Anti-Doping testing and Ramadan

Respecting Faith. Protecting Clean Sport.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) recognises the profound importance of Ramadan, a sacred month observed by Muslims around the world. Ramadan is a period of deep spiritual reflection, community, prayer and self-discipline.

From dawn to sunset, adult Muslims who are able to do so fast from food and drink, often for long hours depending on the season and location. 

Observing Ramadan is a meaningful act of faith, and we acknowledge the physical, mental and cultural significance of fasting for Muslim athletes.

Our commitment is twofold:

• to respect an athlete’s religious observance
• to uphold the integrity of sport through fair and consistent antidoping practices.

Testing during Ramadan

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes may be selected for urine and/or blood sample collection at any time, in any place, and without advance notice – this includes during Ramadan.

Religious observance does not exempt an athlete from the requirement to participate in doping control. 

Refusing or failing to comply with testing may result in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and possible sanctions.

However, SIA understands that fasting can affect hydration levels and may slow the sample collection process. 

We ensure that doping control personnel are trained to approach these situations with sensitivity and respect.

How we support athletes observing Ramadan

While the integrity of the testing process must remain uncompromised, SIA will take reasonable and culturally aware steps to support athletes who are fasting. 

These considerations may include:

• Allowing additional time for urine sample production if fasting has contributed to dehydration
• Remaining with the athlete until after sunset if appropriate and operationally feasible, enabling them to break their fast before completing sample collection
• Considering an alternate suitable location to complete the process when needed
• Assigning additional sample collection personnel if circumstances require it
• Ensuring athletes are never asked to break their fast in order to comply with testing requirements.

Throughout the process, trained doping control personnel will accompany the athlete and be patient, respectful and accommodating – providing that these accommodations do not compromise the integrity of testing.

Athlete responsibilities

All athletes – regardless of religion, competition level or time of year – must:

• Comply with the request to provide a sample
• Understand their rights and responsibilities under the antidoping rules.

Failure to provide a sample or to follow the process may be considered an ADRV.

Our commitment

SIA is committed to ensuring that the testing process is conducted with professionalism, cultural awareness and respect. 

Our aim is to support Muslim athletes in observing Ramadan while ensuring that clean, fair, safe sport remains protected.