Having a fair and effective anti-doping program is vital to ensure that the rights of clean athletes and the integrity of competition are upheld. USA Fencing is opposed to the practice of doping in sport and fully supports and complies with the policies, protocols, and rules set forth by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as the independent, non-profit anti-doping organization in the U.S. Guided by their mission to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of U.S. athletes, USADA is charged with implementing a comprehensive anti-doping program for all Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, and Para Pan American sport National Governing Bodies, their 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

USADA is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), which is a framework of anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport. The Code, along with the supporting International Standards, is maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure global harmonization of anti-doping rules.

USADA’s website www.usada.org provides many resources to help athletes, athlete support personnel, and medical professionals understand the anti-doping process and the role they play in helping to protect clean sport.

The links below are shortcuts to frequently asked about topics.

The Prohibited List

The Prohibited List contains all the substances and methods prohibited in sport. The List is evaluated, updated, and published every year by WADA. See the full list at www.USADA.org/substances/prohibited-list/

Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO)

If an athlete needs to take a medication, Global DRO is an easy to use online and mobile enabled resource to search the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current WADA Prohibited List. www.globaldro.com

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

If an athlete has a legitimate medical need to use a substance or method that is prohibited, the athlete can apply for a TUE, and where appropriate, be provided an exemption to use that method or substance under medical guidance. More information on when and how to apply for a TUE is provided at www.USADA.org/substances/tue/

Testing Information

You can find information from USADA about the testing process, including information about urine and blood collection at www.USADA.org/testing/

Whereabouts Requirements 

Some U.S. athletes may be selected by USADA or the FIE to be included in a Registered Testing Pool (RTP), which requires the athlete to provide Whereabouts information, (dates, times, locations, etc.) in order to be located for out-of-competition testing. If an athlete is selected to be included in the RTP, they will be notified by the appropriate organization. More information about the Whereabouts process for USADA can be found at www.USADA.org/testing/whereabouts/

Retirement and Returning from Retirement

When an athlete chooses to retire from sport, or plans to return from competition after previously retiring, there are important steps that must be taken to avoid any potential rule violations. Detailed information about those steps can be found at www.USADA.org/athletes/retire/

Results Management

USADA is responsible for the results management and adjudication process for athletes in U.S. Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Sport, providing important independence and removing any potential conflicts of interest from the USOC and sport national governing bodies. Additional information about the results management process can be found at www.USADA.org/testing/results/

Supplement Information

USADA has created an online resource designed to provide athletes and support persons with the best possible information to evaluate the risks associated with the use of supplements. From product contamination to issues with product labeling, Supplement Connect provides athletes and support persons with information that will help them realize that safety issues exist, Recognize risk when they see it, and Reduce their risk of testing positive or experiencing harmful effects from the use of dietary supplements. To learn more about the dietary supplement industry and access valuable information, including the TrueSport Supplement Guide, visit Supplement Connect.

Coach Resources

Coaches are some of the most influential people in athlete’s lives, and are in a unique position to help them make positive and healthy choices. Understanding the role they play in keeping sport clean, as well as their responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code, is vital for both them and the athletes they support. Find out more at http://www.usada.org/resources/coach/

Health Professional Resources

Investigations and the Play Clean Tip Center

USADA works hard to ensure we deliver quality anti-doping technologies for our athletes. With Athlete Connect, athletes and their support personnel will have a more streamlined and reliable way to file and update Whereabouts, complete education requirements, access test results, and quickly navigate to Global DRO and USADA’s many other resources.  

As with any technology, the web application will continue to evolve to best meet the needs of users. We encourage athletes to support that process by sharing feedback with us at AthleteConnect@USADA.org or by calling (719) 785-2000 or Toll Free at (866) 601-2632 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mountain Time. Monday through Friday.