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Athlete Ombuds:
Anti-Doping Overview
Team USA Athlete Ombuds
We recognize that anti-doping matters can be complex and feel overwhelming at times, and we hope this page helps athletes better understand the rules, find information and access resources. On this webpage you can find links below to key documents and other resources that may be helpful to navigating an anti-doping matter, including:
- An overview of anti-doping organizations and rules
- The role of the Athlete Ombuds in anti-doping matters
- Links to key Informational resources
- Issue specific information for several common anti-doping matters
- Support resources – legal, mental health & product testing
- Additional resources and helpful links
Please Note: This information is not comprehensive and does not cover all situations an athlete might face in the context of clean sport. It is provided as an overview of general information and resources. Nothing on this website is intended to supersede official documents and individuals should reference the applicable anti-doping authority’s resource for the most up to date and accurate information..
All anti-doping matters within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement are ultimately governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The primary role of WADA is to develop and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries, and the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organizations is the World Anti-Doping Code (The Code). The Code works in conjunction with International Standards, also put out by WADA, to create consistency across organizations under the jurisdiction of WADA.
Underneath WADA, there are organizations who have agreed to accept and uphold the WADA Code (aka Code Signatories), including International Federations (IFs), Major Event Organizations (MEOs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs). Each signatory may have a different role or slight variations in how they manage an anti-doping matter or process a case, but all must comply with The Code and International Standards.
When athletes have questions about a specific matter, it is important that they refer to the policies and procedures of the specific anti-doping organization that has jurisdiction of the matter. For U.S. athletes, this is often the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the applicable International Federation.
The role of the Athlete Ombuds in anti-doping matters is to serve Team USA Athletes as confidential, independent process and resource advisors, including resources such as legal counsel and mental health support. If you are a Team USA athlete (i.e., representing the U.S. in international competitions) and you have questions or need advice or assistance with an anti-doping related matter, you may reach out to our office by emailing ombudsman@usathlete.org or leaving us a message at 719-866-5000. If you are not a Team USA athlete (i.e., competing domestically at the masters level, a foreign athlete, etc.), you are welcome to use this website to help you navigate the anti-doping process or identify an attorney who can help you.
Key Informational Resources#
USADA’s Policies and Publications
Go Here, opens in a new tabGo here for links to The Code, WADA Prohibited List, WADA International Standards, USADA Protocol for Olympic & Paralympic Movement Testing, USADA TUE Policy, USADA Whereabouts Policy, the Clean Sport Handbook, Athlete Pocket Guide, information about nutrition & supplements and more.
An Athlete’s Guide to Anti-Doping by USADA
Go Here, opens in a new tabGo here for informational resources on a number of topics, including Anti-Doping 101, Medicines/Medical Care, Testing, Supplements, the Prohibited List, and other tips and tricks.
USADA FAQs
Go Here, opens in a new tabGo here for FAQs about USADA & its authority, the Testing Process, Whereabouts Filing & Requirements, the WADA Prohibited List, Results Management Process, Supplements and the TUE Process.
WADA Website
Go Here, opens in a new tabGo here to learn more about WADA and what they do and to access their athlete and support personnel resources.
Accessing Support#
Attorneys Familiar with Anti-Doping Matters
Go HereAnyone who would like to work with an attorney who can either represent you or give you good advice on how to best represent yourself, please feel free to review and contact any of the attorneys listed on our website. There is no obligation to the attorneys on our list and we encourage you to speak with and choose whomever you please. Any engagement and/or fee arrangement would be between you and them
Team USA Athlete Legal Aid Program
Go HereOur Office does have a Legal Aid Program to assist Team USA Athletes who meet certain eligibility and financial need requirements to receive aid for fees and costs associated with legal representation or the proceeding itself with respect to claims before an anti-doping organization. You can find the program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application on our website.
Mental Health Resources
Go HereLooking for support? Team USA Athletes, the USOPC has a Psychological Services team and resources available should you need additional support in challenging situations.
Product Testing Options
Go HereAthletes can have products (i.e., supplements, medications, vitamins, etc.) tested for potential contamination in an effort to identify and confirm the source of a prohibited substance found in their sample. Go here for a few different testing options available to athletes. Please note that USADA or the applicable Results Management Authority may require follow-up or confirmatory testing of potentially contaminated products if the testing was not conducted at a WADA approved laboratory.
Disclaimer:
Please note that advice from any member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, including but not limited to information provided on this website, does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The Athlete Ombuds will offer neutral, independent advice to any athlete, and athletes should always seek legal counsel if they want specific legal advice or individual representation. See our homepage for our full disclaimer.