The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) wishes Team Canada the best of luck at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy!
Anti-Doping Rules
The Games period begins when the Village opens and runs through the Closing Ceremonies:
Olympic GamesJanuary 30 to February 22, 2026 | Paralympic GamesFebruary 28 to March 15, 2026 |
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Anti-Doping Rules will be in force for the Games. During the Games period, athletes are under the jurisdiction of the IOC regardless of where they are and when they arrive in or leave Italy.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) will carry out testing, manage the TUE process, and conduct results management on behalf of the IOC. Athletes may be notified of their selection for doping control at any time, at any place in the world, with no advance notice.
The ITA can test athletes on behalf of the IOC as of October 31, 2025. | The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Anti-Doping Code will be in force for the Games. During the Games period, athletes are under the jurisdiction of the IPC regardless of where they are and when they arrive in or leave Italy.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee (MiCo2026) will carry out testing on behalf of the IPC.
The IPC has the authority to test during the Games period only, as of February 28, 2026. |
Before you go:
- Complete education before the Games (anti-doping, safe sport, and competition manipulation).
- Check your medications to determine if they’re prohibited. Note: Italy, host country of the Games, does not have a medication database.
- Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if your medication is prohibited.
- If you’re in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP), download the Athlete Central app (Android or iOS) and get ready to submit your Games-time whereabouts.
- Prepare for travel.
- Be prepared for doping control.
Education
Anti-Doping Education | Safe Sport Education | Competition Manipulation Education | |
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Olympic Games | |||
Paralympic Games | We encourage you to complete Understanding Competition Manipulation if you have not already. |
Using the PDF invitation(s) you were sent by email, log in to the CCES Online Learning Portal and do the required courses. If you’re new, sign up for an account using the PDF invitation you were sent by email.
If you have any questions and need assistance, email [email protected].
Anti-Doping Education
Athletes may be selected for doping control, so they should be prepared to participate in the process and be informed about the medications and supplements they’re taking.
Athlete support personnel, like coaches, trainers, medical support personnel, and administrators, should know how to support athletes through every step of the doping control process and avoid other prohibited behaviours.
Competition Manipulation Education
In addition to anti-doping rules, the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions is in force at the Olympic Games. The CCES and the COC continue to collaborate on education on this topic.
Log in to the CCES Online Learning Portal to complete Understanding Competition Manipulation.
Olympic GamesAthletes, support personnel, and mission team staff must complete Understanding Competition Manipulation in the online learning portal. | Paralympic GamesAthletes, support personnel, and mission team staff are encouraged to complete Understanding Competition Manipulation, but it’s not mandatory. |
Follow the four Golden Rules to avoid competition manipulation:
Don’t bet on your own competition, any competition in your sport, or any event at the Games. | Never share inside information that isn’t publicly available – don’t ask for it, receive it, or use it. |
Always do your best. Never manipulate the competition, in whole or in part. Don’t help anyone to do so, either. | Report what you know if you have suspicions or are aware of attempts to manipulate a competition. You can report through the IOC’s Integrity Hotline. |
Learn more about competition manipulation.
Safe Sport Education
When a sport organization adopts the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP), participants become subject to the CSSP Rules. Participants must complete a course about the CSSP Rules and maltreatment. They must also sign a consent form stating that they understand that they’re subject to the rules.
Learn more about safe sport education.
Check Your Medications
Do you use any prescription or over-the-counter medications? They could contain substances that are prohibited in sport.
The Prohibited ListThe Prohibited List is an international standard prepared by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to identify which substances and methods are prohibited in sport. Learn more about the Prohibited List on our page about banned substances and methods. |
To avoid testing positive by mistake, make sure you search for any and all medications you’re using currently, or will use during the Games, in our online database, Global DRO.
If you still need help, get in touch:
- Complete the online form. Don't forget to be specific about your inquiry!
- Email your question to [email protected].
- Call the CCES toll-free in North America: 1-800-672-7775 or +1 613-521-3340 from abroad.
| How can I check medications when I’m in Italy?Medications sold in Italy are not included in Global DRO, so you will not be able to determine their status the way you can in Canada. When possible, bring medications you have verified in Global DRO with you. Make sure to declare the use of all medications during doping control. If you need to access medication locally, talk to the COC or CPC medical team before you consume anything. You can also learn more about buying medications abroad on our Clean Sport Travel Tips webpage. |
| What does “prohibited in competition” mean during the Games?Global DRO may tell you that your medication is prohibited in competition only. At the Games, the in-competition period starts at 11:59 pm the day before your competition and ends following the conclusion of the doping control process for that competition. Samples collected during this window will be tested for substances that are prohibited in competition, but occasionally, international federations (IFs) will have their own definitions of "in competition." |
Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, if necessary
The CCES grants medical exemptions for medically justified uses of prohibited substances. There are several types of exemptions. Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes who use a prohibited substance for medical reasons need to apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) prior to competition.
Do you have a TUE already?
Athletes with a valid TUE from the CCES or their international federation (IF) must ensure the TUE is in ADAMS prior to the opening of the Village (see Anti-Doping Rules section for dates). You should also verify your TUE certificate for:
- Expiration date. Make sure it will be valid through the entire Games period.
- Medication and dosage. Confirm that it reflects your current treatment plan.
Do you need to apply for a TUE?
The application process can be lengthy so it’s important to apply as soon as possible. If you require a new TUE before the dates listed below:
Olympic GamesJanuary 30, 2026 | Paralympic GamesFebruary 20, 2026 |
- Use the CCES Medical Exemption Wizard to determine whether you should submit the application to the international federation (IF) or the CCES.
- Apply to the CCES or your IF as soon as possible to ensure there’s enough time for the application to be reviewed. It can take up to 21 days to review a complete application, and longer if we need to request additional information.
- Keep the team physician and the Chief Medical Officer updated about the status of your TUE application.
If you need a TUE after the following dates:
Olympic GamesJanuary 30, 2026 Follow the instructions on the ITA’s website and submit using the online form or directly in ADAMS. If you need support, you can book an appointment with the ITA. | Paralympic GamesFebruary 20, 2026 Apply to the IPC TUE committee via ADAMS or [email protected], using the application form on the IPC’s website. |
Did you go through the Medical Exemption Wizard and still need help? Get in touch:
- More about Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
- Email your question to [email protected].
- Call the CCES toll-free in North America: 1-800-672-7775 or +1 613-521-3340 from abroad.
Whereabouts
For RTP Athletes
All RTP athletes, CCES and international, will continue to submit their whereabouts via ADAMS or Athlete Central (Android or iOS).
Whereabouts information will be collected to ensure athletes can be located for testing for the duration of the Games period, even when they’re done competing or have left the Village.
Games-time whereabouts information may include:
- Arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation details during the Games, including:
- Building and room number in the Village
- Hotel, address, and room number, if not staying in the Village
- Training and competition schedule, including venues and locations
For athletes who aren't in RTP
Olympic GamesThe COC will provide your whereabouts to ITA via the ITA Rooming App. | Paralympic GamesThe CPC will provide your whereabouts to the IPC. |
Travel
Travel can be hard on athletes. Learn about what you need to consider when it comes to anti-doping and travel on our new Clean Sport Travel Tips webpage, including information specific to the Games.
Bringing Medications to Italy
Most prescription and non-prescription medications are allowed for up to 90 days of personal use.
For ADHD medications, narcotics (including cough medications containing codeine), opioids, and other controlled substances, bring your prescription and a doctor’s note explaining the need for the medication. A template doctor’s note and more information about travelling with prohibited substances are available on the Italian Ministry of Health’s website.
Cannabis Laws in Italy
It is illegal to buy or sell cannabis for recreational purposes in Italy. Recreational use is largely decriminalized and possession of small amounts for personal use is a civil infraction.
Food Contamination in Italy
There are currently no advisories related to food contamination in Italy. That said, athletes should always be mindful of the tips provided above when they compete abroad and are encouraged to eat at official Games food service locations (e.g., in the Village).
Doping Control Procedures
Remember your rights and responsibilities, which include:
- You can bring someone with you to doping control to act as your representative. This is strongly recommended for minors. They can help with translation or interpretation as needed,
- You can request modifications to the sample collection process,
- Comply with sample collection procedures, and
- Remain within the sight of sample collection personnel throughout the doping control process.
Athletes will be asked to provide urine and/or blood samples.
The Doping Control ProcessFind out what to expect during doping control - from the time you are notified until you complete the process. |
Questions about the process? Email [email protected].
Dried Blood Spot Testing
Dried blood spot (DBS) testing is an innovative new way to collect blood samples for doping control tests. At the Milano Cortina Games, the Tasso-M20 device will be used to collect a few drops of blood from your upper arm. The blood is collected by filter paper cards for lab analysis.
You might be required to give a DBS sample on its own, or DBS in addition to urine and/or venous blood.
Learn more about DBS testing in the FAQ below or visit our DBS webpage.
Observers
There may be additional accredited observers in the sample collection session with you. For example:
- The ITA or IPC might have staff on site to make sure everything goes as planned,
- WADA might have an observer to make sure the process is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, and
- Interpreters might be there, too.
The Representative
All athletes can bring someone to accompany them during the doping control process to help protect their rights and fulfill their responsibilities. If they would like a representative, they can let their chaperone or the DCO know. The representative must be an adult (18 years of age or older).
Minor athletes are strongly encouraged to have a representative with them through the entire process.
The representative can observe the process, ask questions, and make comments on a supplementary report form to give the testing authority feedback about the process.
| Can I ask for a delay reporting to doping control?You can always request a delay for a valid reason, but the doping control officer (DCO) may not be able to grant a delay. If you are granted a delay, you’ll be accompanied by a chaperone and must remain in their sight the whole time, with no exceptions. Valid reasons for requesting a delay:
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FAQ: Milano Cortina 2026
All decisions about supplements, whether for nutrition, performance, or recovery, should be made under advisement of medical professionals.
If you decide to use melatonin, or any other supplement, select one that has been batch tested by a reputable testing program like BSCG, Informed Choice, Informed Sport, or NSF Certified for Sport to minimize the risk of contamination.
Olympic and Paralympic Games testing programs include personnel with broad language skills, and testing authorities do their best to match languages to the needs of each sport. Sample collection personnel will also have some tools, like prompt cards, to help with communication.
Remember, you also have the right to request a delay so you can find a representative and/or an interpreter. As a last resort, you could install a translation app on your phone.
Some countries and some Games use equipment that’s different from the Berlinger kits used in Canada. All sample collection equipment uses similar principles and sample collection procedures are always compliant with WADA’s international standards. The DCO will provide instructions for the unfamiliar equipment to help you collect, split, and seal your sample.
At the Games:
- Urine and blood samples will be sealed in the plastic version of the Berlinger kits we use in Canada.
- Dried blood spot testing will be conducted using the Tasso-M20.
The integrity of sport is our shared responsibility, so thank you in advance for sharing anything you know about potential doping. If you are aware of or suspect doping during the Games, you can submit a tip to:
- CCES Report Doping,
- WADA’s Speak Up,
- ITA’s Reveal, or
- NADO Italia’s Speak Up.
The integrity of sport is our shared responsibility, so thank you in advance for sharing anything you know about potential competition manipulation. If you are aware of or suspect competition manipulation during the Games, you can submit a tip to:
- CCES Report Competition Manipulation, or
- The IOC’s Integrity Hotline.
A venous blood sample requires 3 to 5 mL of blood to be collected from an athlete’s vein by a certified phlebotomist. Then, it is sent to a laboratory using temperature-controlled shipping.
In comparison, a DBS sample is a small amount of blood, collected by a device that is operated by the athlete.
Other differences between venous blood and DBS sample collection include:
- Athletes don’t have to be seated for 10 minutes prior to DBS collection so the process can be completed faster.
- The Tasso-M20 device uses a smaller needle than venipuncture so it is less painful and less invasive.
- The amount of blood collected with DBS is about 25 times less than for venipuncture, so collection is often faster.
- Athletes typically operate the DBS device themselves so the process may be more comfortable.
To learn more about DBS, visit the DBS web page.
DBS testing is another method to help identify substances on the Prohibited List. It can detect some substances better than a urine test. A DBS sample will usually be collected in addition to a urine sample.
To learn more about DBS, visit the DBS web page.
No. DBS is meant to supplement testing, not replace urine or venous blood sample collection.
To learn more about DBS, visit the DBS web page.
Athletes have the right to request modifications to the sample collection process, and doping control personnel will work with you to accommodate your needs. IPC’s anti-doping rules state that if you need additional equipment to provide a sample, such as a catheter, drainage system, or urine collection container, then it’s your responsibility to provide it. You are encouraged to have this equipment available in case you’re selected for testing.
You can eat in the waiting area but not in the processing room of the doping control station. Water and other sealed beverages may be available in the doping control station. Alcohol is not allowed in the doping control station.
Yes, you can use your phone in the waiting area. Please keep the volume down, be considerate of others, and don’t disrupt athletes, their support personnel, or doping control personnel. You are not allowed to take photos or videos!
No. Doping control is meant to be a confidential and discreet process. Nobody is allowed to record the process, including photos, videos, or audio.