A new rule from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has caused an outrage after it was revealed just how strict the measures would be on competitors.
A note that it sent players via the tours was posted on social media which shared that even though the agency had worked to allow showers to be permissible delays to doping control, it wasn’t an ‘entitlement’ that players had.
So, it reminded players who wanted to shower beforehand, that they needed to be in full view of the chaperone observing them, and that if they did not comply, there would be ramifications.
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“The ITIA and ITF have been working tirelessly to ensure that post-match showers can constitute an allowable delay for doping controls, especially when the absence of a shower can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of a player,” the statement from the sport agency read (via The New York Post).
“However, taking a shower is not a right. For this reason, the ITIA kindly requests players to shower while remaining in clear view of the chaperone observing them at all times.
“If a player feels uncomfortable being watched during their shower, we suggest considering whether it is necessary to shower before providing the doping control sample.”
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“We recognise that parts of the anti-doping testing process are uncomfortable,” they added, noting: “However, as with all World Anti-Doping Agency-compliant sports – not just tennis – players who are notified for a test after a match are observed at all times by an anti-doping chaperone until the test is completed.
"This is a requirement of the world anti-doping code.”
And people on the internet have had some strong thoughts on the ruling, with Mark Petchey, a British former player-turned-commentator, calling it 'unacceptable'.
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Another on X called it 'creepy', adding: “Chaperone in full view while the players are showering???”
“This is unacceptable,” someone else added, with a fourth wrote: “I cannot believe what I just read.”
The ITIA defended the rule, saying in a statement (via The Guardian): "Player welfare is a priority and so we will continue to advocate for their right to do this. However it is important any activity does not impact the integrity of the sample. We regularly remind players of specific rules, and we are happy to answer any questions they may have."
The former Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority chief, Richard Ings, also said that this is something that has been going on for some time.
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He wrote on X: “This is normal. Players need to be observed passing urine to rule out substitution. Players need to be observed in the shower so they don’t pee out urine needed for the analysis.”
Four-time Australian Olympian Rennae Stubbs said a drug testing officer is always present, writing: “We always have had to shower with the door open.
“The drug testing people were with us every minute from the moment we walked off the court including watching us shower. I don’t know why they’re putting this out now.”
Topics: Sport, Social Media, Twitter
Britt Jones