If a player is selected for a doping control in competition, here is what they can expect:

1. After the final whistle, a chaperone will greet the player as they leave the pitch and let them know that they have been selected for a doping control.

2. The chaperone will then escort the player to the doping control room along with a representative of their team. From the moment they are notified until the moment they leave the doping control room, the player will be kept under observation.

3. Unless there is a valid reason for a delay, the player needs to report immediately to the doping control room. Valid reasons are: · victory ceremonies; · giving post-match flash interviews; or · if the player has approval from the doping control officer (DCO).

If the player has a valid reason, they still need to stay under the observation of the chaperone or the DCO until the end of their doping control.

4. When they get to the doping control room, the player will need to present their accreditation or identity card.

5. The DCO will talk the player through the whole process and answer any questions they might have.

6. The DCO will inform the player about their rights and responsibilities. At this point, they will need to sign the “Notification of selected player” part of the doping control form to state that they understand everything.

7. After this notification process, the player will be given time to prepare for sample collection.

8. The DCO will then take urine or blood samples, or both.

Here is what else you should know

If a player is under 18 years old, they should be notified in the presence of an adult and have the right to be accompanied by a representative throughout the sample collection session.

If a player fails to submit a sample or refuses, evades or tampers with any part of a doping control, it counts as an anti-doping rule violation and can result in them being banned for up to four years.