World Anti-Doping Code

WADA launched the Code in March 2003

Sport is governed by a set of anti-doping policies, rules and guidelines called the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code). The Code aims to harmonise the anti-doping rules governing all athletes, athlete support personnel and sports organisation in all countries. A fundamental principle of the Code is to protect the rights of all athletes that are committed to competing in sport cleanly and fairly.

Where an Athletes' sport has adopted the Code, he/she is bound by the mandatory provisions of the Code, as a condition of their participation in that sport; and in accordance with the rules of their sport.

An important principle of the Code is that of 'strict liability'. This means that athletes are personally responsible for any prohibited substance found in their system - regardless of how it got there.

The Code also imposes strict sanctions for athlete support personnel in relation to anti-doping rule violations. If they are found guilty of the administration or trafficking of prohibited substances or methods, they may face tough penalties, for example a four year or lifetime ban.

The Code is supported by four International Standards that outline mandatory systems and processes for; testing, the therapeutic use of prohibited substances or methods, the Prohibited List and WADA accredited laboratory processes.

The original Code has been in place since 2004. A new, revised Code will be implemented on 1 January 2009.