Registered Testing Pool (RTP)

The Registered Testing Pool (RTP) is the pool of highest-priority Fencers established separately at the international level by the International Fencing Federation and at the national level by National Anti-Doping Organisations.

Fencers included in the FIE RTP are subject to both in-competition and out-of-competition testing as part of the FIE’s test distribution plan and are therefore required to provide Whereabouts information as provided in Code Art. 5.5 (Athletes Whereabouts Information) and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

The FIE updates the composition of the RTP on a regular basis. Fencers are included in the RTP based on a set of criteria and are notified by the International Testing Agency upon inclusion.

Inclusion in the RTP is done via the FIE Inclusion Letter – this document contains all the key information, deadlines and Fencer responsibilities as it relates to Fencers’ RTP obligations.

Whereabouts Requirements

RTP Fencers must regularly provide Whereabouts and contact information in ADAMS, WADA’s online anti-doping administration and management system. This information helps Anti-Doping Organisations plan out-of-competition testing.

The Whereabouts requirements include but are not limited to:

• An up-to-date mailing address and phone number
• One daily specific 60-minute time slot between 5am and 11pm when the Fencer is available and accessible for testing
• Fencer’s overnight accommodation for each day
• Information about training and regular activities that are part of the Fencer’s regular routine (training at the gym, regular physio sessions, school, work, etc.)
• Competition, training and travel schedule
• Any additional relevant information that helps the Doping Control Officer locate the fencer (e.g., buzzer number or directions to a remote location)

Submitting late, inaccurate or incomplete Whereabouts information that leads to an Fencer being unavailable for testing may result in a Filing Failure.

A Fencer may receive a Missed Test if he/she is not available for testing during the 60-minute timeslot indicated in ADAMS. Three Whereabouts Failures (any combination of a Filing Failure and a Missed Test) occurring within a 12-month period will lead to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and a potential two-year ban from sport. It is important to note that under the Principle of Strict Liability, the Fencer remains responsible for the information submitted, even if they have delegated this task to a member of their support team.

Below are some helpful Whereabouts tips for Fencers:

• Set a calendar reminder of the key dates/deadlines to submit quarterly Whereabouts information
• Set an alarm for the start of the 60-minute time slot
• Be as specific as possible when submitting your Whereabouts information
• When in doubt, ask for help via fie@ita.sportor the ADAMS Help Centre
• Make use of the Athlete Central app to submit your Whereabouts information on a mobile device

Retirement and Return to Competition

All International-level Fencers who decide to retire from competition must inform the FIE and the ITA that they are retiring from International and National competition and they will be provided with a retirement form to complete.

If a Fencer in the RTP retires and then wishes to resume competing, they shall not compete in International Events or National Events until they have made themselves available for Testing, by giving six months prior written notice to the FIE and their NADO (Article 5.7.1 FIE 2021 Anti-Doping Rules).