Reporting doping just got easier, as UKAD launches anonymous texting service

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) bolsters the ways in which people can report doping concerns, with the addition of a new anonymous text message service. 

Launched today, the SMS service allows someone with suspicions of doping in sport to anonymously send a text directly to UKAD’s Intelligence and Investigations Team, sharing information in real-time. UKAD will be able to respond to questions and concerns, allowing for two-way conversations to take place without compromising the person’s identity or phone number. 

If a member of UKAD’s Intelligence and Investigations Team is not available to respond immediately, the texter will get a customised reply instantly followed by a response. UKAD will roll out text messaging first, with WhatsApp to be introduced later. 

UKAD launched its Protect Your Sport initiative to encourage people to report doping via email, anonymous hotline, or an online form. The organisation, which has a mission to protect sport from doping cheats, believes that the addition of a text messaging service will encourage individuals with information to come forward in confidence and without fear.   

Mario Theophanous, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at UKAD, said: 

“Our Protect Your Sport initiative has been going from strength to strength, and we received our highest number of reports ever during 2023. The information we receive from athletes and others working in sport is vital in our mission to protect clean sport and create a level playing field for all.  

“We want to remove as many barriers as possible to reporting suspicious behaviours, and we know that some people don’t feel comfortable emailing or speaking on the phone to someone, so we hope that this anonymous text messaging service will help others to come forward. It also allows us to have a two-way conversation and gather more information to help us remove cheats from sport. We look forward to seeing how this innovative new service will positively impact the work that we do.” 

UKAD is working with tech experts RealResponse to introduce the new Protect Your Sport texting service. RealResponse’s secure and protected communication platform is intuitive and easy-to-use by both people reporting suspicions of doping and administrators reviewing the information provided.  

David Chadwick, RealResponse Founder and CEO, said:

 “RealResponse is committed to working with UKAD to protect sport and keep it clean. With our two-way, anonymous communications platform, athletes and support personnel can share sensitive information through a confidential and trusted system, helping to ensure fair competition and equitable outcomes”. 

Evidence gathered from reports of doping can ultimately lead to UKAD charging an individual and can also help it carry out targeted testing in sport and intervene and disrupt potential doping in the future. 

To report your suspicions of doping, text 07822 023233 or search Protect Your Sport to find out more.  

RealResponse has and continues to work with several anti-doping organisations globally, including the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports, the US Anti-Doping Agency, and the International Testing Agency, to name a few.