enforces a stringent anti-doping policy that adheres to guidelines recommend by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Further requirements specifically for triathlon are set by the British Triathlon Federation and International Triathlon Union.

WADA was founded in 1999 to set anti-doping standards for world sport. As part of this, out of competition testing was deemed necessary to prevent performers cheating on the build up to major events, and it was signified that this testing should be done without an athlete's prior knowledge.

UK Sport, who organise British Anti-Doping policy, currently undertakes two types of testing procedure:

•The 'whereabouts system' known as ADAMS, which involves an athlete electronically indicating their location for a one hour period on five days of the week, where a Doping Control Officer is able to test them. If an athlete is not present during this period then the test is marked down as a 'missed test'.

•A random test, where a Doping Control Officer (DCO) turns up at a location outside of the one hour time frame as indicated by the whereabouts system. If an athlete is not present then the test is marked down as having been 'not collected'. This does not count as a 'missed test'.

UK Sport also run a programme called 100% ME, which aims to increase the understanding of drug abuse throughout the sporting community. The 100%ME website provides high quality information and promotes the positive values of competing successfully without the aid of performance enhancing drugs.

The Global Drug Information Database is an online service that provides athletes and support personnel with fast and accurate information about which drugs and other substances are prohibited under the different International and National Federations.

Visitors can search the Global DID for sport-specific information on products sold in the United Kingdom and Canada. The site also contains information on the classes of substances that are prohibited in sport, therapeutic use exemptions, and tips for athletes who train and compete abroad.

The Global DID was formed through a partnership between UK Sport and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. The substance information is updated regularly by professional pharmacists and sport status is based on the World Anti-Doping Agency's current Prohibited List.

Further Information

• World Anti-Doping Agency
  
• UK Sport
• 100% ME
  
• Drug Information Database
• International Triathlon Union
• 2009 UK Anti Doping Rules
• International Standard For Testing
• Current List of Prohibited Substances and Methods
• UK Anti-Doping Procedures Guide 2010
  

By agreement with UK Sport, the new anti-doping rules are effective 1 February 2009