Anti-Doping Information for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is pleased to provide Team Canada athletes with anti-doping information for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games (the Games) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The following information about anti-doping rules and responsibilities applies to Team Canada athletes and support personnel at all times during the Games.

Anti-Doping Rules

The IOC Anti-Doping Rules – 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 will be in force for the Games. The Games period begins on January 5, 2020 (opening of the Olympic Village) and ends on January 20, 2020 (closing ceremonies). During that time, athletes may be subject to testing by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as delegated to the International Testing Agency (ITA). As always, athletes may be notified of their selection for doping control at any time and in any place in the world, with no advance notice.

World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2020 Prohibited List will be in effect during the Games. All samples collected by the CCES, international federations and IOC as of January 1, 2020 will be tested for all substances and methods identified in the 2020 Prohibited List. The 2019 Prohibited List remains in effect until December 31, 2019.

Samples collected in the 12 hours prior to competition through to the end of a competition will be analyzed for all substances and methods on the 2020 Prohibited List. A competition is equal to a single race, match or game, for example, a hockey game or 10 km biathlon race.

Samples collected outside of a competition period will be analyzed for those substances and methods that are prohibited out of competition only.

Doping Control Procedures

In keeping with the athlete rights and responsibilities under the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, Team Canada athletes should:

  • Bring someone with them to doping control to act as their representative and to assist with translation or interpretation as needed,
  • Record their concerns regarding the doping control process in a Supplementary Report (if available) or on the Doping Control Form in the “Comments” area,
  • Report to the doping control station immediately when notified for doping control unless the Games anti-doping team approves a request for a delay. Valid reasons for requesting a delay and/or leaving the doping control station temporarily after arrival include:
    • A medal ceremony,
    • Media commitments,
    • Competing in further competitions,
    • Performing a warm-down,
    • Receiving medical treatment, and
    • Locating a representative and/or interpreter.
  • A chaperone will accompany an athlete that delays reporting to the doping control station or leaves for a valid reason. It is the athlete’s responsibility to remain in sight of the chaperone.
Whereabouts

The IOC and ITA require all national Olympic committees to collect athlete whereabouts information. 

Team Canada athletes who are included in the CCES Registered Testing Pool (RTP) or international federation (IF) RTP are required to continue to update their whereabouts in ADAMS during the Games.

Medications

Athletes requiring the use of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications must verify the status of all of their medications to determine whether they appear on WADA’s 2020 Prohibited List. During the Games, athletes must consult with a COC team physician regarding their medications.

Note that it is illegal to transport cannabis and products containing cannabis across the Canadian border even if you are authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes in any form, including cannabidiol (CBD).

Therapeutic Use Exemptions

An athlete who requires a prescription medication that is included in the Prohibited List should apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Athletes who require a TUE must:

  • Determine prior to the Games whether they are considered an international-level athlete by their IF. If so, they must send a request to their IF; otherwise they must submit the TUE request to the CCES.
  • Keep their team physician and the COC Chief Medical Officer apprised of their TUE application status.

To meet the TUE requirements, Team Canada athletes with a TUE from the CCES or their IF should verify their:

  • TUE expiry date. Ensure it will be valid through the Games period.
  • TUE medication and dosage. Ensure it reflects the current treatment plan.
  • TUE authorizing body. Athletes with a CCES TUE must verify their IF’s TUE requirements for the Games.
Supplements

The CCES cannot guarantee that any supplement is free of prohibited substances – even those that do not list a prohibited substance on the label. Athletes are strictly liable for anything found in their sample. Read more about the doping risks associated with supplement use.

For more information about medications, TUEs and supplements, athletes can:
Resources: