Advance Notice to NGB Support
 
On January 1, 2009, the new International Standard for Testing (IST) will go into effect and athlete whereabouts requirements will change dramatically, as well as Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements. This is the first in a series of messages you will receive providing vital information about these changes.
 
MANDATORY ONLINE WHEREABOUTS FILING
Please be advised starting November 1, 2008, USADA will require ALL Whereabouts Filings -- formerly called Athlete Location Forms (ALFs) -- to be submitted via the athletes’ online account on USADA’s website at www.usada.org. Hard copies of the Whereabouts Filing will no longer be available.
 
We have encouraged all athletes to submit their 4th quarter forms online to become familiar with this process in preparation for the mandatory 1st quarter 2009 online submission deadline. Detailed instructions will be provided in the near future regarding the new online submission interface beginning November 1.
 
Please also watch for information on a mandatory interactive tutorial that all athletes will be required to complete when submitting whereabouts information. 
 
Athletes needing technical assistance with username/passwords can email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-866-601-2632. 
 
TEST ATTEMPT CHANGES
In addition, new requirements will be published regarding changes to the out-of-competition test attempt process.
 
THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS
The 2009 IST will also include revisions to the TUE submission requirements. Upcoming messages will provide information on these changes and how athletes can access specific details.
 
Your role in the worldwide elite athlete network helps ensure global harmonization of anti-doping regulations, and protects clean sport for all athletes. Due to the IST changes, this new process will be for the athletes’ benefit and will help ensure their compliance. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming NGB Forums, being held on September 26 and repeated on October 6. Please contact LaDonna Reed at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to register for either of these dates.
 
Thank you,
 
USADA