Doping Control Officer course delivered for first time in Australia

For the first time in Australia, the International Testing Agency's (ITA) Doping Control Officer (DCO) training course has been delivered at The University of Queensland, training prospective officials responsible for conducting athlete drug testing and protecting the integrity of sport. 

The training was delivered through the UQ-ITA partnership, which established the world's second ITA Academic Centre at UQ. 

Nineteen participants were certified through the program, gaining expertise in the professional, procedural and regulatory aspects of doping control, including athlete notification, sample collection, athlete support, and ensuring testing is conducted in accordance with international standards. 

The 3-day course was led by ITA trainers who travelled from Switzerland to deliver the internationally recognised program. 

The initiative reflects growing demand for sports integrity expertise to support major sporting events in Australia. More information on the partnership, including other ITA training courses can be found on the UQ-ITA website.