Testing

Swimmers are subject to testing by World Aquatics (the international federation for aquatic sports world-wide), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). World Aquatics utilizes the International Testing Agency (ITA) to conduct testing for them in many cases.

Testing Organizations

USADA

 

Guided by their mission to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of U.S. athletes, US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is charged with implementing a comprehensive anti-doping program for:

  • Olympic and Paralympic
  • Pan American and Para Pan American
  • Sport National Governing Bodies (Athletes and Events)

 

USADA's Scope of responsibility includes:

  • Education for athlete and athlete support personnel
  • Drug reference resources
  • In-competition and out-of competition testing
  • Results management processes
WADA

 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was created in 1999 to harmonize doping control rules for athletes in all sports and countries. WADA publishes the Prohibited List each year in addition to creating international guidelines and protocols.

NCAA

 

There are differences between NCAA doping control rules and rules for athletes participating in USA Swimming competitions. Athletes should check with USADA regarding compliance for all USA Swimming/FINA competitions and their NCAA physicians/trainers/coaches regarding NCAA rules.

World Aquatics

 

World Aquatics is the international federation for all aquatic sports. Athletes competing in swimming, water polo, diving, open water swimming, and artist swimming must abide by World Aquatic’s rules. Athletes who meet the criteria for World Aquatic’s Registered Testing Pool for out-of-competition testing will be notified in writing.

Aquatics Integrity Unit

 

The Aquatics Integrity Unit is an operationally independent unit of World Aquatics. It was established in order to ensure all of World Aquatics’ stakeholders can have confidence that ethical issues in the sport will be addressed independently and expertly.