The World Anti-Doping Code is the fundamental and universal document upon which the World Anti-Doping Program is based. Its purpose is to advance the anti-doping effort through universal harmonisation of anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sports organisations, and among public authorities. The ultimate goal is for all athletes to benefit from the same anti-doping procedures and protections, no matter the sport, the nationality, or the country where tested, so that all athletes may participate in competition that is both safe and fair.
The purpose of revising the Code is to use WADA’s and its stakeholders’ experience from several years of practical implementation in order to strengthen the global fight against doping in sport. The 2021 Code Review Process focused on ensuring that the Code remains fit for purpose. Specifically, new questions were addressed related to the protection of whistle-blowers, retesting, compliance, education, the increase in cases arising due to the use of social drugs and issues identified as a result of the Russian doping crisis.
Following the approval of the new World Anti-Doping Code, the IOF has conducted a thorough review of its own Anti-Doping Rules and updated them in line with the 2021 Code. Both come into force on 1 January 2021.
A fundamental part of the Anti-Doping system is the List of Prohibited Substances, which determines which substances are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition. As usual, this list is updated each year and the latest update will come into force on 1 January 2021 along with the new Code and IOF Anti-Doping Rules. You can find all these documents in the folder below.
WADA have also created a guide for athletes to what’s new in the Code, all athletes are encouraged to use it to help familiarise themselves with the updates. Athletes are also encouraged to check out WADAs eLearning platform ADEL, where they can find a course especially for athletes.