AYOF2013 - Some of the nation's future Olympians will get their first experience of doping testing when they compete among more than 1000 athletes at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival starting on Wednesday.

The Australian team is almost 500-strong for the five-day Games in Sydney, many of them aged under 18.

During the Games they'll be subject to possible drug testing anywhere and anytime, though those under 18 must have a guardian present during sample collections.

To make sure they're well briefed beforehand, the Australian athletes will attend six compulsory lessons on anti-doping, where they'll learn about the doping control process, inadvertent doping, and the risks associated with supplement use.

It's a joint initiative organised by the Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).

"We will be aiming to conduct an undisclosed number of tests across the sports being held at the festival, so it is imperative that these young athletes have an understanding of the risks and repercussions of doping," said ASADA chief executive Aurora Andruska.

Dual Olympic medallist and AYOF ambassador Kim Crow said it was vital for young athletes to learn about anti-doping at this point in their career.

"Even over-the-counter medications can be banned for athletes, so early education is important to ensure that what may be an honest mistake doesn't lead to a doping penalty," Crow said.

AAP