Providing Support for Athletes With Negative Experiences During Urine Doping Controls

Abstract

This article outlines the challenges and negative experiences athletes encounter during urine doping controls and how they can be dealt with. Negative experiences can be caused by physiological (e.g., inability to urinate) and psychological (e.g., feelings of embarrassment) factors relating to the control as well as to the way in which the doping control officer (DCO) conducts the procedure. Negative experiences can lead to short- and long-term effects on athletes' well-being and potentially also performance. The article outlines a number of strategies that can be applied to minimize negative experiences of urine doping controls. Furthermore, recommendations for how policy regarding urine doping tests could be changed are given.

KEYWORDS:

• paruresis
• recovery
• urination difficulties
• urine marker