March 7, 2004 (Ottawa, Ontario) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) would like to remind the Canadian sport community that the new Canadian Anti-Doping Program, which will come into effect June 1, 2004, fully incorporates blood sample collection as part of doping control. Blood analysis will allow the CCES to detect the presence of substances undetectable through urine analysis alone and will also provide indications of previously undetectable doping methods.
The CCES began collecting blood samples for doping control in 2002 on a pilot project basis with four national sport organizations (NSOs): swimming, cycling, athletics and cross-country skiing. In partnership with the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), the CCES has collected approximately 70 blood samples to date. The VON provides qualified nurses to act as blood collection officials. These nurses are responsible for drawing the blood sample, answering athletes’ questions about the procedure, and applying any necessary first aid.
As part of the new Canadian Anti-Doping Program, the CCES’ annual test distribution plan will incorporate blood sample collections both in competition and out of competition. Unlike the initial pilot project whereby consent was required prior to athletes providing a blood sample, under the new rules of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, athletes can be required to provide a urine and/or blood sample at any point, at any time. The CCES intends to increase the number of blood samples collected in future years.
To keep the sport community informed regarding blood sampling as part of doping control, the CCES will develop educational materials and offer information sessions to athletes and support personnel.
The CCES’ blood collection protocol conforms to the World Anti-Doping Code and mandatory International Testing Standards and is included in the final draft of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (downloadable at http://www.cces.ca/newprogram). The Canadian Anti-Doping Program documents are currently being translated and will be issued shortly for adoption by the sport community.
The CCES is an independent, national, non-profit organization, whose mission is to promote ethical conduct in all aspects of sport in Canada, and build a fair and ethical sport system that embodies respect, fair play, safety and non-violence. The CCES carries out its mandate through a combination of activities including research, promotion, education, detection and deterrence, as well as through various programs and partnerships with other organizations.