2021 Code

WORLD
ANTI-DOPING
CODE
2021
World Anti-Doping Code
The World Anti-Doping Code was first adopted in 2003 and
took effect in 2004. It was subsequently amended three
times, the first time effective 1 January 2009, the second
time effective 1 January 2015 and the third time effective
1 April 2018 (compliance amendments). The revised 2021
World Anti-Doping Code is effective as of 1 January 2021.
Published by:
World Anti-Doping Agency

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E-mail: [email protected]
2 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

Table of Contents
Page
PURPOSE, SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM AND THE CODE .................. 8
THE CODE ............................................................................................................. 8
THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM ............................................................................. 8
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ....................................................................................... 9
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................ 9
MODELS OF BEST PRACTICE AND GUIDELINES .................................................................... 9
FUNDAMENTAL RATIONALE FOR THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE ..................................................... 10
PART ONE DOPING CONTROL .................................................................. 11

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 12
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITION OF DOPING .......................................................................................... 13
ARTICLE 2 ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS ............................................................................... 13
PRESENCE OF A PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE OR ITS METABOLITES OR MARKERS IN
AN ATHLETE’S SAMPLE................................................................................... 13
USE OR ATTEMPTED USE BY AN ATHLETE OF A PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE OR A
PROHIBITED METHOD .................................................................................... 14
EVADING, REFUSING OR FAILING TO SUBMIT TO SAMPLE COLLECTION BY AN
ATHLETE ................................................................................................... 14
WHEREABOUTS FAILURES BY AN ATHLETE ............................................................ 14
TAMPERING OR ATTEMPTED TAMPERING WITH ANY PART OF DOPING CONTROL
BY AN ATHLETE OR OTHER PERSON.................................................................... 14
POSSESSION OF A PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE OR A PROHIBITED METHOD BY AN
ATHLETE OR ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSON ............................................................. 14
TRAFFICKING OR ATTEMPTED TRAFFICKING IN ANY PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE OR
PROHIBITED METHOD BY AN ATHLETE OR OTHER PERSON ......................................... 15
ADMINISTRATION OR ATTEMPTED ADMINISTRATION ................................................ 15
COMPLICITY OR ATTEMPTED COMPLICITY BY AN ATHLETE OR OTHER PERSON ................. 15
PROHIBITED ASSOCIATION BY AN ATHLETE OR OTHER PERSON ................................... 15
ACTS BY AN ATHLETE OR OTHER PERSON TO DISCOURAGE OR RETALIATE
AGAINST REPORTING TO AUTHORITIES ................................................................ 16
ARTICLE 3 PROOF OF DOPING ............................................................................................... 16
BURDENS AND STANDARDS OF PROOF ................................................................. 16
METHODS OF ESTABLISHING FACTS AND PRESUMPTIONS ........................................... 17
ARTICLE 4 THE PROHIBITED LIST ............................................................................................ 19
PUBLICATION AND REVISION OF THE PROHIBITED LIST ............................................. 19
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES AND PROHIBITED METHODS IDENTIFIED ON THE
PROHIBITED LIST .......................................................................................... 19

CRITERIA FOR INCLUDING SUBSTANCES AND METHODS ON THE PROHIBITED LIST .............. 20
THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS (“TUES”) ............................................................ 20
MONITORING PROGRAM .................................................................................. 23
ARTICLE 5 TESTING AND INVESTIGATIONS ................................................................................. 23
PURPOSE OF TESTING AND INVESTIGATIONS ......................................................... 23
AUTHORITY TO TEST ..................................................................................... 24
EVENT TESTING ........................................................................................... 24
TESTING REQUIREMENTS................................................................................. 25
ATHLETE WHEREABOUTS INFORMATION .............................................................. 25
RETIRED ATHLETES RETURNING TO COMPETITION .................................................. 26
INVESTIGATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE GATHERING ................................................... 26
ARTICLE 6 ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES ........................................................................................... 26
USE OF ACCREDITED, APPROVED LABORATORIES AND OTHER LABORATORIES .................. 26
PURPOSE OF ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES AND DATA ...................................................... 27
RESEARCH ON SAMPLES AND DATA ..................................................................... 27
STANDARDS FOR SAMPLE ANALYSIS AND REPORTING ............................................... 27
FURTHER ANALYSIS OF A SAMPLE PRIOR TO OR DURING RESULTS MANAGEMENT
OR HEARING PROCESS .................................................................................... 27
FURTHER ANALYSIS OF A SAMPLE AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPORTED AS NEGATIVE
OR HAS OTHERWISE NOT RESULTED IN AN ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION
CHARGE .................................................................................................... 27
SPLIT OF A OR B SAMPLE ................................................................................ 28
WADA’S RIGHT TO TAKE POSSESSION OF SAMPLES AND DATA ..................................... 28
ARTICLE 7 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RESPONSIBILITY, INITIAL REVIEW, NOTICE AND PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS
................................................................................................................................... 28
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCTING RESULTS MANAGEMENT ....................................... 29
REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION REGARDING POTENTIAL ANTI-DOPING RULE
VIOLATIONS ................................................................................................ 30
IDENTIFICATION OF PRIOR ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS ....................................... 30
PRINCIPLES APPLICABLE TO PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS ........................................... 30
RESULTS MANAGEMENT DECISIONS .................................................................... 32
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS MANAGEMENT DECISIONS .............................................. 32
RETIREMENT FROM SPORT ............................................................................... 32
ARTICLE 8 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING DECISION ............ 33
FAIR HEARINGS ............................................................................................ 33
EVENT HEARINGS ......................................................................................... 33
WAIVER OF HEARING ..................................................................................... 33
NOTICE OF DECISIONS .................................................................................... 33
SINGLE HEARING BEFORE CAS .......................................................................... 33

ARTICLE 9 AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESULTS .................................................. 34
ARTICLE 10 SANCTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS .................................................................................. 34
DISQUALIFICATION OF RESULTS IN THE EVENT DURING WHICH AN ANTI-DOPING
RULE VIOLATION OCCURS ............................................................................... 34
INELIGIBILITY FOR PRESENCE, USE OR ATTEMPTED USE OR POSSESSION OF A
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE OR PROHIBITED METHOD .................................................. 34
INELIGIBILITY FOR OTHER ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS ........................................ 36
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAY INCREASE THE PERIOD OF
INELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................. 36
ELIMINATION OF THE PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY WHERE THERE IS NO FAULT OR
NEGLIGENCE ............................................................................................... 37
REDUCTION OF THE PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY BASED ON NO SIGNIFICANT FAULT
OR NEGLIGENCE........................................................................................... 37
ELIMINATION, REDUCTION, OR SUSPENSION OF PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY OR
OTHER CONSEQUENCES FOR REASONS OTHER THAN FAULT ....................................... 38
RESULTS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS ................................................................. 40
MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS ................................................................................... 41
DISQUALIFICATION OF RESULTS IN COMPETITIONS SUBSEQUENT TO SAMPLE
COLLECTION OR COMMISSION OF AN ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION ............................. 43
FORFEITED PRIZE MONEY ................................................................................ 43
FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES ............................................................................. 43
COMMENCEMENT OF INELIGIBILITY PERIOD ........................................................... 43
STATUS DURING INELIGIBILITY OR PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION ..................................... 45
AUTOMATIC PUBLICATION OF SANCTION .............................................................. 46
ARTICLE 11 CONSEQUENCES TO TEAMS .................................................................................... 46
TESTING OF TEAM SPORTS .............................................................................. 46
CONSEQUENCES FOR TEAM SPORTS .................................................................... 46
EVENT RULING BODY OR INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION MAY ESTABLISH
STRICTER CONSEQUENCES FOR TEAM SPORTS ....................................................... 46
ARTICLE 12 SANCTIONS BY SIGNATORIES AGAINST OTHER SPORTING BODIES ....................................... 47
ARTICLE 13 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: APPEALS ........................................................................... 47
DECISIONS SUBJECT TO APPEAL ........................................................................ 47
APPEALS FROM DECISIONS REGARDING ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS,
CONSEQUENCES, PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS, IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS
AND AUTHORITY .......................................................................................... 48
FAILURE TO RENDER A TIMELY DECISION BY AN ANTI-DOPING ORGANIZATION ................. 50
APPEALS RELATING TO TUES ............................................................................ 50
NOTIFICATION OF APPEAL DECISIONS.................................................................. 50
APPEALS FROM DECISIONS UNDER ARTICLE 24.1 ..................................................... 50
APPEALS FROM DECISIONS SUSPENDING OR REVOKING LABORATORY
ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................... 51

ARTICLE 14 CONFIDENTIALITY AND REPORTING .......................................................................... 51
INFORMATION CONCERNING ADVERSE ANALYTICAL FINDINGS, ATYPICAL
FINDINGS, AND OTHER ASSERTED ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS ............................... 51
NOTICE OF ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION OR VIOLATIONS OF INELIGIBILITY OR
PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION DECISIONS AND REQUEST FOR FILES ................................... 52
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ...................................................................................... 52
STATISTICAL REPORTING ................................................................................ 53
DOPING CONTROL INFORMATION DATABASE AND MONITORING OF COMPLIANCE ............... 53
DATA PRIVACY............................................................................................. 54
ARTICLE 15 IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS .............................................................................. 54
AUTOMATIC BINDING EFFECT OF DECISIONS BY SIGNATORY ANTI-DOPING
ORGANIZATIONS .......................................................................................... 54
IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER DECISIONS BY ANTI-DOPING ORGANIZATIONS ..................... 55
IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS BY BODY THAT IS NOT A SIGNATORY ........................... 55
ARTICLE 16 DOPING CONTROL FOR ANIMALS COMPETING IN SPORT................................................... 56
ARTICLE 17 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................... 56
PART TWO EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ...................................................... 57

ARTICLE 18 EDUCATION ...................................................................................................... 58
18.1 PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................ 58
18.2 EDUCATION PROGRAM AND PLAN BY SIGNATORIES .................................................. 58
ARTICLE 19 RESEARCH ........................................................................................................ 60
PURPOSE AND AIMS OF ANTI-DOPING RESEARCH ..................................................... 60
TYPES OF RESEARCH ..................................................................................... 60
COORDINATION OF RESEARCH AND SHARING OF RESULTS ......................................... 60
RESEARCH PRACTICES .................................................................................... 60
RESEARCH USING PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES AND PROHIBITED METHODS ........................ 60
MISUSE OF RESULTS ...................................................................................... 60
PART THREE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................. 61

ARTICLE 20 ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SIGNATORIES AND WADA ............................... 62
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE .................. 62
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE .............. 63
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL FEDERATIONS ................................. 64
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES AND
NATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEES .................................................................. 66
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL ANTI-DOPING ORGANIZATIONS .................... 68
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAJOR EVENT ORGANIZATIONS ................................ 69
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WADA............................................................... 70
COOPERATION REGARDING THIRD PARTY REGULATIONS ........................................... 71

ARTICLE 21 ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETES AND OTHER PERSONS ...................... 72
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETES .......................................................... 72
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL ................................ 72
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER PERSONS SUBJECT TO THE CODE ..................... 73
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF REGIONAL ANTI-DOPING ORGANIZATIONS .................... 73
ARTICLE 22 INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENTS ............................................................................ 73
PART FOUR ACCEPTANCE, COMPLIANCE, MODIFICATION AND INTERPRETATION ....... 76

ARTICLE 23 ACCEPTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................ 77
ACCEPTANCE OF THE CODE ............................................................................. 77
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE ........................................................................ 77
IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-DOPING PROGRAMS ...................................................... 78
ARTICLE 24 MONITORING AND ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE AND UNESCO CONVENTION .......... 79
MONITORING AND ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE ..................................... 79
MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH THE UNESCO CONVENTION ...................................... 84
ARTICLE 25 MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL ........................................................................... 84
MODIFICATION............................................................................................. 84
WITHDRAWAL OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE CODE ....................................................... 84
ARTICLE 26 INTERPRETATION OF THE CODE .............................................................................. 85
ARTICLE 27 TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................... 85
GENERAL APPLICATION OF THE 2021 CODE........................................................... 85
NON-RETROACTIVE EXCEPT FOR ARTICLES 10.9.4 AND 17 OR UNLESS PRINCIPLE
OF “LEX MITIOR” APPLIES ............................................................................... 85
APPLICATION TO DECISIONS RENDERED PRIOR TO THE 2021 CODE ............................... 85
MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS WHERE THE FIRST VIOLATION OCCURS PRIOR TO 1
JANUARY 2021 ............................................................................................ 86
ADDITIONAL CODE AMENDMENTS ....................................................................... 86
CHANGES TO THE PROHIBITED LIST .................................................................... 86
APPENDIX 1 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................ 87

DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 88

PURPOSE, SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE WORLD ANTI-
DOPING PROGRAM AND THE CODE
The purposes of the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Program which supports it are:
• To protect the Athletes’ fundamental right to participate in doping-free sport and thus promote health,
fairness and equality for Athletes worldwide, and
• To ensure harmonized, coordinated and effective anti-doping programs at the international and national
level with regard to the prevention of doping, including:
Education — to raise awareness, inform, communicate, to instill values, develop life skills and
decision-making capability to prevent intentional and unintentional anti-doping rule violations.
Deterrence — to divert potential dopers, through ensuring that robust rules and sanctions are in place
and salient for all stakeholders.
Detection — an effective Testing and investigations system not only enhances a deterrent effect, but
also is effective in protecting clean Athletes and the spirit of sport by catching those committing anti-
doping rule violations, while also helping to disrupt anyone engaged in doping behavior.
Enforcement — to adjudicate and sanction those found to have committed an anti-doping rule
violation.
Rule of law — to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have agreed to submit to the Code and the
International Standards, and that all measures taken in application of their anti-doping programs
respect the Code, the International Standards, and the principles of proportionality and human rights.
The Code
The Code is the fundamental and universal document upon which the World Anti-Doping Program in sport is
based. The purpose of the Code is to advance the anti-doping effort through universal harmonization of core
anti-doping elements. It is intended to be specific enough to achieve complete harmonization on issues where
uniformity is required, yet general enough in other areas to permit flexibility on how agreed-upon anti-doping
principles are implemented. The Code has been drafted giving consideration to the principles of
proportionality and human rights.1
The World Anti-Doping Program
The World Anti-Doping Program encompasses all of the elements needed in order to ensure optimal
harmonization and best practice in international and national anti-doping programs. The main elements are:
Level 1: The Code
Level 2: International Standards and Technical Documents
Level 3: Models of Best Practice and Guidelines
1 [Comment: The Olympic Charter and the International Convention against Doping in Sport 2005 adopted in Paris on 19 October 2005
(“UNESCO Convention”), both recognize the prevention of and the fight against doping in sport as a critical part of the mission of the
International Olympic Committee and UNESCO, and also recognize the fundamental role of the Code.]

International Standards
International Standards for different technical and operational areas within the anti-doping program have
been and will be developed in consultation with the Signatories and governments and approved by WADA. The
purpose of the International Standards is harmonization among Anti-Doping Organizations responsible for
specific technical and operational parts of anti-doping programs. Adherence to the International Standards is
mandatory for compliance with the Code. The International Standards may be revised from time to time by
the WADA Executive Committee after reasonable consultation with the Signatories, governments and other
relevant stakeholders. International Standards and all revisions will be published on the WADA website and
shall become effective on the date specified in the International Standard or revision.2
Technical Documents
Technical Documents relating to mandatory technical requirements for the implementation of an International
Standard may be approved and published from time to time by the WADA Executive Committee. Adherence
to Technical Documents is mandatory for compliance with the Code. Where the implementation of a new or
revised Technical Document is not time-sensitive, the WADA Executive Committee shall allow for reasonable
consultation with Signatories, governments and other relevant stakeholders. Technical Documents shall
become effective immediately upon publication on the WADA website unless a later date is specified.3
Models of Best Practice and Guidelines
Models of best practice and guidelines based on the Code and International Standards have been and will be
developed to provide solutions in different areas of anti-doping. The models and guidelines will be
recommended by WADA and made available to Signatories and other relevant stakeholders, but will not be
mandatory. In addition to providing models of anti-doping documentation, WADA will also make some training
assistance available to the Signatories.4
2[Comment: The International Standards contain much of the technical detail necessary for implementing the Code. International
Standards will, in consultation with the Signatories, governments and other relevant stakeholders, be developed by experts and set
forth in separate documents. It is important that the WADA Executive Committee be able to make timely changes to the International
Standards without requiring any amendment of the Code.]
3[Comment: For example, where an additional analytical procedure is required before reporting a Sample as an Adverse Analytical
Finding, that procedure would be mandated in a Technical Document issued immediately by the WADA Executive Committee.]
4[Comment: These model documents may provide alternatives from which stakeholders may select. Some stakeholders may choose to
adopt the model rules and other models of best practices verbatim. Others may decide to adopt the models with modifications. Still
other stakeholders may choose to develop their own rules consistent with the general principles and specific requirements set forth in
the Code.
Model documents or guidelines for specific parts of anti-doping work have been developed and may continue to be developed based on
generally recognized stakeholder needs and expectations.]

FUNDAMENTAL RATIONALE FOR THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE
Anti-doping programs are founded on the intrinsic value of sport. This intrinsic value is often referred to as
“the spirit of sport”: the ethical pursuit of human excellence through the dedicated perfection of each
Athlete’s natural talents.
Anti-doping programs seek to protect the health of Athletes and to provide the opportunity for Athletes to
pursue human excellence without the Use of Prohibited Substances and Methods.
Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors,
fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world.
The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is
reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:
• Health
• Ethics, fair play and honesty
• Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code
• Excellence in performance
• Character and Education
• Fun and joy
• Teamwork
• Dedication and commitment
• Respect for rules and laws
• Respect for self and other Participants
• Courage
• Community and solidarity
The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true.
Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport.

PART ONE
DOPING CONTROL
INTRODUCTION
Part One of the Code sets forth specific anti-doping rules and principles that are to be followed by
organizations responsible for adopting, implementing or enforcing anti-doping rules within their authority,
e.g., the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Federations,
National Olympic Committees and Paralympic Committees, Major Event Organizations, and National Anti-
Doping Organizations. All such organizations are collectively referred to as Anti-Doping Organizations.
All provisions of the Code are mandatory in substance and must be followed as applicable by each Anti-Doping
Organization and Athlete or other Person. The Code does not, however, replace or eliminate the need for
comprehensive anti-doping rules to be adopted by each Anti-Doping Organization. While some provisions of
the Code must be incorporated without substantive change by each Anti-Doping Organization in its own anti-
doping rules, other provisions of the Code establish mandatory guiding principles that allow flexibility in the
formulation of rules by each Anti-Doping Organization or establish requirements that must be followed by
each Anti-Doping Organization but need not be repeated in its own anti-doping rules.5
Anti-doping rules, like competition rules, are sport rules governing the conditions under which sport is played.
Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel or other Persons (including board members, directors, officers, and
specified employees and volunteers of Signatories, and Delegated Third Parties and their employees) accept
these rules as a condition of participation or involvement in sport and shall be bound by these rules. 6 Each
Signatory shall establish rules and procedures to ensure that all Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel or other
Persons under the authority of the Signatory and its member organizations are informed of and agree to be
bound by anti-doping rules in force of the relevant Anti-Doping Organizations.
Each Signatory shall establish rules and procedures to ensure that all Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel or
other Persons under the authority of the Signatory and its member organizations are informed of the
dissemination of their private data as required or authorized by the Code, and are bound by and compliant
with the anti-doping rules found in the Code, and that the appropriate Consequences are imposed on those
Athletes or other Persons who breach those rules. These sport-specific rules and procedures, aimed at
enforcing anti-doping rules in a global and harmonized way, are distinct in nature from criminal and civil
proceedings. They are not intended to be subject to or limited by any national requirements and legal
standards applicable to such proceedings, although they are intended to be applied in a manner which respects
the principles of proportionality and human rights. When reviewing the facts and the law of a given case, all
courts, arbitral hearing panels and other adjudicating bodies should be aware of and respect the distinct
nature of the anti-doping rules in the Code and the fact that those rules represent the consensus of a broad
spectrum of stakeholders around the world with an interest in fair sport.
As provided in the Code, each Anti-Doping Organization shall be responsible for conducting all aspects of
Doping Control. Any aspect of Doping Control or anti-doping Education may be delegated by an Anti-Doping
5[Comment: Those Articles of the Code which must be incorporated into each Anti-Doping Organization’s rules without substantive
change are set forth in Article 23.2.2. For example, it is critical for purposes of harmonization that all Signatories base their decisions
on the same list of anti-doping rule violations, the same burdens of proof and impose the same Consequences for the same anti-doping
rule violations. These rules must be the same whether a hearing takes place before an International Federation, at the national level or
before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Code provisions not listed in Article 23.2.2 are still mandatory in substance even though an Anti-Doping Organization is not required to
incorporate them verbatim. Those provisions generally fall into two categories. First, some provisions direct Anti-Doping Organizations
to take certain actions but there is no need to restate the provision in the Anti-Doping Organization’s own anti-doping rules. For
example, each Anti-Doping Organization must plan and conduct Testing as required by Article 5, but these directives to the Anti-Doping
Organization need not be repeated in the Anti-Doping Organization’s own rules. Second, some provisions are mandatory in substance
but give each Anti-Doping Organization some flexibility in the implementation of the principles stated in the provision. As an example,
it is not necessary for effective harmonization to force all Signatories to use one single Results Management and hearing process as long
as the process utilized satisfies the requirements stated in the Code and the International Standard for Results Management.]
6 [Comment: Where the Code requires a Person other than an Athlete or Athlete Support Person to be bound by the Code, such Person
would of course not be subject to Sample collection or Testing, and would not be subject to an anti-doping rule violation under the Code
for Use or Possession of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method. Rather, such Person would only be subject to discipline for a
violation of Code Articles 2.5 (Tampering), 2.7 (Trafficking), 2.8 (Administration), 2.9 (Complicity), 2.10 (Prohibited Association) and
2.11 (Retaliation). Furthermore, such Person would be subject to the additional roles and responsibilities according to Article 21.3.
Also, the obligation to require an employee to be bound by the Code is subject to applicable law.]

1
PART
Doping Control
Organization to a Delegated Third Parties, however, the delegating Anti-Doping Organization shall require
the Delegated Third Parties to perform such aspects in compliance with the Code and International Standards,
and the Anti-Doping Organization shall remain fully responsible for ensuring that any delegated aspects are
performed in compliance with the Code.
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITION OF DOPING

Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations set forth in Article 2.1
through Article 2.11 of the Code.
ARTICLE 2 ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS

The purpose of Article 2 is to specify the circumstances and conduct which constitute anti-doping rule
violations. Hearings in doping cases will proceed based on the assertion that one or more of these specific
rules have been violated.
Athletes or other Persons shall be responsible for knowing what constitutes an anti-doping rule violation and
the substances and methods which have been included on the Prohibited List.
The following constitute anti-doping rule violations:
Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample
2.1.1 It is the Athletes’ personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their
bodies. Athletes are responsible for any Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or
Markers found to be present in their Samples. Accordingly, it is not necessary that
intent, Fault, negligence or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated in
order to establish an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.1.7
2.1.2 Sufficient proof of an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.1 is established by any
of the following: presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in
the Athlete’s A Sample where the Athlete waives analysis of the B Sample and the B
Sample is not analyzed; or, where the Athlete’s B Sample is analyzed and the analysis
of the Athlete’s B Sample confirms the presence of the Prohibited Substance or its
Metabolites or Markers found in the Athlete’s A Sample; or where the Athlete’s A or
B Sample is split into two parts and the analysis of the confirmation part of the split
Sample confirms the presence of the Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or
Markers found in the first part of the split Sample or the Athlete waives analysis of
the confirmation part of the split Sample.8
2.1.3 Excepting those substances for which a Decision Limit is specifically identified in the
Prohibited List or a Technical Document, the presence of any reported quantity of a
Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample shall
constitute an anti-doping rule violation.
7[Comment to Article 2.1.1: An anti-doping rule violation is committed under this Article without regard to an Athlete’s Fault. This
rule has been referred to in various CAS decisions as “Strict Liability”. An Athlete’s Fault is taken into consideration in determining the
Consequences of this anti-doping rule violation under Article 10. This principle has consistently been upheld by CAS.]
8[Comment to Article 2.1.2: The Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility may, at its discretion, choose to have
the B Sample analyzed even if the Athlete does not request the analysis of the B Sample.]

2.1.4 As an exception to the general rule of Article 2.1, the Prohibited List, International
Standards, or Technical Documents may establish special criteria for reporting or the
evaluation of certain Prohibited Substances.
Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method9
2.2.1 It is the Athletes’ personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their
bodies and that no Prohibited Method is Used. Accordingly, it is not necessary that
intent, Fault, negligence or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated in
order to establish an anti-doping rule violation for Use of a Prohibited Substance or a
Prohibited Method.
2.2.2 The success or failure of the Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or
Prohibited Method is not material. It is sufficient that the Prohibited Substance or
Prohibited Method was Used or Attempted to be Used for an anti-doping rule violation
to be committed.10
Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection by an Athlete
Evading Sample collection; or refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling
justification after notification by a duly authorized Person.11
Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete
Any combination of three missed tests and/or filing failures, as defined in the International Standard
for Results Management, within a twelve-month period by an Athlete in a Registered Testing Pool.
Tampering or Attempted Tampering with any part of Doping Control by an Athlete or Other Person
Possession of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method by an Athlete or Athlete Support Person
2.6.1 Possession by an Athlete In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited

Method, or Possession by an Athlete Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance
or any Prohibited Method which is prohibited Out-of-Competition unless the Athlete
9 [Comment to Article 2.2: It has always been the case that Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method may
be established by any reliable means. As noted in the Comment to Article 3.2, unlike the proof required to establish an anti-doping rule
violation under Article 2.1, Use or Attempted Use may also be established by other reliable means such as admissions by the Athlete,
witness statements, documentary evidence, conclusions drawn from longitudinal profiling, including data collected as part of the
Athlete Biological Passport, or other analytical information which does not otherwise satisfy all the requirements to establish
“Presence” of a Prohibited Substance under Article 2.1.
For example, Use may be established based upon reliable analytical data from the analysis of an A Sample (without confirmation from
an analysis of a B Sample) or from the analysis of a B Sample alone where the Anti-Doping Organization provides a satisfactory
explanation for the lack of confirmation in the other Sample.]
10[Comment to Article 2.2.2: Demonstrating the “Attempted Use” of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method requires proof of
intent on the Athlete’s part. The fact that intent may be required to prove this particular anti-doping rule violation does not
undermine the Strict Liability principle established for violations of Article 2.1 and violations of Article 2.2 in respect of Use of a
Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.
An Athlete’s Use of a Prohibited Substance constitutes an anti-doping rule violation unless such substance is not prohibited Out-of-
Competition and the Athlete’s Use takes place Out-of-Competition. (However, the presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites
or Markers in a Sample collected In-Competition is a violation of Article 2.1 regardless of when that substance might have been
administered.)]
11[Comment to Article 2.3: For example, it would be an anti-doping rule violation of “evading Sample collection” if it were established
that an Athlete was deliberately avoiding a Doping Control official to evade notification or Testing. A violation of “failing to submit to
Sample collection” may be based on either intentional or negligent conduct of the Athlete, while “evading” or “refusing” Sample
collection contemplates intentional conduct by the Athlete.]

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establishes that the Possession is consistent with a Therapeutic Use Exemption

(“TUE”) granted in accordance with Article 4.4 or other acceptable justification.12
2.6.2 Possession by an Athlete Support Person In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance

or any Prohibited Method, or Possession by an Athlete Support Person Out-of-
Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method which is prohibited
Out-of-Competition in connection with an Athlete, Competition or training, unless
the Athlete Support Person establishes that the Possession is consistent with a TUE
granted to an Athlete in accordance with Article 4.4 or other acceptable
justification.13
Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking in any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method by an Athlete

or Other Person
Administration or Attempted Administration by an Athlete or Other Person to any Athlete In-

Competition of any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, or Administration or Attempted
Administration to any Athlete Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited
Method that is Prohibited Out-of-Competition
Complicity or Attempted Complicity by an Athlete or Other Person
Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up or any other type of intentional
complicity or Attempted complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation, Attempted anti-doping
rule violation or violation of Article 10.14.1 by another Person.14
Prohibited Association by an Athlete or Other Person
2.10.1 Association by an Athlete or other Person subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping

Organization in a professional or sport-related capacity with any Athlete Support
Person who:
If subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, is serving a

period of Ineligibility; or
If not subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, and

where Ineligibility has not been addressed in a Results Management
process pursuant to the Code, has been convicted or found in a criminal,
disciplinary or professional proceeding to have engaged in conduct
which would have constituted a violation of anti-doping rules if Code-
compliant rules had been applicable to such Person. The disqualifying
status of such Person shall be in force for the longer of six years from
the criminal, professional or disciplinary decision or the duration of the
criminal, disciplinary or professional sanction imposed; or
Is serving as a front or intermediary for an individual described in Article

2.10.1.1 or 2.10.1.2.
12[Comment to Articles 2.6.1 and 2.6.2: Acceptable justification would not include, for example, buying or Possessing a Prohibited
Substance for purposes of giving it to a friend or relative, except under justifiable medical circumstances where that Person had a
physician’s prescription, e.g., buying Insulin for a diabetic child.]
13[Comment to Articles 2.6.1 and 2.6.2: Acceptable justification may include, for example, (a) an Athlete or a team doctor carrying
Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods for dealing with acute and emergency situations (e.g., an epinephrine auto-injector), or (b)
an Athlete Possessing a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for therapeutic reasons shortly prior to applying for and receiving a
determination on a TUE.]
14 [Comment to Article 2.9: Complicity or Attempted Complicity may include either physical or psychological assistance.]

2.10.2 To establish a violation of Article 2.10, an Anti-Doping Organization must establish
that the Athlete or other Person knew of the Athlete Support Person’s disqualifying
status.
The burden shall be on the Athlete or other Person to establish that any association with
an Athlete Support Person described in Article 2.10.1.1 or 2.10.1.2 is not in a professional
or sport-related capacity and/or that such association could not have been reasonably
avoided.
Anti-Doping Organizations that are aware of Athlete Support Personnel who meet the
criteria described in Article 2.10.1.1, 2.10.1.2, or 2.10.1.3 shall submit that information
to WADA.15
Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities
Where such conduct does not otherwise constitute a violation of Article 2.5:
2.11.1 Any act which threatens or seeks to intimidate another Person with the intent of
discouraging the Person from the good-faith reporting of information that relates to
an alleged anti-doping rule violation or alleged non-compliance with the Code to
WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization, law enforcement, regulatory or professional
disciplinary body, hearing body or Person conducting an investigation for WADA or an
Anti-Doping Organization.
2.11.2 Retaliation against a Person who, in good faith, has provided evidence or information
that relates to an alleged anti-doping rule violation or alleged non-compliance with
the Code to WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization, law enforcement, regulatory or
professional disciplinary body, hearing body or Person conducting an investigation for
WADA or an Anti-Doping Organization. 16
For purposes of Article 2.11, retaliation, threatening and intimidation include an act
taken against such Person either because the act lacks a good faith basis or is a
disproportionate response.17
ARTICLE 3 PROOF OF DOPING

Burdens and Standards of Proof
The Anti-Doping Organization shall have the burden of establishing that an anti-doping rule violation
has occurred. The standard of proof shall be whether the Anti-Doping Organization has established
an anti-doping rule violation to the comfortable satisfaction of the hearing panel, bearing in mind the
15[Comment to Article 2.10: Athletes and other Persons must not work with coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support
Personnel who are Ineligible on account of an anti-doping rule violation or who have been criminally convicted or professionally
disciplined in relation to doping. This also prohibits association with any other Athlete who is acting as a coach or Athlete Support
Person while serving a period of Ineligibility. Some examples of the types of association which are prohibited include: obtaining
training, strategy, technique, nutrition or medical advice; obtaining therapy, treatment or prescriptions; providing any bodily products
for analysis; or allowing the Athlete Support Person to serve as an agent or representative. Prohibited association need not involve any
form of compensation.
While Article 2.10 does not require the Anti-Doping Organization to notify the Athlete or other Person about the Athlete Support
Person’s disqualifying status, such notice, if provided, would be important evidence to establish that the Athlete or other Person knew
about the disqualifying status of the Athlete Support Person.]
16
[Comment to Article 2.11.2: This article is intended to protect Persons who make good faith reports, and does not protect Persons
who knowingly make false reports.]
17[Comment to Article 2.11.2: Retaliation would include, for example, actions that threaten the physical or mental well-being or
economic interests of the reporting Persons, their families or associates. Retaliation would not include an Anti-Doping Organization
asserting in good faith an anti-doping rule violation against the reporting Person. For purposes of Article 2.11, a report is not made in
good faith where the Person making the report knows the report to be false.]

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seriousness of the allegation which is made. This standard of proof in all cases is greater than a mere
balance of probability but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. 18 Where the Code places the
burden of proof upon the Athlete or other Person alleged to have committed an anti-doping rule
violation to rebut a presumption or establish specified facts or circumstances, except as provided in
Articles 3.2.2 and 3.2.3, the standard of proof shall be by a balance of probability.
Methods of Establishing Facts and Presumptions
Facts related to anti-doping rule violations may be established by any reliable means, including
admissions.19 The following rules of proof shall be applicable in doping cases:
3.2.1 Analytical methods or Decision Limits approved by WADA after consultation within the
relevant scientific community or which have been the subject of peer review are
presumed to be scientifically valid. Any Athlete or other Person seeking to challenge
whether the conditions for such presumption have been met or to rebut this
presumption of scientific validity shall, as a condition precedent to any such
challenge, first notify WADA of the challenge and the basis of the challenge. The
initial hearing body, appellate body or CAS, on its own initiative, may also inform
WADA of any such challenge. Within 10 days of WADA’s receipt of such notice and the
case file related to such challenge, WADA shall also have the right to intervene as a
party, appear as amicus curiae or otherwise provide evidence in such proceeding. In
cases before CAS, at WADA’s request, the CAS panel shall appoint an appropriate
scientific expert to assist the panel in its evaluation of the challenge. 20
3.2.2 WADA-accredited laboratories, and other laboratories approved by WADA, are

presumed to have conducted Sample analysis and custodial procedures in accordance
with the International Standard for Laboratories. The Athlete or other Person may
rebut this presumption by establishing that a departure from the International
Standard for Laboratories occurred which could reasonably have caused the Adverse
Analytical Finding.
If the Athlete or other Person rebuts the preceding presumption by showing that a
departure from the International Standard for Laboratories occurred which could
reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding, then the Anti-Doping
Organization shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the
Adverse Analytical Finding.21
18
[Comment to Article 3.1: This standard of proof required to be met by the Anti-Doping Organization is comparable to the standard
which is applied in most countries to cases involving professional misconduct.]
19[Comment to Article 3.2: For example, an Anti-Doping Organization may establish an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.2 based
on the Athlete’s admissions, the credible testimony of third Persons, reliable documentary evidence, reliable analytical data from
either an A or B Sample as provided in the Comments to Article 2.2, or conclusions drawn from the profile of a series of the Athlete’s
blood or urine Samples, such as data from the Athlete Biological Passport.]
20[Comment to Article 3.2.1: For certain Prohibited Substances, WADA may instruct WADA-accredited laboratories not to report Samples
as an Adverse Analytical Finding if the estimated concentration of the Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers is below a
Minimum Reporting Level. WADA’s decision in determining that Minimum Reporting Level or in determining which Prohibited Substances
should be subject to Minimum Reporting Levels shall not be subject to challenge. Further, the laboratory’s estimated concentration of
such Prohibited Substance in a Sample may only be an estimate. In no event shall the possibility that the exact concentration of the
Prohibited Substance in the Sample may be below the Minimum Reporting Level constitute a defense to an anti-doping rule violation
based on the presence of that Prohibited Substance in the Sample.]
21[Comment to Article 3.2.2: The burden is on the Athlete or other Person to establish, by a balance of probability, a departure from
the International Standard for Laboratories that could reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding. Thus, once the Athlete or
other Person establishes the departure by a balance of probability, the Athlete or other Person’s burden on causation is the somewhat
lower standard of proof—“could reasonably have caused.” If the Athlete or other Person satisfies these standards, the burden shifts to
the Anti-Doping Organization to prove to the comfortable satisfaction of the hearing panel that the departure did not cause the Adverse
Analytical Finding.]

3.2.3 Departures from any other International Standard or other anti-doping rule or policy
set forth in the Code or in an Anti-Doping Organization’s rules shall not invalidate
analytical results or other evidence of an anti-doping rule violation, and shall not
constitute a defense to an anti-doping rule violation;22 provided, however, if the
Athlete or other Person establishes that a departure from one of the specific
International Standard provisions listed below could reasonably have caused an anti-
doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding or whereabouts failure,
then the Anti-Doping Organization shall have the burden to establish that such
departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding or whereabouts failure:
(i) a departure from the International Standard for Testing and Investigations
related to Sample collection or Sample handling which could reasonably have
caused an anti-doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding, in
which case the Anti-Doping Organization shall have the burden to establish that
such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding;
(ii) a departure from the International Standard for Results Management or

International Standard for Testing and Investigations related to Adverse Passport
Finding which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation, in
which case the Anti-Doping Organization shall have the burden to establish that
such departure did not cause the anti-doping rule violation;
(iii) a departure from the International Standard for Results Management related
to the requirement to provide notice to the Athlete of the B Sample opening
which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation based on an
Adverse Analytical Finding, in which case the Anti-Doping Organization shall
have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse
Analytical Finding;23
(iv) a departure from the International Standard for Results Management related
to Athlete notification which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule
violation based on a whereabouts failure, in which case the Anti-Doping
Organization shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause
the whereabouts failure.
3.2.4 The facts established by a decision of a court or professional disciplinary tribunal of

competent jurisdiction which is not the subject of a pending appeal shall be
irrebuttable evidence against the Athlete or other Person to whom the decision
pertained of those facts unless the Athlete or other Person establishes that the
decision violated principles of natural justice.
3.2.5 The hearing panel in a hearing on an anti-doping rule violation may draw an inference
adverse to the Athlete or other Person who is asserted to have committed an anti-
doping rule violation based on the Athlete’s or other Person’s refusal, after a request
made in a reasonable time in advance of the hearing, to appear at the hearing (either
in person or telephonically as directed by the hearing panel) and to answer questions
22
[Comment to Article 3.2.3: Departures from an International Standard or other rule unrelated to Sample collection or handling,
Adverse Passport Finding, or Athlete notification relating to whereabouts failure or B Sample opening – e.g., the International Standards
for Education, Data Privacy or TUEs – may result in compliance proceedings by WADA but are not a defense in an anti-doping rule
violation proceeding and are not relevant on the issue of whether the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation. Similarly, an
Anti-Doping Organization’s violation of the document referenced in Article 20.7.7 shall not constitute a defense to an anti-doping rule
violation.]
23[Comment to Article 3.2.3 (iii): An Anti-Doping Organization would meet its burden to establish that such departure did not cause the
Adverse Analytical Finding by showing that, for example, the B Sample opening and analysis were observed by an independent witness
and no irregularities were observed.]

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from the hearing panel or the Anti-Doping Organization asserting the anti-doping rule
violation.
ARTICLE 4 THE PROHIBITED LIST

Publication and Revision of the Prohibited List
WADA shall, as often as necessary and no less often than annually, publish the Prohibited List as an
International Standard. The proposed content of the Prohibited List and all revisions shall be provided
in writing promptly to all Signatories and governments for comment and consultation. Each annual
version of the Prohibited List and all revisions shall be distributed promptly by WADA to each
Signatory, WADA-accredited or approved laboratory, and government, and shall be published on
WADA’s website, and each Signatory shall take appropriate steps to distribute the Prohibited List to
its members and constituents. The rules of each Anti-Doping Organization shall specify that, unless
provided otherwise in the Prohibited List or a revision, the Prohibited List and revisions shall go into
effect under the Anti-Doping Organization’s rules three months after publication of the Prohibited
List by WADA without requiring any further action by the Anti-Doping Organization.24
Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods Identified on the Prohibited List
4.2.1 Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods
The Prohibited List shall identify those Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods
which are prohibited as doping at all times (both In-Competition and Out-of-Competition)
because of their potential to enhance performance in future Competitions or their
masking potential, and those substances and methods which are prohibited In-
Competition only. The Prohibited List may be expanded by WADA for a particular sport.
Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods may be included in the Prohibited List by
general category (e.g., anabolic agents) or by specific reference to a particular substance
or method.25
4.2.2 Specified Substances or Specified Methods
For purposes of the application of Article 10, all Prohibited Substances shall be Specified
Substances except as identified on the Prohibited List. No Prohibited Method shall be a
Specified Method unless it is specifically identified as a Specified Method on the
Prohibited List. 26
4.2.3 Substances of Abuse
For purposes of applying Article 10, Substances of Abuse shall include those Prohibited
Substances which are specifically identified as Substances of Abuse on the Prohibited List
because they are frequently abused in society outside of the context of sport.
24[Comment to Article 4.1: The Prohibited List will be revised and published on an expedited basis whenever the need arises. However,
for the sake of predictability, a new Prohibited List will be published every year whether or not changes have been made. WADA will
always have the most current Prohibited List published on its website. The Prohibited List is an integral part of the International
Convention against Doping in Sport. WADA will inform the Director-General of UNESCO of any change to the Prohibited List.]
25[Comment to Article 4.2.1: Out-of-Competition Use of a substance which is only prohibited In-Competition is not an anti-doping rule
violation unless an Adverse Analytical Finding for the substance or its Metabolites or Markers is reported for a Sample collected In-
Competition.]
26 [Comment to Article 4.2.2: The Specified Substances and Methods identified in Article 4.2.2 should not in any way be considered less
important or less dangerous than other doping substances or methods. Rather, they are simply substances and methods which are more
likely to have been consumed or used by an Athlete for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance.]

4.2.4 New Classes of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods
In the event WADA expands the Prohibited List by adding a new class of Prohibited
Substances or Prohibited Methods in accordance with Article 4.1, WADA’s Executive
Committee shall determine whether any or all Prohibited Substances or Prohibited
Methods within the new class shall be considered Specified Substances or Specified
Methods under Article 4.2.2 or Substances of Abuse under Article 4.2.3.
Criteria for Including Substances and Methods on the Prohibited List
WADA shall consider the following criteria in deciding whether to include a substance or method on
the Prohibited List:
4.3.1 A substance or method shall be considered for inclusion on the Prohibited List if
WADA, in its sole discretion, determines that the substance or method meets any two
of the following three criteria:
Medical or other scientific evidence, pharmacological effect or

experience that the substance or method, alone or in combination with
other substances or methods, has the potential to enhance or enhances
sport performance;27
Medical or other scientific evidence, pharmacological effect or

experience that the Use of the substance or method represents an actual
or potential health risk to the Athlete;
WADA’s determination that the Use of the substance or method violates

the spirit of sport described in the introduction to the Code.
4.3.2 A substance or method shall also be included on the Prohibited List if WADA
determines there is medical or other scientific evidence, pharmacological effect or
experience that the substance or method has the potential to mask the Use of other
Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods.28
4.3.3 WADA’s determination of the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods that will
be included on the Prohibited List, the classification of substances into categories on
the Prohibited List, the classification of a substance as prohibited at all times or In-
Competition only, the classification of a substance or method as a Specified
Substance, Specified Method or Substance of Abuse is final and shall not be subject
to any challenge by an Athlete or other Person including, but not limited to, any
challenge based on an argument that the substance or method was not a masking
agent or did not have the potential to enhance performance, represent a health risk
or violate the spirit of sport.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (“TUEs”)
4.4.1 The presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers, and/or the Use
or Attempted Use, Possession or Administration or Attempted Administration of a
Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method shall not be considered an anti-doping rule
27 [Comment to Article 4.3.1.1: This Article anticipates that there may be substances that, when used alone, are not prohibited but
which will be prohibited if used in combination with certain other substances. A substance which is added to the Prohibited List because
it has the potential to enhance performance only in combination with another substance shall be so noted and shall be prohibited only if
there is evidence relating to both substances in combination.]
28[Comment to Article 4.3.2: As part of the process each year, all Signatories, governments and other interested Persons are invited to
provide comments to WADA on the content of the Prohibited List.]

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violation if it is consistent with the provisions of a TUE granted in accordance with the
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
4.4.2 Athletes who are not International-Level Athletes shall apply to their National Anti-
Doping Organization for a TUE. If the National Anti-Doping Organization denies the
application, the Athlete may appeal exclusively to the national-level appeal body
described in Article 13.2.2.
4.4.3 Athletes who are International-Level Athletes shall apply to their International
Federation.29
Where the Athlete already has a TUE granted by their National Anti-
Doping Organization for the substance or method in question, if that
TUE meets the criteria set out in the International Standard for
Therapeutic Use Exemptions, then the International Federation must
recognize it. If the International Federation considers that the TUE does
not meet those criteria and so refuses to recognize it, it must notify the
Athlete and the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization promptly,
with reasons. The Athlete or the National Anti-Doping Organization
shall have 21 days from such notification to refer the matter to WADA
for review. If the matter is referred to WADA for review, the TUE
granted by the National Anti-Doping Organization remains valid for
national-level Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing (but is not
valid for international-level Competition) pending WADA’s decision. If
the matter is not referred to WADA for review within the 21-day
deadline, the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization must
determine whether the original TUE granted by that National Anti-
Doping Organization should nevertheless remain valid for national-level
Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing (provided that the Athlete
ceases to be an International-Level Athlete and does not participate in
international-level Competition). Pending the National Anti-Doping
Organization’s decision, the TUE remains valid for national-level
Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing (but is not valid for
international-level Competition).
If the Athlete does not already have a TUE granted by their National
Anti-Doping Organization for the substance or method in question, the
Athlete must apply directly to the Athlete’s International Federation for
a TUE as soon as the need arises. If the International Federation (or the
National Anti-Doping Organization, where it has agreed to consider the
application on behalf of the International Federation) denies the
Athlete’s application, it must notify the Athlete promptly, with reasons.
If the International Federation grants the Athlete’s application, it must
notify not only the Athlete but also the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping
Organization, and if the National Anti-Doping Organization considers
that the TUE does not meet the criteria set out in the International
Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, it has 21 days from such
notification to refer the matter to WADA for review. If the National
Anti-Doping Organization refers the matter to WADA for review, the TUE
granted by the International Federation remains valid for international-
29[Comment to Article 4.4.3: If the International Federation refuses to recognize a TUE granted by a National Anti-Doping Organization
only because medical records or other information are missing that are needed to demonstrate satisfaction with the criteria in the
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, the matter should not be referred to WADA. Instead, the file should be
completed and re-submitted to the International Federation.
If an International Federation chooses to test an Athlete who is not an International-Level Athlete, it must recognize a TUE granted by
that Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization.]

level Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing (but is not valid for
national-level Competition) pending WADA’s decision. If the National
Anti-Doping Organization does not refer the matter to WADA for review,
the TUE granted by the International Federation becomes valid for
national-level Competition as well when the 21-day review deadline
expires.
4.4.4 A Major Event Organization may require Athletes to apply to it for a TUE if they wish
to Use a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method in connection with the Event.
In that case:
The Major Event Organization must ensure a process is available for an

Athlete to apply for a TUE if he or she does not already have one. If the
TUE is granted, it is effective for its Event only.
Where the Athlete already has a TUE granted by the Athlete’s National
Anti-Doping Organization or International Federation, if that TUE meets
the criteria set out in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use
Exemptions, the Major Event Organization must recognize it. If the
Major Event Organization decides the TUE does not meet those criteria
and so refuses to recognize it, it must notify the Athlete promptly,
explaining its reasons.
A decision by a Major Event Organization not to recognize or not to grant

a TUE may be appealed by the Athlete exclusively to an independent
body established or appointed by the Major Event Organization for that
purpose. If the Athlete does not appeal (or the appeal is unsuccessful),
the Athlete may not Use the substance or method in question in
connection with the Event, but any TUE granted by the Athlete’s
National Anti-Doping Organization or International Federation for that
substance or method remains valid outside of that Event.30
4.4.5 If an Anti-Doping Organization chooses to collect a Sample from an Athlete who is not
an International-Level Athlete or National-Level Athlete, and that Athlete is Using a
Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for therapeutic reasons, the Anti-Doping
Organization must permit the Athlete to apply for a retroactive TUE.
4.4.6 WADA must review an International Federation’s decision not to recognize a TUE
granted by the National Anti-Doping Organization that is referred to it by the Athlete
or the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization. In addition, WADA must review
an International Federation’s decision to grant a TUE that is referred to it by the
Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization. WADA may review any other TUE
decisions at any time, whether upon request by those affected or on its own initiative.
If the TUE decision being reviewed meets the criteria set out in the International
Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, WADA will not interfere with it. If the TUE
decision does not meet those criteria, WADA will reverse it.31
4.4.7 Any TUE decision by an International Federation (or by a National Anti-Doping

Organization where it has agreed to consider the application on behalf of an
International Federation) that is not reviewed by WADA, or that is reviewed by WADA
30[Comment to Article 4.4.4.3: For example, the CAS Ad Hoc Division or a similar body may act as the independent appeal body for
particular Events, or WADA may agree to perform that function. If neither CAS nor WADA are performing that function, WADA retains
the right (but not the obligation) to review the TUE decisions made in connection with the Event at any time, in accordance with
Article 4.4.6.]
31[Comment to Article 4.4.6: WADA shall be entitled to charge a fee to cover the costs of: (a) any review it is required to conduct in
accordance with Article 4.4.6; and (b) any review it chooses to conduct, where the decision being reviewed is reversed.]

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but is not reversed upon review, may be appealed by the Athlete and/or the Athlete’s
National Anti-Doping Organization, exclusively to CAS.32
4.4.8 A decision by WADA to reverse a TUE decision may be appealed by the Athlete, the
National Anti-Doping Organization and/or the International Federation affected,
exclusively to CAS.
4.4.9 A failure to render a decision within a reasonable time on a properly submitted

application for grant/recognition of a TUE or for review of a TUE decision shall be
considered a denial of the application thus triggering the applicable rights of
review/appeal.
Monitoring Program
WADA, in consultation with Signatories and governments, shall establish a monitoring program
regarding substances which are not on the Prohibited List, but which WADA wishes to monitor in order
to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport. In addition, WADA may include in the monitoring
program substances that are on the Prohibited List, but which are to be monitored under certain
circumstances—e.g., Out-of-Competition Use of some substances prohibited In-Competition only or
the combined Use of multiple substances at low doses (“stacking”)—in order to establish prevalence
of Use or to be able to implement adequate decisions in regards to their analysis by laboratories or
their status within the Prohibited List.
WADA shall publish the substances that will be monitored.33 Laboratories will report the instances of
reported Use or detected presence of these substances to WADA. WADA shall make available to
International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations, on at least an annual basis,
aggregate information by sport regarding the monitored substances. Such monitoring program reports
shall not contain additional details that could link the monitoring results to specific Samples. WADA
shall implement measures to ensure that strict anonymity of individual Athletes is maintained with
respect to such reports. The reported Use or detected presence of a monitored substance shall not
constitute an anti-doping rule violation.
ARTICLE 5 TESTING AND INVESTIGATIONS

Purpose of Testing and Investigations
Testing and investigations may be undertaken for any anti-doping purpose. 34
5.1.1 Testing shall be undertaken to obtain analytical evidence as to whether the Athlete
has violated Article 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or
Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) or Article 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete
of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method) of the Code.
32
[Comment to Article 4.4.7: In such cases, the decision being appealed is the International Federation’s TUE decision, not WADA’s
decision not to review the TUE decision or (having reviewed it) not to reverse the TUE decision. However, the time to appeal the TUE
decision does not begin to run until the date that WADA communicates its decision. In any event, whether the decision has been
reviewed by WADA or not, WADA shall be given notice of the appeal so that it may participate if it sees fit.]
33[Comment to Article 4.5: In order to improve the efficiency of the monitoring program, once a new substance is added to the
published monitoring program, laboratories may re-process data and Samples previously analyzed in order to determine the absence or
presence of any new substance.]
34[Comment to Article 5.1: Where Testing is conducted for anti-doping purposes, the analytical results and data may be used for other
legitimate purposes under the Anti-Doping Organization’s rules. See, e.g., Comment to Article 23.2.2.]

Authority to Test
Any Athlete may be required to provide a Sample at any time and at any place by any Anti-Doping
Organization with Testing authority over him or her.35 Subject to the limitations for Event Testing
set out in Article 5.3:
5.2.1 Each National Anti-Doping Organization shall have In-Competition and Out-of-
Competition Testing authority over all Athletes who are nationals, residents, license-
holders or members of sport organizations of that country or who are present in that
National Anti-Doping Organization’s country.
5.2.2 Each International Federation shall have In-Competition and Out-of-Competition

Testing authority over all Athletes who are subject to its rules, including those who
participate in International Events or who participate in Events governed by the rules
of that International Federation, or who are members or license-holders of that
International Federation or its member National Federations, or their members.
5.2.3 Each Major Event Organization, including the International Olympic Committee and
the International Paralympic Committee, shall have In-Competition Testing authority
for its Events and Out-of-Competition Testing authority over all Athletes entered in
one of its future Events or who have otherwise been made subject to the Testing
authority of the Major Event Organization for a future Event.
5.2.4 WADA shall have In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing authority as set out
in Article 20.7.10.
5.2.5 Anti-Doping Organizations may test any Athlete over whom they have Testing
authority who has not retired, including Athletes serving a period of Ineligibility.
5.2.6 If an International Federation or Major Event Organization delegates or contracts any

part of Testing to a National Anti-Doping Organization directly or through a National
Federation, that National Anti-Doping Organization may collect additional Samples or
direct the laboratory to perform additional types of analysis at the National Anti-
Doping Organization’s expense. If additional Samples are collected or additional
types of analysis are performed, the International Federation or Major Event
Organization shall be notified.
Event Testing
5.3.1 Except as otherwise provided below, only a single organization shall have authority to
conduct Testing at Event Venues during an Event Period. At International Events, the
international organization which is the ruling body for the Event (e.g., the
International Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games, the International Federation
for a World Championship, and the Pan-American Sports Organization for the Pan
American Games) shall have authority to conduct Testing. At National Events, the
National Anti-Doping Organization of that country shall have authority to conduct
Testing. At the request of the ruling body for an Event, any Testing during the Event
Period outside of the Event Venues shall be coordinated with that ruling body. 36
35[Comment to Article 5.2: Additional authority to conduct Testing may be conferred by means of bilateral or multilateral agreements
among Signatories. Unless the Athlete has identified a 60-minute Testing window during the following-described time period, or
otherwise consented to Testing during that period, before Testing an Athlete between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., an Anti-
Doping Organization should have serious and specific suspicion that the Athlete may be engaged in doping. A challenge to whether an
Anti-Doping Organization had sufficient suspicion for Testing during this time period shall not be a defense to an anti-doping rule
violation based on such test or attempted test.]
36[Comment to Article 5.3.1: Some ruling bodies for International Events may be doing their own Testing outside of the Event Venues
during the Event Period and thus want to coordinate that Testing with National Anti-Doping Organization Testing.]

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5.3.2 If an Anti-Doping Organization, which would otherwise have Testing authority but is
not responsible for initiating and directing Testing at an Event, desires to conduct
Testing of Athletes at the Event Venues during the Event Period, the Anti-Doping
Organization shall first confer with the ruling body of the Event to obtain permission
to conduct and coordinate such Testing. If the Anti-Doping Organization is not
satisfied with the response from the ruling body of the Event, the Anti-Doping
Organization may, in accordance with procedures described in the International
Standard for Testing and Investigations, ask WADA for permission to conduct Testing
and to determine how to coordinate such Testing. WADA shall not grant approval for
such Testing before consulting with and informing the ruling body for the Event.
WADA’s decision shall be final and not subject to appeal. Unless otherwise provided
in the authorization to conduct Testing, such tests shall be considered Out-of-
Competition tests. Results Management for any such test shall be the responsibility
of the Anti-Doping Organization initiating the test unless provided otherwise in the
rules of the ruling body of the Event.37
Testing Requirements
5.4.1 Anti-Doping Organizations shall conduct test distribution planning and Testing as
required by the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
5.4.2 Where reasonably feasible, Testing shall be coordinated through ADAMS in order to
maximize the effectiveness of the combined Testing effort and to avoid unnecessary
repetitive Testing.
Athlete Whereabouts Information
Athletes who have been included in a Registered Testing Pool by their International Federation and/or
National Anti-Doping Organization shall provide whereabouts information in the manner specified in
the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and shall be subject to Consequences for
Article 2.4 violations as provided in Article 10.3.2. The International Federations and National Anti-
Doping Organizations shall coordinate the identification of such Athletes and the collection of their
whereabouts information. Each International Federation and National Anti-Doping Organization shall
make available through ADAMS a list which identifies those Athletes included in its Registered Testing
Pool by name. Athletes shall be notified before they are included in a Registered Testing Pool and
when they are removed from that pool. The whereabouts information they provide while in the
Registered Testing Pool will be accessible through ADAMS to WADA and to other Anti-Doping
Organizations having authority to test the Athlete as provided in Article 5.2. Whereabouts
information shall be maintained in strict confidence at all times; shall be used exclusively for purposes
of planning, coordinating or conducting Doping Control, providing information relevant to the Athlete
Biological Passport or other analytical results, to support an investigation into a potential anti-doping
rule violation, or to support proceedings alleging an anti-doping rule violation; and shall be destroyed
after it is no longer relevant for these purposes in accordance with the International Standard for the
Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.
Anti-Doping Organizations may, in accordance with the International Standard for Testing and
Investigations, collect whereabouts information from Athletes who are not included within a
Registered Testing Pool and impose appropriate and proportionate non-Code Article 2.4 consequences
under their own rules.
37 [Comment to Article 5.3.2: Before giving approval to a National Anti-Doping Organization to initiate and conduct Testing at an
International Event, WADA shall consult with the international organization which is the ruling body for the Event. Before giving
approval to an International Federation to initiate and conduct Testing at a National Event, WADA shall consult with the National Anti-
Doping Organization of the country where the Event takes place. The Anti-Doping Organization “initiating and directing Testing” may, if
it chooses, enter into agreements with a Delegated Third Party to which it delegates responsibility for Sample collection or other
aspects of the Doping Control process.]

Retired Athletes Returning to Competition
5.6.1 If an International- or National-Level Athlete in a Registered Testing Pool retires and

then wishes to return to active participation in sport, the Athlete shall not compete
in International Events or National Events until the Athlete has made himself or
herself available for Testing, by giving six months prior written notice to their
International Federation and National Anti-Doping Organization. WADA, in
consultation with the relevant International Federation and National Anti-Doping
Organization, may grant an exemption to the six-month written notice rule where the
strict application of that rule would be unfair to an Athlete. This decision may be
appealed under Article 13.38
Any competitive results obtained in violation of Article 5.6.1 shall be

Disqualified unless the Athlete can establish that he or she could not
have reasonably known that this was an International Event or a
National Event.
5.6.2 If an Athlete retires from sport while subject to a period of Ineligibility, the Athlete
must notify the Anti-Doping Organization that imposed the period of Ineligibility in
writing of such retirement. If the Athlete then wishes to return to active competition
in sport, the Athlete shall not compete in International Events or National Events until
the Athlete has made himself or herself available for Testing by giving six months
prior written notice (or notice equivalent to the period of Ineligibility remaining as of
the date the Athlete retired, if that period was longer than six months) to the
Athlete’s International Federation and National Anti-Doping Organization.
Investigations and Intelligence Gathering
Anti-Doping Organizations shall have the capability to conduct, and shall conduct, investigations and
gather intelligence as required by the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
ARTICLE 6 ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

Samples shall be analyzed in accordance with the following principles:
Use of Accredited, Approved Laboratories and Other Laboratories
For purposes of directly establishing an Adverse Analytical Finding under Article 2.1, Samples shall be
analyzed only in WADA-accredited laboratories or laboratories otherwise approved by WADA. The
choice of the WADA-accredited or WADA-approved laboratory used for the Sample analysis shall be
determined exclusively by the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for Results Management.39
6.1.1 As provided in Article 3.2, facts related to anti-doping rule violations may be
established by any reliable means. This would include, for example, reliable
laboratory or other forensic testing conducted outside of WADA-accredited or
approved laboratories.
38 [Comment to Article 5.6.1: Guidance for determining whether an exemption is warranted will be provided by WADA.]
39[Comment to Article 6.1: For cost and geographic access reasons, WADA may approve laboratories which are not WADA-accredited to
perform particular analyses, for example, analysis of blood which should be delivered from the collection site to the laboratory within a
set deadline. Before approving any such laboratory, WADA will ensure it meets the high analytical and custodial standards required by
WADA. Violations of Article 2.1 may be established only by Sample analysis performed by a WADA-accredited laboratory or another
laboratory approved by WADA. Violations of other Articles may be established using analytical results from other laboratories so long as
the results are reliable.]

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Purpose of Analysis of Samples and Data
Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information shall be analyzed to detect
Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods identified on the Prohibited List and other substances
as may be directed by WADA pursuant to Article 4.5, or to assist an Anti-Doping Organization in
profiling relevant parameters in an Athlete’s urine, blood or other matrix, including for DNA or
genomic profiling, or for any other legitimate anti-doping purpose.40
Research on Samples and Data
Samples, related analytical data and Doping Control information may be used for anti-doping research
purposes, although no Sample may be used for research without the Athlete’s written consent.
Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information used for research purposes shall
first be processed in such a manner as to prevent Samples and related analytical data or Doping
Control information being traced back to a particular Athlete.41 Any research involving Samples and
related analytical data or Doping Control information shall adhere to the principles set out in Article
19.
Standards for Sample Analysis and Reporting42
Laboratories shall analyze Samples and report results in conformity with the International Standard
for Laboratories.
6.4.1 Laboratories at their own initiative and expense may analyze Samples for Prohibited
Substances or Prohibited Methods not included on the standard Sample analysis menu,
or as requested by the Anti-Doping Organization that initiated and directed Sample
collection. Results from any such analysis shall be reported to that Anti-Doping
Organization and have the same validity and Consequences as any other analytical
result.
Further Analysis of a Sample Prior to or During Results Management or Hearing Process
There shall be no limitation on the authority of a laboratory to conduct repeat or additional analysis
on a Sample prior to the time an Anti-Doping Organization notifies an Athlete that the Sample is the
basis for an Article 2.1 anti-doping rule violation charge. If after such notification the Anti-Doping
Organization wishes to conduct additional analysis on that Sample, it may do so with the consent of
the Athlete or approval from a hearing body.
Further Analysis of a Sample After it has been Reported as Negative or has Otherwise not Resulted in
an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Charge
After a laboratory has reported a Sample as negative, or the Sample has not otherwise resulted in an
anti-doping rule violation charge, it may be stored and subjected to further analyses for the purpose
of Article 6.2 at any time exclusively at the direction of either the Anti-Doping Organization that
initiated and directed Sample collection or WADA. Any other Anti-Doping Organization with authority
40[Comment to Article 6.2: For example, relevant Doping Control-related information could be used to direct Target Testing or to
support an anti-doping rule violation proceeding under Article 2.2, or both. See also Comments to Articles 5.1 and 23.2.2.]
41
[Comment to Article 6.3: As is the case in most medical or scientific contexts, use of Samples and related information for quality
assurance, quality improvement, method improvement and development or to establish reference populations is not considered
research. Samples and related information used for such permitted non-research purposes must also first be processed in such a manner
as to prevent them from being traced back to the particular Athlete, having due regard to the principles set out in Article 19, as well as
the requirements of the International Standard for Laboratories and International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal
Information.]
42[Comment to Article 6.4: The objective of this Article is to extend the principle of “Intelligent Testing” to the Sample analysis menu
so as to most effectively and efficiently detect doping. It is recognized that the resources available to fight doping are limited and that
increasing the Sample analysis menu may, in some sports and countries, reduce the number of Samples which can be analyzed.]

to test the Athlete that wishes to conduct further analysis on a stored Sample may do so with the
permission of the Anti-Doping Organization that initiated and directed Sample collection or WADA,
and shall be responsible for any follow-up Results Management. Any Sample storage or further analysis
initiated by WADA or another Anti-Doping Organization shall be at WADA’s or that organization's
expense. Further analysis of Samples shall conform with the requirements of the International
Standard for Laboratories.
Split of A or B Sample
Where WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management authority and/or a WADA-
accredited laboratory (with approval from WADA or the Anti-Doping Organization with Results
Management authority) wishes to split an A or B Sample for the purpose of using the first part of the
split Sample for an A Sample analysis and the second part of the split Sample for confirmation, then
the procedures set forth in the International Standard for Laboratories shall be followed.
WADA’s Right to Take Possession of Samples and Data
WADA may, in its sole discretion at any time, with or without prior notice, take physical possession of
any Sample and related analytical data or information in the possession of a laboratory or Anti-Doping
Organization. Upon request by WADA, the laboratory or Anti-Doping Organization in possession of
the Sample shall immediately grant access to and enable WADA to take physical possession of the
Sample.43 If WADA has not provided prior notice to the laboratory or Anti-Doping Organization before
taking possession of a Sample, it shall provide such notice to the laboratory and to each Anti-Doping
Organization whose Samples have been taken by WADA within a reasonable time after taking
possession. After analysis and any investigation of a seized Sample, WADA may direct another Anti-
Doping Organization with authority to test the Athlete to assume Results Management responsibility
for the Sample if a potential anti-doping rule violation is discovered.44
ARTICLE 7 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RESPONSIBILITY, INITIAL REVIEW, NOTICE

AND PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS45
Results Management under the Code (as set forth in Articles 7, 8 and 13) establishes a process designed to
resolve anti-doping rule violation matters in a fair, expeditious and efficient manner. Each Anti-Doping
Organization conducting Results Management shall establish a process for the pre-hearing administration of
potential anti-doping rule violations that respects the principles set forth in this Article. While each Anti-
Doping Organization is permitted to adopt and implement its own Results Management process, Results
Management for every Anti-Doping Organization shall at a minimum meet the requirements set forth in the
International Standard for Results Management.
43[Comment to Article 6.8: Resistance or refusal to WADA taking physical possession of Samples could constitute Tampering, Complicity
or an act of non-compliance as provided in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories, and could also constitute a
violation of the International Standard for Laboratories. Where necessary, the laboratory and/or the Anti-Doping Organization shall
assist WADA in ensuring that the seized Sample and related data are not delayed in exiting the applicable country.]
44[Comment to Article 6.8: WADA would not, of course, unilaterally take possession of Samples or analytical data without good cause
related to a potential anti-doping rule violation, non-compliance by a Signatory or doping activities by another Person. However, the
decision as to whether good cause exists is for WADA to make in its discretion and shall not be subject to challenge. In particular,
whether there is good cause or not shall not be a defense against an anti-doping rule violation or its Consequences.]
45
[Comment to Article 7: Various Signatories have created their own approaches to Results Management. While the various approaches
have not been entirely uniform, many have proven to be fair and effective systems for Results Management. The Code does not
supplant each of the Signatories’ Results Management systems. This Article and the International Standard for Results Management do,
however, specify basic principles in order to ensure the fundamental fairness of the Results Management process which must be
observed by each Signatory. The specific anti-doping rules of each Signatory shall be consistent with these basic principles. Not all anti-
doping proceedings which have been initiated by an Anti-Doping Organization need to go to hearing. There may be cases where the
Athlete or other Person agrees to the sanction which is either mandated by the Code or which the Anti-Doping Organization considers
appropriate where flexibility in sanctioning is permitted. In all cases, a sanction imposed on the basis of such an agreement will be
reported to parties with a right to appeal under Article 13.2.3 as provided in Article 14.2.2 and published as provided in Article 14.3.2.]

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Responsibility for Conducting Results Management
Except as otherwise provided in Articles 6.6, 6.8 and 7.1.3 through 7.1.5 below, Results Management
shall be the responsibility of, and shall be governed by, the procedural rules of the Anti-Doping
Organization that initiated and directed Sample collection (or, if no Sample collection is involved,
the Anti-Doping Organization which first provides notice to an Athlete or other Person of a potential
anti-doping rule violation and then diligently pursues that anti-doping rule violation). Regardless of
which organization conducts Results Management, it shall respect the Results Management principles
set forth in this Article, Article 8, Article 13 and the International Standard for Results Management,
and each Anti-Doping Organization’s rules shall incorporate and implement the rules identified in
Article 23.2.2 without substantive change.
7.1.1 If a dispute arises between Anti-Doping Organizations over which Anti-Doping

Organization has Results Management responsibility, WADA shall decide which
organization has such responsibility. WADA’s decision may be appealed to CAS within
seven days of notification of the WADA decision by any of the Anti-Doping
Organizations involved in the dispute. The appeal shall be dealt with by CAS in an
expedited manner and shall be heard before a single arbitrator. Any Anti-Doping
Organization seeking to conduct Results Management outside of the authority
provided in this Article 7.1 may seek approval to do so from WADA.
7.1.2 Where a National Anti-Doping Organization elects to collect additional Samples

pursuant to Article 5.2.6, then it shall be considered the Anti-Doping Organization
that initiated and directed Sample collection. However, where the National Anti-
Doping Organization only directs the laboratory to perform additional types of analysis
at the National Anti-Doping Organization’s expense, then the International Federation
or Major Event Organization shall be considered the Anti-Doping Organization that
initiated and directed Sample collection.
7.1.3 In circumstances where the rules of a National Anti-Doping Organization do not give
the National Anti-Doping Organization authority over an Athlete or other Person who
is not a national, resident, license holder, or member of a sport organization of that
country, or the National Anti-Doping Organization declines to exercise such authority,
Results Management shall be conducted by the applicable International Federation or
by a third party with authority over the Athlete or other Person as directed by the
rules of the International Federation. For Results Management and the conduct of
hearings for a test or a further analysis conducted by WADA on its own initiative, or
an anti-doping rule violation discovered by WADA, WADA shall designate an Anti-
Doping Organization with authority over the Athlete or other Person.46
7.1.4 For Results Management relating to a Sample initiated and taken during an Event
conducted by a Major Event Organization, or an anti-doping rule violation occurring
during such Event, the Major Event Organization for that Event shall assume Results
Management responsibility to at least the limited extent of conducting a hearing to
determine whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed and, if so, the
applicable Disqualifications under Articles 9 and 10.1, any forfeiture of any medals,
points, or prizes from that Event, and any recovery of costs applicable to the anti-
doping rule violation. In the event the Major Event Organization assumes only limited
Results Management responsibility, the case shall be referred by the Major Event
Organization to the applicable International Federation for completion of Results
Management.
46[Comment to Article 7.1.3: The Athlete’s or other Person’s International Federation has been made the Anti-Doping Organization of
last resort for Results Management to avoid the possibility that no Anti-Doping Organization would have authority to conduct Results
Management. An International Federation is free to provide in its own anti-doping rules that the Athlete’s or other Person’s National
Anti-Doping Organization shall conduct Results Management.]

7.1.5 WADA may direct an Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management authority to
conduct Results Management in a particular case. If that Anti-Doping Organization
refuses to conduct Results Management within a reasonable deadline set by WADA,
such refusal shall be considered an act of non-compliance, and WADA may direct
another Anti-Doping Organization with authority over the Athlete or other Person,
that is willing to do so, to take Results Management responsibility in place of the
refusing Anti-Doping Organization or, if there is no such Anti-Doping Organization,
any other Anti-Doping Organization that is willing to do so. In such case, the refusing
Anti-Doping Organization shall reimburse the costs and attorney's fees of conducting
Results Management to the other Anti-Doping Organization designated by WADA, and
a failure to reimburse costs and attorney's fees shall be considered an act of non-
compliance.47
7.1.6 Results Management in relation to a potential whereabouts failure (a filing failure or

a missed test) shall be administered by the International Federation or the National
Anti-Doping Organization with whom the Athlete in question files whereabouts
information, as provided in the International Standard for Results Management. The
Anti-Doping Organization that determines a filing failure or a missed test shall submit
that information to WADA through ADAMS, where it will be made available to other
relevant Anti-Doping Organizations.
Review and Notification Regarding Potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations
Review and notification with respect to a potential anti-doping rule violation shall be carried out in
accordance with the International Standard for Results Management.
Identification of Prior Anti-Doping Rule Violations
Before giving an Athlete or other Person notice of a potential anti-doping rule violation as provided
above, the Anti-Doping Organization shall refer to ADAMS and contact WADA and other relevant Anti-
Doping Organizations to determine whether any prior anti-doping rule violation exists.
Principles Applicable to Provisional Suspensions48
7.4.1 Mandatory Provisional Suspension after an Adverse Analytical Finding or Adverse

Passport Finding
The Signatories described below in this paragraph shall adopt rules providing that when
an Adverse Analytical Finding or Adverse Passport Finding (upon completion of the
Adverse Passport Finding review process) is received for a Prohibited Substance or a
Prohibited Method, other than a Specified Substance or Specified Method, a Provisional
Suspension shall be imposed promptly upon or after the review and notification required
by Article 7.2: where the Signatory is the ruling body of an Event (for application to that
Event); where the Signatory is responsible for team selection (for application to that
47[Comment to Article 7.1.5: Where WADA directs another Anti-Doping Organization to conduct Results Management or other Doping
Control activities, this is not considered a “delegation” of such activities by WADA.]
48
[Comment to Article 7.4: Before a Provisional Suspension can be unilaterally imposed by an Anti-Doping Organization, the internal
review specified in the Code must first be completed. In addition, the Signatory imposing a Provisional Suspension shall ensure that the
Athlete is given an opportunity for a Provisional Hearing either before or promptly after the imposition of the Provisional Suspension, or
an expedited final hearing under Article 8 promptly after imposition of the Provisional Suspension. The Athlete has a right to appeal
under Article 13.2.3.
In the rare circumstance where the B Sample analysis does not confirm the A Sample finding, the Athlete who had been Provisionally
Suspended will be allowed, where circumstances permit, to participate in subsequent Competitions during the Event.
Similarly, depending upon the relevant rules of the International Federation in a Team Sport, if the team is still in Competition, the
Athlete may be able to take part in future Competitions.
Athletes and other Persons shall receive credit for a Provisional Suspension against any period of Ineligibility which is ultimately
imposed or accepted as provided in Article 10.13.2.]

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team selection); where the Signatory is the applicable International Federation; or where
the Signatory is another Anti-Doping Organization which has Results Management
authority over the alleged anti-doping rule violation. A mandatory Provisional Suspension
may be eliminated if: (i) the Athlete demonstrates to the hearing panel that the violation
is likely to have involved a Contaminated Product, or (ii) the violation involves a
Substance of Abuse and the Athlete establishes entitlement to a reduced period of
Ineligibility under Article 10.2.4.1. A hearing body’s decision not to eliminate a
mandatory Provisional Suspension on account of the Athlete’s assertion regarding a
Contaminated Product shall not be appealable.
7.4.2 Optional Provisional Suspension Based on an Adverse Analytical Finding for Specified
Substances, Specified Methods, Contaminated Products, or Other Anti-Doping Rule
Violations
A Signatory may adopt rules, applicable to any Event for which the Signatory is the ruling
body or to any team selection process for which the Signatory is responsible or where the
Signatory is the applicable International Federation or has Results Management authority
over the alleged anti-doping rule violation, permitting Provisional Suspensions to be
imposed for anti-doping rule violations not covered by Article 7.4.1 prior to analysis of
the Athlete’s B Sample or final hearing as described in Article 8.
7.4.3 Opportunity for Hearing or Appeal
Notwithstanding Articles 7.4.1 and 7.4.2, a Provisional Suspension may not be imposed
unless the rules of the Anti-Doping Organization provide the Athlete or other Person
with: (a) an opportunity for a Provisional Hearing, either before imposition of the
Provisional Suspension or on a timely basis after imposition of the Provisional Suspension;
or (b) an opportunity for an expedited hearing in accordance with Article 8 on a timely
basis after imposition of a Provisional Suspension. The rules of the Anti-Doping
Organization shall also provide an opportunity for an expedited appeal against the
imposition of a Provisional Suspension, or the decision not to impose a Provisional
Suspension, in accordance with Article 13.
7.4.4 Voluntary Acceptance of Provisional Suspension
Athletes on their own initiative may voluntarily accept a Provisional Suspension if

done so prior to the later of: (i) the expiration of 10 days from the report of the B
Sample (or waiver of the B Sample) or 10 days from the notice of any other anti-doping
rule violation, or (ii) the date on which the Athlete first competes after such report
or notice. Other Persons on their own initiative may voluntarily accept a Provisional
Suspension if done so within 10 days from the notice of the anti-doping rule violation.
Upon such voluntary acceptance, the Provisional Suspension shall have the full effect
and be treated in the same manner as if the Provisional Suspension had been imposed
under Article 7.4.1 or 7.4.2; provided, however, at any time after voluntarily
accepting a Provisional Suspension, the Athlete or other Person may withdraw such
acceptance, in which event the Athlete or other Person shall not receive any credit
for time previously served during the Provisional Suspension.
7.4.5 If a Provisional Suspension is imposed based on an A Sample Adverse Analytical Finding

and a subsequent B Sample analysis (if requested by the Athlete or Anti-Doping
Organization) does not confirm the A Sample analysis, then the Athlete shall not be
subject to any further Provisional Suspension on account of a violation of Article 2.1.
In circumstances where the Athlete (or the Athlete’s team as may be provided in the
rules of the applicable Major Event Organization or International Federation) has been
removed from an Event based on a violation of Article 2.1 and the subsequent B
Sample analysis does not confirm the A Sample finding, if, without otherwise affecting

the Event, it is still possible for the Athlete or team to be reinserted, the Athlete or
team may continue to take part in the Event.
Results Management Decisions
7.5.1 Results Management decisions or adjudications by Anti-Doping Organizations, must

not purport to be limited to a particular geographic area or sport and shall address
and determine without limitation the following issues: (i) whether an anti-doping rule
violation was committed or a Provisional Suspension should be imposed, the factual
basis for such determination, and the specific Code Articles violated, and (ii) all
Consequences flowing from the anti-doping rule violation(s), including applicable
Disqualifications under Articles 9 and 10.10, any forfeiture of medals or prizes, any
period of Ineligibility (and the date it begins to run) and any Financial Consequences,
except that Major Event Organizations shall not be required to determine Ineligibility
or Financial Consequences beyond the scope of their Event .49
7.5.2 A Results Management decision or adjudication by a Major Event Organization in

connection with one of its Events may be limited in its scope but shall address and
determine, at a minimum, the following issues: (i) whether an anti-doping rule
violation was committed, the factual basis for such determination, and the specific
Code Articles violated, and (ii) applicable Disqualifications under Articles 9 and 10.1,
with any resulting forfeiture of medals, points and prizes. In the event a Major Event
Organization accepts only limited responsibility for Results Management decisions, it
must comply with Article 7.1.4.50
Notification of Results Management Decisions
Athletes, other Persons, Signatories and WADA shall be notified of Results Management Decisions as
provided in Article 14.2 and the International Standard for Results Management.
Retirement from Sport51
If an Athlete or other Person retires while a Results Management process is underway, the Anti-Doping
Organization conducting the Results Management process retains authority to complete its Results
Management process. If an Athlete or other Person retires before any Results Management process
has begun, the Anti-Doping Organization which would have had Results Management authority over
the Athlete or other Person at the time the Athlete or other Person committed an anti-doping rule
violation, has authority to conduct Results Management.
49 [Comment to Article 7.5.1: Results Management decisions include Provisional Suspensions.]

50[Comment to Article 7.5.2: With the exception of Results Management decisions by Major Event Organizations, each decision by an
Anti-Doping Organization should address whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed and all Consequences flowing from the
violation, including any Disqualifications other than Disqualification under Article 10.1 (which is left to the ruling body for an Event).
Pursuant to Article 15, such decision and its imposition of Consequences shall have automatic effect in every sport in every country. For
example, for a determination that an Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding for a
Sample taken In-Competition, the Athlete’s results obtained in the Competition would be Disqualified under Article 9 and all other
competitive results obtained by the Athlete from the date the Sample was collected through the duration of the period of Ineligibility
are also Disqualified under Article 10.10; if the Adverse Analytical Finding resulted from Testing at an Event, it would be the Major
Event Organization’s responsibility to decide whether the Athlete’s other individual results in the Event prior to Sample collection are
also Disqualified under Article 10.1.]
51[Comment to Article 7.7: Conduct by an Athlete or other Person before the Athlete or other Person was subject to the authority of
any Anti-Doping Organization would not constitute an anti-doping rule violation but could be a legitimate basis for denying the Athlete
or other Person membership in a sports organization.]

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ARTICLE 8 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING AND NOTICE OF

HEARING DECISION
Fair Hearings
For any Person who is asserted to have committed an anti-doping rule violation, the Anti-Doping
Organization with responsibility for Results Management shall provide, at a minimum, a fair hearing
within a reasonable time by a fair, impartial and Operationally Independent hearing panel in
compliance with the WADA International Standard for Results Management. A timely reasoned
decision specifically including an explanation of the reason(s) for any period of Ineligibility and
Disqualification of results under Article 10.10 shall be Publicly Disclosed as provided in Article 14.3.52
Event Hearings
Hearings held in connection with Events may be conducted by an expedited process as permitted by
the rules of the relevant Anti-Doping Organization and the hearing panel.53
Waiver of Hearing
The right to a hearing may be waived either expressly or by the Athlete’s or other Person’s failure to
challenge an Anti-Doping Organization’s assertion that an anti-doping rule violation has occurred
within the specific time period provided in the Anti-Doping Organization’s rules.
Notice of Decisions
The reasoned hearing decision, or in cases where the hearing has been waived, a reasoned decision
explaining the action taken, shall be provided by the Anti-Doping Organization with Results
Management responsibility to the Athlete and to other Anti-Doping Organizations with a right to
appeal under Article 13.2.3 as provided in Article 14.2.1 and in accordance with Article 14.5.3.
Single Hearing Before CAS
Anti-doping rule violations asserted against International-Level Athletes, National-Level Athletes or

other Persons may, with the consent of the Athlete or other Person, the Anti-Doping Organization
with Results Management responsibility, and WADA, be heard in a single hearing directly at CAS.54
52[Comment to Article 8.1: This Article requires that at some point in the Results Management process, the Athlete or other Person
shall be provided the opportunity for a timely, fair and impartial hearing. These principles are also found in Article 6.1 of the
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and are principles generally accepted in international law.
This Article is not intended to supplant each Anti-Doping Organization’s own rules for hearings but rather to ensure that each Anti-
Doping Organization provides a hearing process consistent with these principles.]
53[Comment to Article 8.2: For example, a hearing could be expedited on the eve of a major Event where the resolution of the anti-
doping rule violation is necessary to determine the Athlete’s eligibility to participate in the Event or during an Event where the
resolution of the case will affect the validity of the Athlete’s results or continued participation in the Event.]
54[Comment to Article 8.5: In some cases, the combined cost of holding a hearing in the first instance at the international or national
level, then rehearing the case de novo before CAS can be very substantial. Where all of the parties identified in this Article are
satisfied that their interests will be adequately protected in a single hearing, there is no need for the Athlete or Anti-Doping
Organizations to incur the extra expense of two hearings. An Anti-Doping Organization that wants to participate in the CAS hearing as a
party or as an observer may condition its approval of a single hearing on being granted that right.]

ARTICLE 9 AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
An anti-doping rule violation in Individual Sports in connection with an In-Competition test automatically leads
to Disqualification of the result obtained in that Competition with all resulting Consequences, including
forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.55
ARTICLE 10 SANCTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS56

Disqualification of Results in the Event during which an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Occurs
An anti-doping rule violation occurring during or in connection with an Event may, upon the decision
of the ruling body of the Event, lead to Disqualification of all of the Athlete’s individual results
obtained in that Event with all Consequences, including forfeiture of all medals, points and prizes,
except as provided in Article 10.1.1.57
Factors to be included in considering whether to Disqualify other results in an Event might include,
for example, the seriousness of the Athlete’s anti-doping rule violation and whether the Athlete
tested negative in the other Competitions.
10.1.1 If the Athlete establishes that he or she bears No Fault or Negligence for the violation,
the Athlete’s individual results in the other Competitions shall not be Disqualified,
unless the Athlete’s results in Competitions other than the Competition in which the
anti-doping rule violation occurred were likely to have been affected by the Athlete’s
anti-doping rule violation.
Ineligibility for Presence, Use or Attempted Use or Possession of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited
Method
The period of Ineligibility for a violation of Article 2.1, 2.2 or 2.6 shall be as follows, subject to
potential reduction or suspension pursuant to Article 10.5, 10.6 or 10.7:
10.2.1 The period of Ineligibility, subject to Article 10.2.4, shall be four years where:
The anti-doping rule violation does not involve a Specified Substance,

unless the Athlete or other Person can establish that the anti-doping
rule violation was not intentional.58
55[Comment to Article 9: For Team Sports, any awards received by individual players will be Disqualified. However, Disqualification of
the team will be as provided in Article 11. In sports which are not Team Sports but where awards are given to teams, Disqualification or
other disciplinary action against the team when one or more team members have committed an anti-doping rule violation shall be as
provided in the applicable rules of the International Federation.]
56[Comment to Article 10: Harmonization of sanctions has been one of the most discussed and debated areas of anti-doping.
Harmonization means that the same rules and criteria are applied to assess the unique facts of each case. Arguments against requiring
harmonization of sanctions are based on differences between sports including, for example, the following: in some sports the Athletes
are professionals making a sizable income from the sport and in others the Athletes are true amateurs; in those sports where an
Athlete’s career is short, a standard period of Ineligibility has a much more significant effect on the Athlete than in sports where
careers are traditionally much longer. A primary argument in favor of harmonization is that it is simply not right that two Athletes
from the same country who test positive for the same Prohibited Substance under similar circumstances should receive different
sanctions only because they participate in different sports. In addition, too much flexibility in sanctioning has often been viewed as an
unacceptable opportunity for some sporting organizations to be more lenient with dopers. The lack of harmonization of sanctions has
also frequently been the source of conflicts between International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations.]
57[Comment to Article 10.1: Whereas Article 9 Disqualifies the result in a single Competition in which the Athlete tested positive (e.g.,
the 100 meter backstroke), this Article may lead to Disqualification of all results in all races during the Event (e.g., the swimming World
Championships).]
58[Comment to Article 10.2.1.1: While it is theoretically possible for an Athlete or other Person to establish that the anti-doping rule
violation was not intentional without showing how the Prohibited Substance entered one’s system, it is highly unlikely that in a doping

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The anti-doping rule violation involves a Specified Substance and the

Anti-Doping Organization can establish that the anti-doping rule
violation was intentional.
10.2.2 If Article 10.2.1 does not apply, subject to Article 10.2.4.1, the period of Ineligibility
shall be two years.
10.2.3 As used in Article 10.2, the term “intentional” is meant to identify those Athletes or
other Persons who engage in conduct which they knew constituted an anti-doping rule
violation or knew that there was a significant risk that the conduct might constitute
or result in an anti-doping rule violation and manifestly disregarded that risk. 59 An
anti-doping rule violation resulting from an Adverse Analytical Finding for a substance
which is only prohibited In-Competition shall be rebuttably presumed to be not
“intentional” if the substance is a Specified Substance and the Athlete can establish
that the Prohibited Substance was Used Out-of-Competition. An anti-doping rule
violation resulting from an Adverse Analytical Finding for a substance which is only
prohibited In-Competition shall not be considered “intentional” if the substance is not
a Specified Substance and the Athlete can establish that the Prohibited Substance
was Used Out-of-Competition in a context unrelated to sport performance.
10.2.4 Notwithstanding any other provision in Article 10.2, where the anti-doping rule
violation involves a Substance of Abuse:
If the Athlete can establish that any ingestion or Use occurred Out-of-
Competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period
of Ineligibility shall be three months Ineligibility.
In addition, the period of Ineligibility calculated under this Article

10.2.4.1 may be reduced to one month if the Athlete or other Person
satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program
approved by the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management
responsibility.60 The period of Ineligibility established in this Article
10.2.4.1 is not subject to any reduction based on any provision in Article
10.6.
If the ingestion, Use or Possession occurred In-Competition, and the

Athlete can establish that the context of the ingestion, Use or Possession
was unrelated to sport performance, then the ingestion, Use or
Possession shall not be considered intentional for purposes of Article
10.2.1 and shall not provide a basis for a finding of Aggravating
Circumstances under Article 10.4.
case under Article 2.1 an Athlete will be successful in proving that the Athlete acted unintentionally without establishing the source of
the Prohibited Substance.]
59[Comment to Article 10.2.3: Article 10.2.3 provides a special definition of “intentional” which is to be applied solely for purposes of
Article 10.2.]
60[Comment to Article 10.2.4.1: The determinations as to whether the treatment program is approved and whether the Athlete or other
Person has satisfactorily completed the program shall be made in the sole discretion of the Anti-Doping Organization. This Article is
intended to give Anti-Doping Organizations the leeway to apply their own judgment to identify and approve legitimate and reputable, as
opposed to “sham”, treatment programs. It is anticipated, however, that the characteristics of legitimate treatment programs may
vary widely and change over time such that it would not be practical for WADA to develop mandatory criteria for acceptable treatment
programs.]

Ineligibility for Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations
The period of Ineligibility for anti-doping rule violations other than as provided in Article 10.2 shall
be as follows, unless Article 10.6 or 10.7 are applicable:
10.3.1 For violations of Article 2.3 or 2.5, the period of Ineligibility shall be four years
except: (i) in the case of failing to submit to Sample collection, if the Athlete can
establish that the commission of the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional,
the period of Ineligibility shall be two years; (ii) in all other cases, if the Athlete or
other Person can establish exceptional circumstances that justify a reduction of the
period of Ineligibility, the period of Ineligibility shall be in a range from two years to
four years depending on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault; or (iii) in a
case involving a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, the period of Ineligibility
shall be in a range between a maximum of two years and, at a minimum, a reprimand
and no period of Ineligibility, depending on the Protected Person or Recreational
Athlete’s degree of Fault.
10.3.2 For violations of Article 2.4, the period of Ineligibility shall be two years, subject to
reduction down to a minimum of one year, depending on the Athlete’s degree of
Fault. The flexibility between two years and one year of Ineligibility in this Article is
not available to Athletes where a pattern of last-minute whereabouts changes or other
conduct raises a serious suspicion that the Athlete was trying to avoid being available
for Testing.
10.3.3 For violations of Article 2.7 or 2.8, the period of Ineligibility shall be a minimum of
four years up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
An Article 2.7 or Article 2.8 violation involving a Protected Person shall be considered
a particularly serious violation and, if committed by Athlete Support Personnel for
violations other than for Specified Substances, shall result in lifetime Ineligibility for
Athlete Support Personnel. In addition, significant violations of Article 2.7 or 2.8
which may also violate non-sporting laws and regulations, shall be reported to the
competent administrative, professional or judicial authorities.61
10.3.4 For violations of Article 2.9, the period of Ineligibility imposed shall be a minimum of
two years, up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
10.3.5 For violations of Article 2.10, the period of Ineligibility shall be two years, subject to
reduction down to a minimum of one year, depending on the Athlete or other Person’s
degree of Fault and other circumstances of the case.62
10.3.6 For violations of Article 2.11, the period of Ineligibility shall be a minimum of two
years, up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the violation by the
Athlete or other Person.63
Aggravating Circumstances which may Increase the Period of Ineligibility
If the Anti-Doping Organization establishes in an individual case involving an anti-doping rule violation
other than violations under Article 2.7 (Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking), 2.8 (Administration or
61
[Comment to Article 10.3.3: Those who are involved in doping Athletes or covering up doping should be subject to sanctions which are
more severe than the Athletes who test positive. Since the authority of sport organizations is generally limited to Ineligibility for
accreditation, membership and other sport benefits, reporting Athlete Support Personnel to competent authorities is an important step
in the deterrence of doping.]
62[Comment to Article 10.3.5: Where the “other Person” referenced in Article 2.10 (Prohibited Association by an Athlete or Other
Person) is an entity and not an individual, that entity may be disciplined as provided in Article 12.]
63[Comment to Article 10.3.6: Conduct that is found to violate both Article 2.5 (Tampering) and Article 2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or
Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities) shall be sanctioned based on the violation that carries the
more severe sanction.]

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Attempted Administration), 2.9 (Complicity) or 2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage
or Retaliate Against Reporting) that Aggravating Circumstances are present which justify the
imposition of a period of Ineligibility greater than the standard sanction, then the period of
Ineligibility otherwise applicable shall be increased by an additional period of Ineligibility of up to
two years depending on the seriousness of the violation and the nature of the Aggravating
Circumstances, unless the Athlete or other Person can establish that he or she did not knowingly
commit the anti-doping rule violation.64
Elimination of the Period of Ineligibility where there is No Fault or Negligence
If an Athlete or other Person establishes in an individual case that he or she bears No Fault or
Negligence, then the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility shall be eliminated.65
Reduction of the Period of Ineligibility based on No Significant Fault or Negligence
10.6.1 Reduction of Sanctions in Particular Circumstances for Violations of Article 2.1, 2.2 or
2.6.
All reductions under Article 10.6.1 are mutually exclusive and not cumulative.
Specified Substances or Specified Methods
Where the anti-doping rule violation involves a Specified Substance

(other than a Substance of Abuse) or Specified Method, and the Athlete
or other Person can establish No Significant Fault or Negligence, then
the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a reprimand and no
period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two years of Ineligibility,
depending on the Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault.
Contaminated Products
In cases where the Athlete or other Person can establish both No

Significant Fault or Negligence and that the detected Prohibited
Substance (other than a Substance of Abuse) came from a Contaminated
Product, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a
reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two years
Ineligibility, depending on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of
Fault.66
64[Comment to Article 10.4: Violations under Articles 2.7 (Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking), 2.8 (Administration or Attempted
Administration), 2.9 (Complicity or Attempted Complicity) and 2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate
Against Reporting) are not included in the application of Article 10.4 because the sanctions for these violations already build in
sufficient discretion up to a lifetime ban to allow consideration of any aggravating circumstance.]
65[Comment to Article 10.5: This Article and Article 10.6.2 apply only to the imposition of sanctions; they are not applicable to the
determination of whether an anti-doping rule violation has occurred. They will only apply in exceptional circumstances, for example,
where an Athlete could prove that, despite all due care, he or she was sabotaged by a competitor. Conversely, No Fault or Negligence
would not apply in the following circumstances: (a) a positive test resulting from a mislabeled or contaminated vitamin or nutritional
supplement (Athletes are responsible for what they ingest (Article 2.1) and have been warned against the possibility of supplement
contamination); (b) the Administration of a Prohibited Substance by the Athlete’s personal physician or trainer without disclosure to the
Athlete (Athletes are responsible for their choice of medical personnel and for advising medical personnel that they cannot be given any
Prohibited Substance); and (c) sabotage of the Athlete’s food or drink by a spouse, coach or other Person within the Athlete’s circle of
associates (Athletes are responsible for what they ingest and for the conduct of those Persons to whom they entrust access to their food
and drink). However, depending on the unique facts of a particular case, any of the referenced illustrations could result in a reduced
sanction under Article 10.6 based on No Significant Fault or Negligence.]
66[Comment to Article 10.6.1.2: In order to receive the benefit of this Article, the Athlete or other Person must establish not only that
the detected Prohibited Substance came from a Contaminated Product, but must also separately establish No Significant Fault or
Negligence. It should be further noted that Athletes are on notice that they take nutritional supplements at their own risk. The
sanction reduction based on No Significant Fault or Negligence has rarely been applied in Contaminated Product cases unless the Athlete

Protected Persons or Recreational Athletes
Where the anti-doping rule violation not involving a Substance of Abuse

is committed by a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, and the
Protected Person or Recreational Athlete can establish No Significant
Fault or Negligence, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a
minimum, a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum,
two years Ineligibility, depending on the Protected Person or
Recreational Athlete’s degree of Fault.
10.6.2 Application of No Significant Fault or Negligence beyond the Application of

Article 10.6.167
If an Athlete or other Person establishes in an individual case where Article 10.6.1 is not
applicable, that he or she bears No Significant Fault or Negligence, then, subject to
further reduction or elimination as provided in Article 10.7, the otherwise applicable
period of Ineligibility may be reduced based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of
Fault, but the reduced period of Ineligibility may not be less than one-half of the period
of Ineligibility otherwise applicable. If the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility is
a lifetime, the reduced period under this Article may be no less than eight years.
Elimination, Reduction, or Suspension of Period of Ineligibility or other Consequences for Reasons

other than Fault
10.7.1 Substantial Assistance in Discovering or Establishing Code Violations68
An Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility for

an anti-doping rule violation may, prior to an appellate decision under
Article 13 or the expiration of the time to appeal, suspend a part of the
Consequences (other than Disqualification and mandatory Public
Disclosure) imposed in an individual case where the Athlete or other
Person has provided Substantial Assistance to an Anti-Doping
Organization, criminal authority or professional disciplinary body which
results in: (i) the Anti-Doping Organization discovering or bringing
forward an anti-doping rule violation by another Person; or (ii) which
results in a criminal or disciplinary body discovering or bringing forward
a criminal offense or the breach of professional rules committed by
another Person and the information provided by the Person providing
Substantial Assistance is made available to the Anti-Doping Organization
with Results Management responsibility; or (iii) which results in WADA
initiating a proceeding against a Signatory, WADA-accredited laboratory
or Athlete passport management unit (as defined in the International
Standard for Testing and Investigations) for non-compliance with the
Code, International Standard or Technical Document; or (iv) with the
has exercised a high level of caution before taking the Contaminated Product. In assessing whether the Athlete can establish the source
of the Prohibited Substance, it would, for example, be significant for purposes of establishing whether the Athlete actually Used the
Contaminated Product, whether the Athlete had declared the product which was subsequently determined to be contaminated on the
Doping Control form.
This Article should not be extended beyond products that have gone through some process of manufacturing. Where an Adverse
Analytical Finding results from environment contamination of a “non-product” such as tap water or lake water in circumstances where
no reasonable person would expect any risk of an anti-doping rule violation, typically there would be No Fault or Negligence under
Article 10.5.]
67[Comment to Article 10.6.2: Article 10.6.2 may be applied to any anti-doping rule violation, except those Articles where intent is an
element of the anti-doping rule violation (e.g., Article 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 2.11) or an element of a particular sanction (e.g., Article
10.2.1) or a range of Ineligibility is already provided in an Article based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault.]
68[Comment to Article 10.7.1: The cooperation of Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other Persons who acknowledge their
mistakes and are willing to bring other anti-doping rule violations to light is important to clean sport.]

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approval by WADA, which results in a criminal or disciplinary body

bringing forward a criminal offense or the breach of professional or sport
rules arising out of a sport integrity violation other than doping. After
an appellate decision under Article 13 or the expiration of time to
appeal, an Anti-Doping Organization may only suspend a part of the
otherwise applicable Consequences with the approval of WADA and the
applicable International Federation.
The extent to which the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility may

be suspended shall be based on the seriousness of the anti-doping rule
violation committed by the Athlete or other Person and the significance
of the Substantial Assistance provided by the Athlete or other Person to
the effort to eliminate doping in sport, non-compliance with the Code
and/or sport integrity violations. No more than three-quarters of the
otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility may be suspended. If the
otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility is a lifetime, the non-
suspended period under this Article must be no less than eight years.
For purposes of this paragraph, the otherwise applicable period of
Ineligibility shall not include any period of Ineligibility that could be
added under Article 10.9.3.2.
If so requested by an Athlete or other Person who seeks to provide

Substantial Assistance, the Anti-Doping Organization with Results
Management responsibility shall allow the Athlete or other Person to
provide the information to the Anti-Doping Organization subject to a
Without Prejudice Agreement.
If the Athlete or other Person fails to continue to cooperate and to

provide the complete and credible Substantial Assistance upon which a
suspension of Consequences was based, the Anti-Doping Organization
that suspended Consequences shall reinstate the original Consequences.
If an Anti-Doping Organization decides to reinstate suspended
Consequences or decides not to reinstate suspended Consequences, that
decision may be appealed by any Person entitled to appeal under Article
13.
To further encourage Athletes and other Persons to provide Substantial

Assistance to Anti-Doping Organizations, at the request of the Anti-
Doping Organization conducting Results Management or at the request
of the Athlete or other Person who has, or has been asserted to have,
committed an anti-doping rule violation, or other violation of the Code,
WADA may agree at any stage of the Results Management process,
including after an appellate decision under Article 13, to what it
considers to be an appropriate suspension of the otherwise-applicable
period of Ineligibility and other Consequences. In exceptional
circumstances, WADA may agree to suspensions of the period of
Ineligibility and other Consequences for Substantial Assistance greater
than those otherwise provided in this Article, or even no period of
Ineligibility, no mandatory Public Disclosure and/or no return of prize
money or payment of fines or costs. WADA’s approval shall be subject
to reinstatement of Consequences, as otherwise provided in this Article.
Notwithstanding Article 13, WADA’s decisions in the context of this
Article 10.7.1.2 may not be appealed.
If an Anti-Doping Organization suspends any part of an otherwise

applicable sanction because of Substantial Assistance, then notice

providing justification for the decision shall be provided to the other
Anti-Doping Organizations with a right to appeal under Article 13.2.3 as
provided in Article 14.2.
In unique circumstances where WADA determines that it would be in the

best interest of anti-doping, WADA may authorize an Anti-Doping
Organization to enter into appropriate confidentiality agreements
limiting or delaying the disclosure of the Substantial Assistance
agreement or the nature of Substantial Assistance being provided.
10.7.2 Admission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation in the Absence of Other Evidence
Where an Athlete or other Person voluntarily admits the commission of an anti-doping

rule violation before having received notice of a Sample collection which could establish
an anti-doping rule violation (or, in the case of an anti-doping rule violation other than
Article 2.1, before receiving first notice of the admitted violation pursuant to Article 7)
and that admission is the only reliable evidence of the violation at the time of admission,
then the period of Ineligibility may be reduced, but not below one-half of the period of
Ineligibility otherwise applicable.69
10.7.3 Application of Multiple Grounds for Reduction of a Sanction
Where an Athlete or other Person establishes entitlement to reduction in sanction under

more than one provision of Article 10.5, 10.6 or 10.7, before applying any reduction or
suspension under Article 10.7, the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility shall be
determined in accordance with Articles 10.2, 10.3, 10.5, and 10.6. If the Athlete or
other Person establishes entitlement to a reduction or suspension of the period of
Ineligibility under Article 10.7, then the period of Ineligibility may be reduced or
suspended, but not below one-fourth of the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility.
Results Management Agreements
10.8.1 One-Year Reduction for Certain Anti-Doping Rule Violations Based on Early Admission
and Acceptance of Sanction
Where an Athlete or other Person, after being notified by an Anti-Doping Organization

of a potential anti-doping rule violation that carries an asserted period of Ineligibility of
four or more years (including any period of Ineligibility asserted under Article 10.4),
admits the violation and accepts the asserted period of Ineligibility no later than 20 days
after receiving notice of an anti-doping rule violation charge, the Athlete or other Person
may receive a one-year reduction in the period of Ineligibility asserted by the Anti-Doping
Organization. Where the Athlete or other Person receives the one-year reduction in the
asserted period of Ineligibility under this Article 10.8.1, no further reduction in the
asserted period of Ineligibility shall be allowed under any other Article. 70
69
[Comment to Article 10.7.2: This Article is intended to apply when an Athlete or other Person comes forward and admits to an anti-
doping rule violation in circumstances where no Anti-Doping Organization is aware that an anti-doping rule violation might have been
committed. It is not intended to apply to circumstances where the admission occurs after the Athlete or other Person believes he or she
is about to be caught. The amount by which Ineligibility is reduced should be based on the likelihood that the Athlete or other Person
would have been caught had he or she not come forward voluntarily.]
70[Comment to Article 10.8.1: For example, if an Anti-Doping Organization alleges that an Athlete has violated Article 2.1 for Use of an
anabolic steroid and asserts the applicable period of Ineligibility is four years, then the Athlete may unilaterally reduce the period of
Ineligibility to three years by admitting the violation and accepting the three-year period of Ineligibility within the time specified in
this Article, with no further reduction allowed. This resolves the case without any need for a hearing.]

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10.8.2 Case Resolution Agreement
Where the Athlete or other Person admits an anti-doping rule violation after being
confronted with the anti-doping rule violation by an Anti-Doping Organization and agrees
to Consequences acceptable to the Anti-Doping Organization and WADA, at their sole
discretion, then: (a) the Athlete or other Person may receive a reduction in the period
of Ineligibility based on an assessment by the Anti-Doping Organization and WADA of the
application of Articles 10.1 through 10.7 to the asserted anti-doping rule violation, the
seriousness of the violation, the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault and how
promptly the Athlete or other Person admitted the violation; and (b) the period of
Ineligibility may start as early as the date of Sample collection or the date on which
another anti-doping rule violation last occurred. In each case, however, where this
Article is applied, the Athlete or other Person shall serve at least one-half of the agreed-
upon period of Ineligibility going forward from the earlier of the date the Athlete or
other Person accepted the imposition of a sanction or a Provisional Suspension which was
subsequently respected by the Athlete or other Person. The decision by WADA and the
Anti-Doping Organization to enter or not enter into a case resolution agreement, and the
amount of the reduction to, and the starting date of the period of Ineligibility, are not
matters for determination or review by a hearing body and are not subject to appeal
under Article 13.
If so requested by an Athlete or other Person who seeks to enter into a case resolution
agreement under this Article, the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management
responsibility shall allow the Athlete or other Person to discuss an admission of the anti-
doping rule violation with the Anti-Doping Organization subject to a Without Prejudice
Agreement.71
Multiple Violations
10.9.1 Second or Third Anti-Doping Rule Violation
For an Athlete or other Person’s second anti-doping rule violation, the

period of Ineligibility shall be the greater of:
(a) A six month period of Ineligibility; or
(b) A period of Ineligibility in the range between:
(i) the sum of the period of Ineligibility imposed for the first anti-
doping rule violation plus the period of Ineligibility otherwise
applicable to the second anti-doping rule violation treated as if it
were a first violation, and
(ii) twice the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable to the

second anti-doping rule violation treated as if it were a first
violation, with the period of Ineligibility within this range to be
determined based on the entirety of the circumstances and the
71[Comment to Article 10.8.2: Any mitigating or aggravating factors set forth in this Article 10 shall be considered in arriving at the
Consequences set forth in the case resolution agreement, and shall not be applicable beyond the terms of that agreement.
In some countries, the imposition of a period of Ineligibility is left entirely to a hearing body. In those countries, the Anti-Doping
Organization may not assert a specific period of Ineligibility for purposes of Article 10.8.1 nor have the power to agree to a specific
period of Ineligibility under Article 10.8.2. In these circumstances, Articles 10.8.1 and 10.8.2 will not be applicable but may be
considered by the hearing body.]

Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault with respect to the second
violation.
A third anti-doping rule violation will always result in a lifetime period

of Ineligibility, except if the third violation fulfills the condition for
elimination or reduction of the period of Ineligibility under Article 10.5
or 10.6, or involves a violation of Article 2.4. In these particular cases,
the period of Ineligibility shall be from eight years to lifetime
Ineligibility.
The period of Ineligibility established in Articles 10.9.1.1 and 10.9.1.2

may then be further reduced by the application of Article 10.7.
10.9.2 An anti-doping rule violation for which an Athlete or other Person has established No
Fault or Negligence shall not be considered a violation for purposes of Article 10.9. In
addition, an anti-doping rule violation sanctioned under Article 10.2.4.1 shall not be
considered a violation for purposes of Article 10.9.
10.9.3 Additional Rules for Certain Potential Multiple Violations
For purposes of imposing sanctions under Article 10.9, except as

provided in Articles 10.9.3.2 and 10.9.3.3, an anti-doping rule violation
will only be considered a second violation if the Anti-Doping
Organization can establish that the Athlete or other Person committed
the additional anti-doping rule violation after the Athlete or other
Person received notice pursuant to Article 7, or after the Anti-Doping
Organization made reasonable efforts to give notice of the first anti-
doping rule violation. If the Anti-Doping Organization cannot establish
this, the violations shall be considered together as one single first
violation, and the sanction imposed shall be based on the violation that
carries the more severe sanction, including the application of
Aggravating Circumstances. Results in all Competitions dating back to
the earlier anti-doping rule violation will be Disqualified as provided in
Article 10.10.72
If the Anti-Doping Organization establishes that an Athlete or other

Person committed an additional anti-doping rule violation prior to
notification, and that the additional violation occurred 12 months or
more before or after the first-noticed violation, then the period of
Ineligibility for the additional violation shall be calculated as if the
additional violation were a stand-alone first violation and this period of
Ineligibility is served consecutively, rather than concurrently, with the
period of Ineligibility imposed for the earlier-noticed violation. Where
this Article 10.9.3.2 applies, the violations taken together shall
constitute a single violation for purposes of Article 10.9.1.
If the Anti-Doping Organization establishes that an Athlete or other

Person committed a violation of Article 2.5 in connection with the
Doping Control process for an underlying asserted anti-doping rule
violation, the violation of Article 2.5 shall be treated as a stand-alone
first violation and the period of Ineligibility for such violation shall be
served consecutively, rather than concurrently, with the period of
Ineligibility, if any, imposed for the underlying anti-doping rule
72[Comment to Article 10.9.3.1: The same rule applies where, after the imposition of a sanction, the Anti-Doping Organization discovers
facts involving an anti-doping rule violation that occurred prior to notification for a first anti-doping rule violation—e.g., the Anti-
Doping Organization shall impose a sanction based on the sanction that could have been imposed if the two violations had been
adjudicated at the same time, including the application of Aggravating Circumstances.]

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violation. Where this Article 10.9.3.3 is applied, the violations taken

together shall constitute a single violation for purposes of Article 10.9.1.
If an Anti-Doping Organization establishes that a Person has committed

a second or third anti-doping rule violation during a period of
Ineligibility, the periods of Ineligibility for the multiple violations shall
run consecutively, rather than concurrently.
10.9.4 Multiple Anti-Doping Rule Violations during Ten-Year Period
For purposes of Article 10.9, each anti-doping rule violation must take place within the
same ten-year period in order to be considered multiple violations.
Disqualification of Results in Competitions Subsequent to Sample Collection or Commission of an Anti-

Doping Rule Violation
In addition to the automatic Disqualification of the results in the Competition which produced the
positive Sample under Article 9, all other competitive results of the Athlete obtained from the date
a positive Sample was collected (whether In-Competition or Out-of-Competition), or other anti-
doping rule violation occurred, through the commencement of any Provisional Suspension or
Ineligibility period, shall, unless fairness requires otherwise, be Disqualified with all of the resulting
Consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.73
Forfeited Prize Money
An Anti-Doping Organization or other Signatory that has recovered prize money forfeited as a result
of an anti-doping rule violation shall take reasonable measures to allocate and distribute this prize
money to the Athletes who would have been entitled to it had the forfeiting Athlete not competed.
An International Federation may provide in its rules whether or not the redistributed prize money
shall be considered for purposes of its ranking of Athletes.74
Financial Consequences
Anti-Doping Organizations may, in their own rules, provide for proportionate recovery of costs or
financial sanctions on account of anti-doping rule violations. However, Anti-Doping Organizations
may only impose financial sanctions in cases where the maximum period of Ineligibility otherwise
applicable has already been imposed. Financial sanctions may only be imposed where the principle
of proportionality is satisfied. No recovery of costs or financial sanction may be considered a basis
for reducing the Ineligibility or other sanction which would otherwise be applicable under the Code.
Commencement of Ineligibility Period
Where an Athlete is already serving a period of Ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation, any new
period of Ineligibility shall commence on the first day after the current period of Ineligibility has
been served. Otherwise, except as provided below, the period of Ineligibility shall start on the date
73[Comment to Article 10.10: Nothing in the Code precludes clean Athletes or other Persons who have been damaged by the actions of a
Person who has committed an anti-doping rule violation from pursuing any right which they would otherwise have to seek damages from
such Person.]
74[Comment to Article 10.11: This Article is not intended to impose an affirmative duty on the Anti-Doping Organization or other
Signatory to take any action to collect forfeited prize money. If the Anti-Doping Organization elects not to take any action to collect
forfeited prize money, it may assign its right to recover such money to the Athlete(s) who should have otherwise received the money.
“Reasonable measures to allocate and distribute this prize money” could include using collected forfeited prize money as agreed upon
by an International Federation and its Athletes.]

of the final hearing decision providing for Ineligibility or, if the hearing is waived or there is no
hearing, on the date Ineligibility is accepted or otherwise imposed.
10.13.1 Delays Not Attributable to the Athlete or other Person
Where there have been substantial delays in the hearing process or other aspects of
Doping Control, and the Athlete or other Person can establish that such delays are not
attributable to the Athlete or other Person, the body imposing the sanction may start the
period of Ineligibility at an earlier date commencing as early as the date of Sample
collection or the date on which another anti-doping rule violation last occurred. All
competitive results achieved during the period of Ineligibility, including retroactive
Ineligibility, shall be Disqualified.75
10.13.2 Credit for Provisional Suspension or Period of Ineligibility Served
If a Provisional Suspension is respected by the Athlete or other Person,

then the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for such period
of Provisional Suspension against any period of Ineligibility which may
ultimately be imposed. If the Athlete or other Person does not respect
a Provisional Suspension, then the Athlete or other Person shall receive
no credit for any period of Provisional Suspension served. If a period of
Ineligibility is served pursuant to a decision that is subsequently
appealed, then the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for
such period of Ineligibility served against any period of Ineligibility
which may ultimately be imposed on appeal.
If an Athlete or other Person voluntarily accepts a Provisional

Suspension in writing from an Anti-Doping Organization with Results
Management authority and thereafter respects the Provisional
Suspension, the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for such
period of voluntary Provisional Suspension against any period of
Ineligibility which may ultimately be imposed. A copy of the Athlete or
other Person’s voluntary acceptance of a Provisional Suspension shall be
provided promptly to each party entitled to receive notice of an asserted
anti-doping rule violation under Article 14.1.76
No credit against a period of Ineligibility shall be given for any time

period before the effective date of the Provisional Suspension or
voluntary Provisional Suspension regardless of whether the Athlete
elected not to compete or was suspended by a team.
In Team Sports, where a period of Ineligibility is imposed upon a team,

unless fairness requires otherwise, the period of Ineligibility shall start
on the date of the final hearing decision providing for Ineligibility or, if
the hearing is waived, on the date Ineligibility is accepted or otherwise
imposed. Any period of team Provisional Suspension (whether imposed
or voluntarily accepted) shall be credited against the total period of
Ineligibility to be served.
75[Comment to Article 10.13.1: In cases of anti-doping rule violations other than under Article 2.1, the time required for an Anti-Doping
Organization to discover and develop facts sufficient to establish an anti-doping rule violation may be lengthy, particularly where the
Athlete or other Person has taken affirmative action to avoid detection. In these circumstances, the flexibility provided in this Article
to start the sanction at an earlier date should not be used.]
76[Comment to Article 10.13.2.2: An Athlete’s voluntary acceptance of a Provisional Suspension is not an admission by the Athlete and
shall not be used in any way to draw an adverse inference against the Athlete.]

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Status during Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension
10.14.1 Prohibition against Participation during Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension
No Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible or is subject to a Provisional
Suspension may, during a period of Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension, participate in
any capacity in a Competition or activity (other than authorized anti-doping Education
or rehabilitation programs) authorized or organized by any Signatory, Signatory’s
member organization, or a club or other member organization of a Signatory’s member
organization, or in Competitions authorized or organized by any professional league or
any international- or national-level Event organization or any elite or national-level
sporting activity funded by a governmental agency. 77
An Athlete or other Person subject to a period of Ineligibility longer than four years may,
after completing four years of the period of Ineligibility, participate as an Athlete in
local sport events not sanctioned or otherwise under the authority of a Code Signatory or
member of a Code Signatory, but only so long as the local sport event is not at a level
that could otherwise qualify such Athlete or other Person directly or indirectly to
compete in (or accumulate points toward) a national championship or International
Event, and does not involve the Athlete or other Person working in any capacity with
Protected Persons.
An Athlete or other Person subject to a period of Ineligibility shall remain subject to

Testing and any requirement by an Anti-Doping Organization to provide whereabouts
information.
10.14.2 Return to Training
As an exception to Article 10.14.1, an Athlete may return to train with a team or to use
the facilities of a club or other member organization of a Signatory’s member
organization during the shorter of: (1) the last two months of the Athlete’s period of
Ineligibility, or (2) the last one-quarter of the period of Ineligibility imposed.78
10.14.3 Violation of the Prohibition of Participation during Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension
Where an Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible violates the
prohibition against participation during Ineligibility described in Article 10.14.1, the
results of such participation shall be Disqualified and a new period of Ineligibility equal
in length to the original period of Ineligibility shall be added to the end of the original
period of Ineligibility. The new period of Ineligibility, including a reprimand and no
period of Ineligibility, may be adjusted based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of
Fault and other circumstances of the case. The determination of whether an Athlete or
77[Comment to Article 10.14.1: For example, subject to Article 10.14.2 below, Ineligible Athletes cannot participate in a training camp,
exhibition or practice organized by their National Federation or a club which is a member of that National Federation or which is funded
by a governmental agency. Further, an Ineligible Athlete may not compete in a non-Signatory professional league (e.g., the National
Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, etc.), Events organized by a non-Signatory International Event organization or a
non-Signatory national-level Event organization without triggering the Consequences set forth in Article 10.14.3. The term “activity”
also includes, for example, administrative activities, such as serving as an official, director, officer, employee, or volunteer of the
organization described in this Article. Ineligibility imposed in one sport shall also be recognized by other sports (see Article 15.1,
Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions). An Athlete or other Person serving a period of Ineligibility is prohibited from coaching or serving
as an Athlete Support Person in any other capacity at any time during the period of Ineligibility, and doing so could also result in a
violation of 2.10 by another Athlete. Any performance standard accomplished during a period of Ineligibility shall not be recognized by
a Signatory or its National Federations for any purpose.]
78[Comment to Article 10.14.2: In many Team Sports and some individual sports (e.g., ski jumping and gymnastics), Athletes cannot
effectively train on their own so as to be ready to compete at the end of the Athlete’s period of Ineligibility. During the training period
described in this Article, an Ineligible Athlete may not compete or engage in any activity described in Article 10.14.1 other than
training.]

other Person has violated the prohibition against participation, and whether an
adjustment is appropriate, shall be made by the Anti-Doping Organization whose Results
Management led to the imposition of the initial period of Ineligibility. This decision may
be appealed under Article 13.
An Athlete or other Person who violates the prohibition against participation during a
Provisional Suspension described in Article 10.14.1 shall receive no credit for any period
of Provisional Suspension served and the results of such participation shall be
Disqualified.
Where an Athlete Support Person or other Person assists a Person in violating the
prohibition against participation during Ineligibility or a Provisional Suspension, an Anti-
Doping Organization with authority over such Athlete Support Person or other Person
shall impose sanctions for a violation of Article 2.9 for such assistance.
10.14.4 Withholding of Financial Support during Ineligibility
In addition, for any anti-doping rule violation not involving a reduced sanction as
described in Article 10.5 or 10.6, some or all sport-related financial support or other
sport-related benefits received by such Person will be withheld by Signatories,
Signatories’ member organizations and governments.
Automatic Publication of Sanction
A mandatory part of each sanction shall include automatic publication, as provided in Article 14.3.
ARTICLE 11 CONSEQUENCES TO TEAMS

Testing of Team Sports
Where more than one member of a team in a Team Sport has been notified of an anti-doping rule
violation under Article 7 in connection with an Event, the ruling body for the Event shall conduct
appropriate Target Testing of the team during the Event Period.
Consequences for Team Sports
If more than two members of a team in a Team Sport are found to have committed an anti-doping
rule violation during an Event Period, the ruling body of the Event shall impose an appropriate sanction
on the team (e.g., loss of points, Disqualification from a Competition or Event, or other sanction) in
addition to any Consequences imposed upon the individual Athletes committing the anti-doping rule
violation.
Event Ruling Body or International Federation may Establish Stricter Consequences for Team Sports
The ruling body for an Event may elect to establish rules for the Event which impose Consequences
for Team Sports stricter than those in Article 11.2 for purposes of the Event.79 Similarly, an
International Federation may elect to establish rules imposing stricter Consequences for Team Sports
within its authority than those in Article 11.2.
79[Comment to Article 11.3: For example, the International Olympic Committee could establish rules which would require
Disqualification of a team from the Olympic Games based on a lesser number of anti-doping rule violations during the period of the
Games.]

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ARTICLE 12 SANCTIONS BY SIGNATORIES AGAINST OTHER SPORTING BODIES

Each Signatory shall adopt rules that obligate each of its member organizations and any other sporting
body over which it has authority to comply with, implement, uphold and enforce the Code within that
organization’s or body’s area of competence. When a Signatory becomes aware that one of its
member organizations or other sporting body over which it has authority has failed to fulfill such
obligation, the Signatory shall take appropriate action against such organization or body. 80 In
particular, a Signatory’s action and rules shall include the possibility of excluding all, or some group
of, members of that organization or body from specified future Events or all Events conducted within
a specified period of time.81
ARTICLE 13 RESULTS MANAGEMENT: APPEALS82

Decisions Subject to Appeal
Decisions made under the Code or under rules adopted pursuant to the Code may be appealed as set
forth below in Articles 13.2 through 13.4 or as otherwise provided in the Code or International
Standards. Such decisions shall remain in effect while under appeal unless the appellate body orders
otherwise.
13.1.1 Scope of Review Not Limited
The scope of review on appeal includes all issues relevant to the matter and is expressly
not limited to the issues or scope of review before the initial decision maker. Any party
to the appeal may submit evidence, legal arguments and claims that were not raised in
the first instance hearing so long as they arise from the same cause of action or same
general facts or circumstances raised or addressed in the first instance hearing. 83
13.1.2 CAS Shall Not Defer to the Findings Being Appealed
In making its decision, CAS shall not give deference to the discretion exercised by the
body whose decision is being appealed.84
13.1.3 WADA Not Required to Exhaust Internal Remedies85
Where WADA has a right to appeal under Article 13 and no other party has appealed a
final decision within the Anti-Doping Organization’s process, WADA may appeal such
80[Comment to Article 12: This Article is not intended to impose an affirmative duty on the Signatory to actively monitor each of its
member organizations for acts of non-compliance, but rather only requires the Signatory to take action when it becomes aware of such
acts.]
81
[Comment to Article 12: This Article makes it clear that the Code does not restrict whatever disciplinary rights between organizations
may otherwise exist. For sanctions against Signatories for non-compliance with the Code, see Article 24.1]
82[Comment to Article 13: The object of the Code is to have anti-doping matters resolved through fair and transparent internal
processes with a final appeal. Anti-doping decisions by Anti-Doping Organizations are made transparent in Article 14. Specified Persons
and organizations, including WADA, are then given the opportunity to appeal those decisions. Note that the definition of interested
Persons and organizations with a right to appeal under Article 13 does not include Athletes, or their federations, who might benefit
from having another competitor Disqualified.]
83[Comment to Article 13.1.1: The revised language is not intended to make a substantive change to the 2015 Code, but rather for
clarification. For example, where an Athlete was charged in the first instance hearing only with Tampering but the same conduct could
also constitute Complicity, an appealing party could pursue both Tampering and Complicity charges against the Athlete in the appeal.]
84[Comment to Article 13.1.2: CAS proceedings are de novo. Prior proceedings do not limit the evidence or carry weight in the hearing
before CAS.]
85[Comment to Article 13.1.3: Where a decision has been rendered before the final stage of an Anti-Doping Organization’s process (for
example, a first hearing) and no party elects to appeal that decision to the next level of the Anti-Doping Organization’s process (e.g.,

decision directly to CAS without having to exhaust other remedies in the Anti-Doping
Organization’s process.
Appeals from Decisions Regarding Anti-Doping Rule Violations, Consequences, Provisional Suspensions,
Implementation of Decisions and Authority
A decision that an anti-doping rule violation was committed, a decision imposing Consequences or not
imposing Consequences for an anti-doping rule violation, or a decision that no anti-doping rule
violation was committed; a decision that an anti-doping rule violation proceeding cannot go forward
for procedural reasons (including, for example, prescription); a decision by WADA not to grant an
exception to the six months notice requirement for a retired Athlete to return to Competition under
Article 5.6.1; a decision by WADA assigning Results Management under Article 7.1; a decision by an
Anti-Doping Organization not to bring forward an Adverse Analytical Finding or an Atypical Finding as
an anti-doping rule violation, or a decision not to go forward with an anti-doping rule violation after
an investigation in accordance with the International Standard for Results Management; a decision to
impose, or lift, a Provisional Suspension as a result of a Provisional Hearing; an Anti-Doping
Organization’s failure to comply with Article 7.4; a decision that an Anti-Doping Organization lacks
authority to rule on an alleged anti-doping rule violation or its Consequences; a decision to suspend,
or not suspend, Consequences or to reinstate, or not reinstate, Consequences under Article 10.7.1;
failure to comply with Articles 7.1.4 and 7.1.5; failure to comply with Article 10.8.1; a decision under
Article 10.14.3; a decision by an Anti-Doping Organization not to implement another Anti-Doping
Organization’s decision under Article 15; and a decision under Article 27.3 may be appealed
exclusively as provided in this Article 13.2.
13.2.1 Appeals Involving International-Level Athletes or International Events
In cases arising from participation in an International Event or in cases involving

International-Level Athletes, the decision may be appealed exclusively to CAS.86
13.2.2 Appeals Involving Other Athletes or Other Persons
In cases where Article 13.2.1 is not applicable, the decision may be appealed to an
appellate body in accordance with rules established by the National Anti-Doping
Organization. The rules for such appeal shall respect the following principles:
• a timely hearing;
• a fair, impartial, and Operationally Independent and Institutionally Independent

hearing panel;
• the right to be represented by counsel at the Person’s own expense; and
• a timely, written, reasoned decision.
If no such body as described above is in place and available at the time of the appeal,
the Athlete or other Person shall have a right to appeal to CAS.
the Managing Board), then WADA may bypass the remaining steps in the Anti-Doping Organization’s internal process and appeal directly
to CAS.]
86[Comment to Article 13.2.1: CAS decisions are final and binding except for any review required by law applicable to the annulment or
enforcement of arbitral awards.]

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13.2.3 Persons Entitled to Appeal
Appeals Involving International-Level Athletes or International Events
In cases under Article 13.2.1, the following parties shall have the right
to appeal to CAS: (a) the Athlete or other Person who is the subject of
the decision being appealed; (b) the other party to the case in which
the decision was rendered; (c) the relevant International Federation; (d)
the National Anti-Doping Organization of the Person’s country of
residence or countries where the Person is a national or license holder;
(e) the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic
Committee, as applicable, where the decision may have an effect in
relation to the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, including decisions
affecting eligibility for the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games; and (f)
WADA.
Appeals Involving Other Athletes or Other Persons
In cases under Article 13.2.2, the parties having the right to appeal to
the national-level appeal body shall be as provided in the National Anti-
Doping Organization’s rules but, at a minimum, shall include the
following parties: (a) the Athlete or other Person who is the subject of
the decision being appealed; (b) the other party to the case in which
the decision was rendered; (c) the relevant International Federation; (d)
the National Anti-Doping Organization of the Person’s country of
residence or countries where the Person is a national or license holder;
(e) the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic
Committee, as applicable, where the decision may have an effect in
relation to the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, including decisions
affecting eligibility for the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, and (f)
WADA. For cases under Article 13.2.2, WADA, the International Olympic
Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and the relevant
International Federation shall also have the right to appeal to CAS with
respect to the decision of the national-level appeal body. Any party
filing an appeal shall be entitled to assistance from CAS to obtain all
relevant information from the Anti-Doping Organization whose decision
is being appealed and the information shall be provided if CAS so directs.
Duty to Notify
All parties to any CAS appeal must ensure that WADA and all other
parties with a right to appeal have been given timely notice of the
appeal.
Appeal Deadline for Parties Other than WADA
The deadline to file an appeal for parties other than WADA shall be as
provided in the rules of the Anti-Doping Organization conducting Results
Management.
Appeal Deadline for WADA
The filing deadline for an appeal filed by WADA shall be the later of:
(a) Twenty-one days after the last day on which any other party having
a right to appeal could have appealed,

or
(b) Twenty-one days after WADA’s receipt of the complete file relating
to the decision.87
Appeal from Imposition of Provisional Suspension
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the only Person who may
appeal from the imposition of a Provisional Suspension is the Athlete or
other Person upon whom the Provisional Suspension is imposed.
13.2.4 Cross Appeals and other Subsequent Appeals Allowed88
Cross appeals and other subsequent appeals by any respondent named in cases brought
to CAS under the Code are specifically permitted. Any party with a right to appeal under
this Article 13 must file a cross appeal or subsequent appeal at the latest with the party’s
answer.
Failure to Render a Timely Decision by an Anti-Doping Organization89
Where, in a particular case, an Anti-Doping Organization fails to render a decision with respect to
whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed within a reasonable deadline set by WADA,
WADA may elect to appeal directly to CAS as if the Anti-Doping Organization had rendered a decision
finding no anti-doping rule violation. If the CAS hearing panel determines that an anti-doping rule
violation was committed and that WADA acted reasonably in electing to appeal directly to CAS, then
WADA’s costs and attorney fees in prosecuting the appeal shall be reimbursed to WADA by the Anti-
Doping Organization.
Appeals Relating to TUEs
TUE decisions may be appealed exclusively as provided in Article 4.4.
Notification of Appeal Decisions
Any Anti-Doping Organization that is a party to an appeal shall promptly provide the appeal decision
to the Athlete or other Person and to the other Anti-Doping Organizations that would have been
entitled to appeal under Article 13.2.3 as provided under Article 14.2.
Appeals from Decisions under Article 24.1
A notice that is not disputed and so becomes a final decision under Article 24.1, finding a Signatory
non-compliant with the Code and imposing consequences for such non-compliance, as well as
87[Comments to Article 13.2.3: Whether governed by CAS rules or Article 13.2.3, a party’s deadline to appeal does not begin running
until receipt of the decision. For that reason, there can be no expiration of a party's right to appeal if the party has not received the
decision.]
88
[Comment to Article 13.2.4: This provision is necessary because since 2011, CAS rules no longer permit an Athlete the right to cross
appeal when an Anti-Doping Organization appeals a decision after the Athlete’s time for appeal has expired. This provision permits a
full hearing for all parties.]
89[Comment to Article 13.3: Given the different circumstances of each anti-doping rule violation investigation, Results Management and
hearing process, it is not feasible to establish a fixed time period for an Anti-Doping Organization to render a decision before WADA may
intervene by appealing directly to CAS. Before taking such action, however, WADA will consult with the Anti-Doping Organization and
give the Anti-Doping Organization an opportunity to explain why it has not yet rendered a decision. Nothing in this Article prohibits an
International Federation from also having rules which authorize it to assume authority for matters in which the Results Management
performed by one of its National Federations has been inappropriately delayed.]

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conditions for Reinstatement of the Signatory, may be appealed to CAS as provided in the
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.
Appeals from Decisions Suspending or Revoking Laboratory Accreditation
Decisions by WADA to suspend or revoke a laboratory’s WADA accreditation may be appealed only by
that laboratory with the appeal being exclusively to CAS.
ARTICLE 14 CONFIDENTIALITY AND REPORTING

The principles of coordination of anti-doping results, public transparency and accountability and respect for
the privacy of all Athletes or other Persons are as follows:
Information Concerning Adverse Analytical Findings, Atypical Findings, and other Asserted Anti-
Doping Rule Violations
14.1.1 Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violations to Athletes and other Persons
The form and manner of notice of an asserted anti-doping rule violation shall be as
provided in the rules of the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management
responsibility.
14.1.2 Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violations to National Anti-Doping Organizations,

International Federations and WADA
The Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility shall also notify
the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization, International Federation and WADA of
the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation simultaneously with the notice to the
Athlete or other Person.
14.1.3 Content of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Notice
Notification shall include: the Athlete’s name, country, sport and discipline within the
sport, the Athlete’s competitive level, whether the test was In-Competition or Out-of-
Competition, the date of Sample collection, the analytical result reported by the
laboratory and other information as required by the International Standard for Testing
and Investigations, or, for anti-doping rule violations other than Article 2.1, the rule
violated and the basis of the asserted violation.
14.1.4 Status Reports
Except with respect to investigations which have not resulted in a notice of an anti-doping
rule violation pursuant to Article 14.1.1, the Anti-Doping Organizations referenced in
Article 14.1.2 shall be regularly updated on the status and findings of any review or
proceedings conducted pursuant to Article 7, 8 or 13 and shall be provided with a prompt
written reasoned explanation or decision explaining the resolution of the matter.
14.1.5 Confidentiality
The recipient organizations shall not disclose this information beyond those Persons with
a need to know (which would include the appropriate personnel at the applicable
National Olympic Committee, National Federation, and team in a Team Sport) until the

Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility has made Public
Disclosure as permitted by Article 14.3.90
Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violation or violations of Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension Decisions

and Request for Files
14.2.1 Anti-doping rule violation decisions or decisions related to violations of Ineligibility or

Provisional Suspension rendered pursuant to Article 7.6, 8.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.14.3
or 13.5 shall include the full reasons for the decision, including, if applicable, a
justification for why the maximum potential sanction was not imposed. Where the
decision is not in English or French, the Anti-Doping Organization shall provide an
English or French summary of the decision and the supporting reasons.
14.2.2 An Anti-Doping Organization having a right to appeal a decision received pursuant to

Article 14.2.1 may, within 15 days of receipt, request a copy of the full case file
pertaining to the decision.
Public Disclosure
14.3.1 After notice has been provided to the Athlete or other Person in accordance the
International Standard for Results Management, and to the applicable Anti-Doping
Organizations in accordance with Article 14.1.2, the identity of any Athlete or other
Person who is notified of a potential anti-doping rule violation, the Prohibited
Substance or Prohibited Method and nature of the violation involved, and whether the
Athlete or other Person is subject to a Provisional Suspension may be Publicly
Disclosed by the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility.
14.3.2 No later than twenty days after it has been determined in an appellate decision under
Article 13.2.1 or 13.2.2, or such appeal has been waived, or a hearing in accordance
with Article 8 has been waived, or the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation has
not otherwise been timely challenged, or the matter has been resolved under Article
10.8, or a new period of Ineligibility, or reprimand, has been imposed under Article
10.14.3, the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for Results Management must
Publicly Disclose the disposition of the anti-doping matter including the sport, the
anti-doping rule violated, the name of the Athlete or other Person committing the
violation, the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method involved (if any) and the
Consequences imposed. The same Anti-Doping Organization must also Publicly
Disclose within twenty days the results of appellate decisions concerning anti-doping
rule violations, including the information described above.91
14.3.3 After an anti-doping rule violation has been determined to have been committed in
an appellate decision under Article 13.2.1 or 13.2.2 or such appeal has been waived,
or in a hearing in accordance with Article 8 or where such hearing has been waived,
or the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation has not otherwise been timely
challenged, or the matter has been resolved under Article 10.8, the Anti-Doping
Organization responsible for Results Management may make public such
determination or decision and may comment publicly on the matter.
14.3.4 In any case where it is determined, after a hearing or appeal, that the Athlete or
other Person did not commit an anti-doping rule violation, the fact that the decision
has been appealed may be Publicly Disclosed. However, the decision itself and the
90[Comment to Article 14.1.5: Each Anti-Doping Organization shall provide, in its own anti-doping rules, procedures for the protection
of confidential information and for investigating and disciplining improper disclosure of confidential information by any employee or
agent of the Anti-Doping Organization.]
91[Comment to Article 14.3.2: Where Public Disclosure as required by Article 14.3.2 would result in a breach of other applicable laws,
the Anti-Doping Organization’s failure to make the Public Disclosure will not result in a determination of non-compliance with Code as
set forth in Article 4.1 of the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.]

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underlying facts may not be Publicly Disclosed except with the consent of the Athlete
or other Person who is the subject of the decision. The Anti-Doping Organization with
Results Management responsibility shall use reasonable efforts to obtain such consent,
and if consent is obtained, shall Publicly Disclose the decision in its entirety or in such
redacted form as the Athlete or other Person may approve.
14.3.5 Publication shall be accomplished at a minimum by placing the required information

on the Anti-Doping Organization’s website and leaving the information up for the
longer of one month or the duration of any period of Ineligibility.
14.3.6 Except as provided in Articles 14.3.1 and 14.3.3, no Anti-Doping Organization or

WADA-accredited laboratory, or official of either, shall publicly comment on the
specific facts of any pending case (as opposed to general description of process and
science) except in response to public comments attributed to, or based on information
provided by, the Athlete, other Person or their entourage or other representatives.
14.3.7 The mandatory Public Disclosure required in 14.3.2 shall not be required where the
Athlete or other Person who has been found to have committed an anti-doping rule
violation is a Minor, Protected Person or Recreational Athlete. Any optional Public
Disclosure in a case involving a Minor, Protected Person or Recreational Athlete shall
be proportionate to the facts and circumstances of the case.
Statistical Reporting
Anti-Doping Organizations shall, at least annually, publish publicly a general statistical report of their
Doping Control activities, with a copy provided to WADA. Anti-Doping Organizations may also publish
reports showing the name of each Athlete tested and the date of each Testing. WADA shall, at least
annually, publish statistical reports summarizing the information that it receives from Anti-Doping
Organizations and laboratories.
Doping Control Information Database and Monitoring of Compliance
To enable WADA to perform its compliance monitoring role and to ensure the effective use of
resources and sharing of applicable Doping Control information among Anti-Doping Organizations,
WADA shall develop and manage a Doping Control information database, such as ADAMS, and Anti-
Doping Organizations shall report to WADA through such database Doping Control-related information,
including, in particular,
a) Athlete Biological Passport data for International-Level Athletes and National-Level

Athletes,
b) Whereabouts information for Athletes including those in Registered Testing Pools,
c) TUE decisions, and
d) Results Management decisions,
as required under the applicable International Standard(s).
14.5.1 To facilitate coordinated test distribution planning, avoid unnecessary duplication in

Testing by various Anti-Doping Organizations, and to ensure that Athlete Biological
Passport profiles are updated, each Anti-Doping Organization shall report all In-
Competition and Out-of-Competition tests to WADA by entering the Doping Control
forms into ADAMS in accordance with the requirements and timelines contained in the
International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

14.5.2 To facilitate WADA’s oversight and appeal rights for TUEs, each Anti-Doping
Organization shall report all TUE applications, decisions and supporting
documentation using ADAMS in accordance with the requirements and timelines
contained in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
14.5.3 To facilitate WADA’s oversight and appeal rights for Results Management, Anti-Doping
Organizations shall report the following information into ADAMS in accordance with
the requirements and timelines outlined in the International Standard for Results
Management: (a) notifications of anti-doping rule violations and related decisions for
Adverse Analytical Findings; (b) notifications and related decisions for other anti-
doping rule violations that are not Adverse Analytical Findings; (c) whereabouts
failures; and (d) any decision imposing, lifting or reinstating a Provisional Suspension.
14.5.4 The information described in this Article will be made accessible, where appropriate
and in accordance with the applicable rules, to the Athlete, the Athlete’s National
Anti-Doping Organization and International Federation, and any other Anti-Doping
Organizations with Testing authority over the Athlete.92
Data Privacy93
Anti-Doping Organizations may collect, store, process or disclose personal information relating to
Athletes and other Persons where necessary and appropriate to conduct their Anti-Doping Activities
under the Code and International Standards (including specifically the International Standard for the
Protection of Privacy and Personal Information), and in compliance with applicable law.
ARTICLE 15 IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS

Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions by Signatory Anti-Doping Organizations
15.1.1 A decision of an anti-doping rule violation made by a Signatory Anti-Doping

Organization, an appellate body (Article 13.2.2) or CAS shall, after the parties to the
proceeding are notified, automatically be binding beyond the parties to the
proceeding upon every Signatory in every sport with the effects described below:
A decision by any of the above-described bodies imposing a Provisional

Suspension (after a Provisional Hearing has occurred or the Athlete or
other Person has either accepted the Provisional Suspension or has
waived the right to a Provisional Hearing, expedited hearing or
expedited appeal offered in accordance with Article 7.4.3)
automatically prohibits the Athlete or other Person from participation
(as described in Article 10.14.1) in all sports within the authority of any
Signatory during the Provisional Suspension.
A decision by any of the above-described bodies imposing a period of

Ineligibility (after a hearing has occurred or been waived) automatically
prohibits the Athlete or other Person from participation (as described in
Article 10.14.1) in all sports within the authority of any Signatory for
the period of Ineligibility.
92[Comment to Article 14.5: ADAMS is operated, administered and managed by WADA, and is designed to be consistent with data privacy
laws and norms applicable to WADA and other organizations using such system. Personal information regarding Athletes or other
Persons maintained in ADAMS is and will be treated in strict confidence and in accordance with the International Standard for the
Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.]
93[Comment to Article 14.6: Note that Article 22.2 provides that “Each government will put in place legislation, regulation, policies or
administrative practices for cooperation and sharing of information with Anti-Doping Organizations and sharing of data among Anti-
Doping Organizations as provided in the Code.”]

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Doping Control
A decision by any of the above-described bodies accepting an anti-

doping rule violation automatically binds all Signatories.
A decision by any of the above-described bodies to Disqualify results

under Article 10.10 for a specified period automatically Disqualifies all
results obtained within the authority of any Signatory during the
specified period.
15.1.2 Each Signatory is under the obligation to recognize and implement a decision and its
effects as required by Article 15.1.1, without any further action required, on the
earlier of the date the Signatory receives actual notice of the decision or the date the
decision is placed by WADA into ADAMS.
15.1.3 A decision by an Anti-Doping Organization, an appellate body or CAS to suspend, or

lift, Consequences shall be binding upon each Signatory without any further action
required, on the earlier of the date the Signatory receives actual notice of the decision
or the date the decision is placed into ADAMS.
15.1.4 Notwithstanding any provision in Article 15.1.1, however, a decision of an anti-doping

rule violation by a Major Event Organization made in an expedited process during an
Event shall not be binding on other Signatories unless the rules of the Major Event
Organization provide the Athlete or other Person with an opportunity to an appeal
under non-expedited procedures.94
Implementation of Other Decisions by Anti-Doping Organizations
Signatories may decide to implement other anti-doping decisions rendered by Anti-Doping

Organizations not described in Article 15.1.1 above, such as a Provisional Suspension prior to
Provisional Hearing or acceptance by the Athlete or other Person.95
Implementation of Decisions by Body that is not a Signatory
An anti-doping decision by a body that is not a Signatory to the Code shall be implemented by each
Signatory if the Signatory finds that the decision purports to be within the authority of that body and
the anti-doping rules of that body are otherwise consistent with the Code.96
94[Comment to Article 15.1: By way of example, where the rules of the Major Event Organization give the Athlete or other Person the
option of choosing an expedited CAS appeal or a CAS appeal under normal CAS procedure, the final decision or adjudication by the Major
Event Organization is binding on other Signatories regardless of whether the Athlete or other Person chooses the expedited appeal
option.]
95[Comment to Articles 15.1 and 15.2: Anti-Doping Organization decisions under Article 15.1 are implemented automatically by other
Signatories without the requirement of any decision or further action on the Signatories’ part. For example, when a National Anti-
Doping Organization decides to Provisionally Suspend an Athlete, that decision is given automatic effect at the International Federation
level. To be clear, the “decision” is the one made by the National Anti-Doping Organization, there is not a separate decision to be made
by the International Federation. Thus, any claim by the Athlete that the Provisional Suspension was improperly imposed can only be
asserted against the National Anti-Doping Organization. Implementation of Anti-Doping Organizations’ decisions under Article 15.2 is
subject to each Signatory’s discretion. A Signatory’s implementation of a decision under Article 15.1 or Article 15.2 is not appealable
separately from any appeal of the underlying decision. The extent of recognition of TUE decisions of other Anti-Doping Organizations
shall be determined by Article 4.4 and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.]
96[Comment to Article 15.3: Where the decision of a body that has not accepted the Code is in some respects Code compliant and in
other respects not Code compliant, Signatories should attempt to apply the decision in harmony with the principles of the Code. For
example, if in a process consistent with the Code a non-Signatory has found an Athlete to have committed an anti-doping rule violation
on account of the presence of a Prohibited Substance in the Athlete’s body but the period of Ineligibility applied is shorter than the
period provided for in the Code, then all Signatories should recognize the finding of an anti-doping rule violation and the Athlete’s
National Anti-Doping Organization should conduct a hearing consistent with Article 8 to determine whether the longer period of
Ineligibility provided in the Code should be imposed. A Signatory’s implementation of a decision or its decision not to implement a
decision under Article 15.3, is appealable under Article 13.]

ARTICLE 16 DOPING CONTROL FOR ANIMALS COMPETING IN SPORT
16.1 In any sport that includes animals in Competition, the International Federation for that sport shall
establish and implement anti-doping rules for the animals included in that sport. The anti-doping
rules shall include a list of Prohibited Substances, appropriate Testing procedures and a list of
approved laboratories for Sample analysis.
16.2 With respect to determining anti-doping rule violations, Results Management, fair hearings,
Consequences, and appeals for animals involved in sport, the International Federation for that sport
shall establish and implement rules that are generally consistent with Articles 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13
and 17 of the Code.
ARTICLE 17 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

No anti-doping rule violation proceeding may be commenced against an Athlete or other Person unless he or
she has been notified of the anti-doping rule violation as provided in Article 7, or notification has been
reasonably attempted, within ten years from the date the violation is asserted to have occurred.

PART TWO
EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH

ARTICLE 18 EDUCATION
18.1 Principles
Education programs are central to ensure harmonized, coordinated and effective anti-doping
programs at the international and national level. They are intended to preserve the spirit of sport
and the protection of Athletes' health and right to compete on a doping free level playing field as
described in the Introduction to the Code.
Education programs shall raise awareness, provide accurate information and develop decision-making
capability to prevent intentional and unintentional anti-doping rule violations and other breaches of
the Code. Education programs and their implementation shall instill personal values and principles
that protect the spirit of sport.
All Signatories shall, within their scope of responsibility and in cooperation with each other, plan,
implement, monitor, evaluate and promote education programs in line with the requirements set out
in the International Standard for Education.
18.2 Education Program and Plan by Signatories
Education Programs as outlined in the International Standard for Education shall promote the spirit
of sport and have a positive and long-term influence on the choices made by Athletes and other
Persons.
Signatories shall develop an Education Plan as required in the International Standard for Education.
Prioritization of target groups or activities shall be justified based on a clear rationale of the Education
Plan.97
Signatories shall make their Education Plans available to other Signatories upon request in order to
avoid duplication of efforts where possible and to support the recognition process outlined in the
International Standard for Education.
An Anti-Doping Organization’s Education program shall include the following awareness, information,
values-based and Education components which shall at a minimum be available on a website.98
• Principles and values associated with clean sport

• Athletes’, Athlete Support Personnel’s and other groups’ rights and responsibilities
under the Code
• The principle of Strict Liability
• Consequences of doping, for example, physical and mental health, social and
economic effects, and sanctions
• Anti-doping rule violations
• Substances and Methods on the Prohibited List
• Risks of supplement use
97[Comment to Article 18.2: The Risk Assessment that Anti-Doping Organizations are required to conduct under the International
Standard for Testing and Investigations provides a framework relating to the risk of doping within sports. Such assessment can be used
to identify priority target groups for Education programs. WADA also provides Education resources for Signatories to use to support their
program delivery.]
98[Comment to Article 18.2: Where, for example, a particular National Anti-Doping Organization does not have its own website, the
required information may be posted on the website of the country’s National Olympic Committee or other organization responsible for
sport in the country.]

2
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Education and Research
• Use of medications and Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

• Testing procedures, including urine, blood and the Athlete Biological Passport
• Requirements of the Registered Testing Pool, including whereabouts and the use of
ADAMS
• Speaking up to share concerns about doping
18.2.1 Education Pool and Target Groups Established by Signatories
Signatories shall identify their target groups and form an Education Pool in line with the
minimum requirements outlined in the International Standard for Education.99
18.2.2 Education Program Implementation by Signatories
Any Education activity directed at the Education Pool shall be delivered by a trained and
authorized Person according to the requirements set out in the International Standard
for Education.100
18.2.3 Coordination and Cooperation
WADA shall work with relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the
International Standard for Education and act as a central repository for information and
Education resources and/or programs developed by WADA or Signatories. Signatories
shall cooperate with each other and governments to coordinate their efforts.
On a national level, Education Programs shall be coordinated by the National Anti-Doping

Organization, working in collaboration with their respective national sports federations,
National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, governments and
Educational institutions. This coordination shall maximize the reach of Education
programs across sports, Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel and minimize duplication
of effort.
Education Programs aimed at International-Level Athletes shall be the priority for

International Federations. Event-based Education shall be a mandatory element of any
anti-doping program associated with an International Event.
All Signatories shall cooperate with each other and governments to encourage relevant
sports organizations, Educational institutions, and professional associations to develop
and implement appropriate Codes of Conduct that reflect good practice and ethics
related to sport practice regarding anti-doping. Disciplinary policies and procedures shall
be clearly articulated and communicated, including sanctions which are consistent with
the Code. Such Codes of Conduct shall make provision for appropriate disciplinary action
to be taken by sports bodies to either support the implementation of any doping
sanctions, or for an organization to take its own disciplinary action should insufficient
evidence prevent an anti-doping rule violation being brought forward.
99[Comment to Article 18.2.1: The Education Pool should not be limited to National- or International-Level Athletes and should include
all Persons, including youth, who participate in sport under the authority of any Signatory, government or other sports organization
accepting the Code.]
100[Comment to Article 18.2.2: The purpose of this provision is to introduce the concept of an Educator. Education shall only be
delivered by a trained and competent person, similar to Testing whereby only trained and appointed Doping Control officers can conduct
tests. In both cases, the requirement for trained personnel is to safeguard the Athlete and maintain consistent standards of delivery.
Further details on instituting a simple accreditation program for Educators are outlined in the WADA Model Guidelines for Education,
including best practice examples of interventions that can be implemented.]

ARTICLE 19 RESEARCH
Purpose and Aims of Anti-Doping Research
Anti-doping research contributes to the development and implementation of efficient programs within
Doping Control and to information and education regarding doping-free sport.
All Signatories and WADA shall, in cooperation with each other and governments, encourage and
promote such research and take all reasonable measures to ensure that the results of such research
are used for the promotion of the goals that are consistent with the principles of the Code.
Types of Research
Relevant anti-doping research may include, for example, sociological, behavioral, juridical and ethical
studies in addition to scientific, medical, analytical, statistical and physiological investigation.
Without limiting the foregoing, studies on devising and evaluating the efficacy of scientifically-based
physiological and psychological training programs that are consistent with the principles of the Code
and respectful of the integrity of the human subjects, as well as studies on the Use of emerging
substances or methods resulting from scientific developments should be conducted.
Coordination of Research and Sharing of Results
Coordination of anti-doping research through WADA is essential. Subject to intellectual property

rights, the results of such anti-doping research shall be provided to WADA and, where appropriate,
shared with relevant Signatories and Athletes and other stakeholders.
Research Practices
Anti-doping research shall comply with internationally-recognized ethical practices.
Research Using Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods
Research efforts should avoid the Administration of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods to
Athletes.
Misuse of Results
Adequate precautions should be taken so that the results of anti-doping research are not misused
and applied for doping purposes.

PART THREE
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All Signatories and WADA shall act in a spirit of partnership and collaboration in order to ensure the success
of the fight against doping in sport and the respect of the Code.101
101[Comment: Responsibilities for Signatories and Athletes or other Persons are addressed in various Articles in the Code and the
responsibilities listed in this part are additional to these responsibilities.]

ARTICLE 20 ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SIGNATORIES AND
WADA
Each Anti-Doping Organization may delegate aspects of Doping Control or anti-doping Education for which it
is responsible but remains fully responsible for ensuring that any aspect it delegates is performed in compliance
with the Code. To the extent such delegation is made to a Delegated Third Party that is not a Signatory, the
agreement with the Delegated Third Party shall require its compliance with the Code and International
Standards.102
Roles and Responsibilities of the International Olympic Committee
20.1.1 To adopt and implement anti-doping policies and rules for the Olympic Games which
conform with the Code and the International Standards.
20.1.2 To require, as a condition of recognition by the International Olympic Committee,

that International Federations and National Olympic Committees within the Olympic
Movement are in compliance with the Code and the International Standards.
20.1.3 To withhold some or all Olympic funding and/or other benefits from sport
organizations that are not in compliance with the Code and/or the International
Standards, where required under Article 24.1.
20.1.4 To take appropriate action to discourage non-compliance with the Code and the
International Standards (a) by Signatories, in accordance with Article 24.1 and the
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories, and (b) by any other
sporting body over which it has authority, in accordance with Article 12.
20.1.5 To authorize and facilitate the Independent Observer Program.
20.1.6 To require all Athletes preparing for or participating in the Olympic Games, and all
Athlete Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to and be bound
by anti-doping rules in conformity with the Code as a condition of such participation
or involvement.
20.1.7 Subject to applicable law, as a condition of such position or involvement, to require

all of its board members, directors, officers, and those employees (and those of
appointed Delegated Third Parties), who are involved in any aspect of Doping Control,
to agree to be bound by anti-doping rules as Persons in conformity with the Code for
direct and intentional misconduct, or to be bound by comparable rules and regulations
put in place by the Signatory.
20.1.8 Subject to applicable law, to not knowingly employ a Person in any position involving
Doping Control (other than authorized anti-doping Education or rehabilitation
programs) who has been Provisionally Suspended or is serving a period of Ineligibility
under the Code or, if a Person was not subject to the Code, who has directly and
intentionally engaged in conduct within the previous six years which would have
102[Comment to Article 20: Obviously, an Anti-Doping Organization is not responsible for a failure to comply with the Code by its non-
Signatory Delegated Third Parties if the Delegated Third Party’s’ failure is committed in connection with services provided to a different
Anti-Doping Organization. For example, if FINA and FIBA both delegate aspects of Doping Control to the same non-Signatory Delegated
Third Party, and the provider fails to comply with the Code in performing the services for FINA, only FINA and not FIBA would be
responsible for the failure. However, Anti-Doping Organizations shall contractually require Delegated Third Parties to whom they have
delegated anti-doping responsibilities to report to the Anti-Doping Organization any finding of non-compliance by the Delegated Third
Parties.]

3
PART
Roles and
Responsibilities
constituted a violation of anti-doping rules if Code-compliant rules had been

applicable to such Person.
20.1.9 To vigorously pursue all potential anti-doping rule violations within its authority
including investigation into whether Athlete Support Personnel or other Persons may
have been involved in each case of doping.
20.1.10 To plan, implement, evaluate and promote anti-doping Education in line with the
requirements of the International Standard for Education.
20.1.11 To accept bids for the Olympic Games only from countries where the government has
ratified, accepted, approved or acceded to the UNESCO Convention, and (where
required under Article 24.1.9) to not accept bids for Events from countries where the
National Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee and/or the
National Anti-Doping Organization is not in compliance with the Code or the
International Standards.
20.1.12 To cooperate with relevant national organizations and agencies and other Anti-Doping
Organizations.
20.1.13 To respect the operational independence of laboratories as provided in the

International Standard for Laboratories.
20.1.14 To adopt a policy or rule implementing Article 2.11.
Roles and Responsibilities of the International Paralympic Committee
20.2.1 To adopt and implement anti-doping policies and rules for the Paralympic Games
which conform with the Code and the International Standards.
20.2.2 To require, as a condition of membership of the International Paralympic Committee,

that International Federations and National Paralympic Committees within the
Paralympic Movement are in compliance with the Code and the International
Standards.
20.2.3 To withhold some or all Paralympic funding and/or other benefits from sport
organizations that are not in compliance with the Code and/or the International
Standards, where required under Article 24.1.
20.2.6 To require all Athletes preparing for or participating in the Paralympic Games, and all
Athlete Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to and be bound
by anti-doping rules in conformity with the Code as a condition of such participation
or involvement.


Organizations.

Roles and Responsibilities of International Federations
20.3.1 To adopt and implement anti-doping policies and rules which conform with the Code
and International Standards.
20.3.2 To require, as a condition of membership, that the policies, rules and programs of
their National Federations and other members are in compliance with the Code and
the International Standards, and to take appropriate action to enforce such
compliance; areas of compliance shall include but not be limited to: (i) requiring that
their National Federations conduct Testing only under the documented authority of
their International Federation and use their National Anti-Doping Organization or
other Sample collection authority to collect Samples in compliance with the
International Standard for Testing and Investigations; (ii) requiring that their National
Federations recognize the authority of the National Anti-Doping Organization in their
country in accordance with Article 5.2.1 and assist as appropriate with the National
Anti-Doping Organization’s implementation of the national Testing program for their
sport; (iii) requiring that their National Federations analyze all Samples collected
using a WADA-accredited or WADA-approved laboratory in accordance with Article
6.1; and (iv) requiring that any national level anti-doping rule violation cases
discovered by their National Federations are adjudicated by an operationally
independent hearing panel in accordance with Article 8.1 and the International
Standard for Results Management.
20.3.3 To require all Athletes preparing for or participating in a Competition or activity

authorized or organized by the International Federation or one of its member
organizations, and all Athlete Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to
agree to and be bound by anti-doping rules in conformity with the Code as a condition
of such participation or involvement.

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20.3.6 To require Athletes who are not regular members of the International Federation or
one of its member National Federations to be available for Sample collection and to
provide accurate and up-to-date whereabouts information as part of the International
Federation’s Registered Testing Pool consistent with the conditions for eligibility
established by the International Federation or, as applicable, the Major Event
Organization.103
20.3.7 To require each of their National Federations to establish rules requiring all Athletes
preparing for or participating in a Competition or activity authorized or organized by
a National Federation or one of its member organizations, and all Athlete Support
Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to be bound by anti-doping rules
and the Results Management authority of Anti-Doping Organization in conformity with
the Code as a condition of such participation.
20.3.8 To require National Federations to report any information suggesting or relating to an

anti-doping rule violation to their National Anti-Doping Organization and International
Federation and to cooperate with investigations conducted by any Anti-Doping
Organization with authority to conduct the investigation.
sporting body over which they have authority, in accordance with Article 12.
20.3.10 To authorize and facilitate the Independent Observer Program at International

Events.
20.3.11 To withhold some or all funding to their member or recognized National Federations
that are not in compliance with the Code and/or the International Standards.
20.3.12 To vigorously pursue all potential anti-doping rule violations within their authority
have been involved in each case of doping, to ensure proper enforcement of
Consequences, and to conduct an automatic investigation of Athlete Support
Personnel in the case of any anti-doping rule violation involving a Protected Person or
Athlete Support Person who has provided support to more than one Athlete found to
have committed an anti-doping rule violation.
103 [Comment to Article 20.3.46: This would include, for example, Athletes from professional leagues.]

requirements of the International Standard for Education, including requiring National
Federations to conduct anti-doping Education in coordination with the applicable
National Anti-Doping Organization.
20.3.14 To accept bids for World Championships and other International Events only from
countries where the government has ratified, accepted, approved or acceded to the
UNESCO Convention, and (where required under Article 24.1.9) to not accept bids for
Events from countries where the National Olympic Committee, the National
Paralympic Committee and/or the National Anti-Doping Organization is not in
compliance with the Code or the International Standards.
Organizations.
20.3.16 To cooperate fully with WADA in connection with investigations conducted by WADA
pursuant to Article 20.7.12.
20.3.17 To have disciplinary rules in place and require National Federations to have
disciplinary rules in place to prevent Athlete Support Personnel who are Using
Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods without valid justification from
providing support to Athletes within the International Federation’s or National
Federation’s authority.

Roles and Responsibilities of National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees
20.4.1 To ensure that their anti-doping policies and rules conform with the Code and the
20.4.2 To require, as a condition of membership, that the policies, rules and programs of
their National Federations and other members are in compliance with the Code and
the International Standards, and to take appropriate action to enforce such
compliance.
20.4.3 To respect the autonomy of the National Anti-Doping Organization in their country
and not to interfere in its operational decisions and activities.
20.4.4 To require National Federations to report any information suggesting or relating to an

anti-doping rule violation to their National Anti-Doping Organization and International
Federation and to cooperate with investigations conducted by any Anti-Doping
Organization with authority to conduct the investigation.
20.4.5 To require, as a condition of participation in the Olympic Games and Paralympic

Games that, at a minimum, Athletes who are not regular members of a National
Federation be available for Sample collection and to provide whereabouts information
as required by the International Standard for Testing and Investigations as soon as the
Athlete is identified on the long list or subsequent entry document submitted in
connection with the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games.

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20.4.6 To cooperate with their National Anti-Doping Organization and to work with their
government to establish a National Anti-Doping Organization where one does not
already exist, provided that, in the interim, the National Olympic Committee or its
designee shall fulfill the responsibility of a National Anti-Doping Organization.
For those countries that are members of a Regional Anti-Doping Organization, the
National Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the government, shall maintain an
active and supportive role with their respective Regional Anti-Doping Organizations.
20.4.7 To require each of their National Federations to establish rules (or other means)
requiring all Athletes preparing for or participating in a Competition or activity
authorized or organized by a National Federation or one of its member organizations,
and all Athlete Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to and be
bound by anti-doping rules and Anti-Doping Organization Results Management
authority in conformity with the Code as a condition of such participation or
involvement.

20.4.10 To withhold some or all funding, during any period of Ineligibility, to any Athlete or
Athlete Support Person who has violated anti-doping rules.
20.4.11 To withhold some or all funding to their member or recognized National Federations
that are not in compliance with the Code and/or the International Standards.
requirements of the International Standard for Education, including requiring National
Federations to conduct anti-doping Education in coordination with the applicable
National Anti-Doping Organization.
Organizations.
20.4.15 To have disciplinary rules in place to prevent Athlete Support Personnel who are Using
Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods without valid justification from
providing support to Athletes within the National Olympic Committee’s or National
Paralympic Committee’s authority.

International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories and (b) by any other
Roles and Responsibilities of National Anti-Doping Organizations104
20.5.1 To be independent in their operational decisions and activities from sport and
government, including without limitation by prohibiting any involvement in their
operational decisions or activities by any Person who is at the same time involved in
the management or operations of any International Federation, National Federation,
Major Event Organization, National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic
Committee, or government department with responsibility for sport or anti-doping.105
20.5.2 To adopt and implement anti-doping rules and policies which conform with the Code
and the International Standards.
20.5.3 To cooperate with other relevant national organizations and agencies and other Anti-
Doping Organizations.
20.5.4 To encourage reciprocal Testing between Anti-Doping Organizations.
20.5.5 To promote anti-doping research.
20.5.6 Where funding is provided, to withhold some or all funding, during any period of
Ineligibility, to any Athlete or Athlete Support Person who has violated anti-doping
rules.
have been involved in each case of doping and to ensure proper enforcement of
Consequences.
20.5.9 Each National Anti-Doping Organization shall be the authority on Education within
their respective countries.

104[Comment to Article 20.5: For some smaller countries, a number of the responsibilities described in this Article may be delegated by
their National Anti-Doping Organization to a Regional Anti-Doping Organization.]
105[Comment to Article 20.5.1: This would not, for example, prohibit a National Anti-Doping Organization from acting as a Delegated
Third Party for a Major Event Organization or other Anti-Doping Organization.]

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20.5.12 To conduct an automatic investigation of Athlete Support Personnel within their

authority in the case of any anti-doping rule violation by a Protected Person and to
conduct an automatic investigation of any Athlete Support Person who has provided
support to more than one Athlete found to have committed an anti-doping rule
violation.
20.5.13 To cooperate fully with WADA in connection with investigations conducted by WADA
pursuant to Article 20.7.14.

International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories and (b) by any other
Roles and Responsibilities of Major Event Organizations
20.6.1 To adopt and implement anti-doping policies and rules for its Events which conform
with the Code and the International Standards.
20.6.4 To require all Athletes preparing for or participating in the Event, and all Athlete
Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to and be bound by anti-
doping rules in conformity with the Code as a condition of such participation or
involvement.


20.6.9 To accept bids for Events only from countries where the government has ratified,
accepted, approved or acceded to the UNESCO Convention, and (where required under
Article 24.1.9) to not accept bids for Events from countries where the National
Olympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee and/or the National Anti-
Doping Organization is not in compliance with the Code or the International
Standards.
Organizations.

Roles and Responsibilities of WADA
20.7.1 To accept the Code and commit to fulfill its roles and responsibilities under the Code
through a declaration approved by WADA’s Foundation Board.106
20.7.2 To adopt and implement policies and procedures which conform with the Code and
the International Standards.
20.7.3 To provide support and guidance to Signatories in their efforts to comply with the
Code and the International Standards and monitor such compliance in accordance
with Article 24.1 of the Code and the International Standard for Code Compliance by
Signatories.
20.7.4 To approve International Standards applicable to the implementation of the Code.
20.7.5 To accredit and reaccredit laboratories to conduct Sample analysis or to approve

others to conduct Sample analysis.
20.7.6 To develop and publish guidelines and models of best practice.
20.7.7 To submit to the WADA Executive Committee for approval, upon the recommendation
of the WADA Athletes Committee the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act which compiles
106 [Comment to Article 20.7.1: WADA cannot be a Signatory because of its role in monitoring Signatory compliance with the Code.]

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in one place those Athletes’ rights which are specifically identified in the Code and
International Standards, and other agreed upon principles of best practice with
respect to the overall protection of Athletes’ rights in the context of anti-doping.
20.7.8 To promote, conduct, commission, fund and coordinate anti-doping research and to
promote anti-doping Education.
20.7.9 To design and conduct an effective Independent Observer Program and other types of
Event advisory programs.
20.7.10 To conduct, in exceptional circumstances and at the direction of the WADA Director
General, Testing on its own initiative or as requested by other Anti-Doping
Organizations, and to cooperate with relevant national and international
organizations and agencies, including but not limited to, facilitating inquiries and
investigations.107
20.7.11 To approve, in consultation with International Federations, National Anti-Doping

Organizations, and Major Event Organizations, defined Testing and Sample analysis
programs.

20.7.14 To initiate its own investigations of anti-doping rule violations, non-compliance of

Signatories and WADA-accredited laboratories, and other activities that may facilitate
doping.
Cooperation Regarding Third Party Regulations
Signatories shall cooperate with each other, WADA and governments to encourage professional
associations and institutions with authority over Athlete Support Personnel who are otherwise not
subject to the Code to implement regulations prohibiting conduct which would be considered an anti-
doping rule violation if committed by Athlete Support Personnel who are subject to the Code.
107
[Comment to Article 20.7.10: WADA is not a Testing agency, but it reserves the right, in exceptional circumstances, to conduct its
own tests where problems have been brought to the attention of the relevant Anti-Doping Organization and have not been satisfactorily
addressed.]

ARTICLE 21 ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETES AND
OTHER PERSONS
Roles and Responsibilities of Athletes
21.1.1 To be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable anti-doping policies and rules
adopted pursuant to the Code.
21.1.2 To be available for Sample collection at all times.108
21.1.3 To take responsibility, in the context of anti-doping, for what they ingest and Use.
21.1.4 To inform medical personnel of their obligation not to Use Prohibited Substances and
Prohibited Methods and to take responsibility to make sure that any medical
treatment received does not violate anti-doping policies and rules adopted pursuant
to the Code.
21.1.5 To disclose to their National Anti-Doping Organization and International Federation

any decision by a non-Signatory finding that the Athlete committed an anti-doping
rule violation within the previous ten years.
21.1.6 To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule

violations.109
21.1.7 To disclose the identity of their Athlete Support Personnel upon request by any Anti-
Doping Organization with authority over the Athlete.
Roles and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel
21.2.1 To be knowledgeable of and comply with all anti-doping policies and rules adopted
pursuant to the Code and which are applicable to them or the Athletes whom they
support.
21.2.2 To cooperate with the Athlete Testing program.
21.2.3 To use their influence on Athlete values and behavior to foster anti-doping attitudes.

any decision by a non-Signatory finding that they committed an anti-doping rule
violation within the previous ten years.
21.2.5 To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule

violations.110
108
[Comment to Article 21.1.2: With due regard to an Athlete’s human rights and privacy, legitimate anti-doping considerations
sometimes require Sample collection late at night or early in the morning. For example, it is known that some Athletes Use low doses of
EPO during these hours so that it will be undetectable in the morning.]
109[Comment to Article 21.1.6: Failure to cooperate is not an anti-doping rule violation under the Code, but it may be the basis for
disciplinary action under a Signatory’s rules.]
110[Comment to Article 21.2.5: Failure to cooperate is not an anti-doping rule violation under the Code, but it may be the basis for
disciplinary action under a Signatory’s rules.]

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21.2.6 Athlete Support Personnel shall not Use or Possess any Prohibited Substance or
Prohibited Method without valid justification.111
Roles and Responsibilities of other Persons Subject to the Code
21.3.1 To be knowledgeable of and comply with all anti-doping policies and rules adopted
pursuant to the Code and which are applicable to them.

any decision by a non-Signatory finding that they committed an anti-doping rule
violation within the previous ten years.
21.3.3 To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule violations.
Roles and Responsibilities of Regional Anti-Doping Organizations
21.4.1 To ensure member countries adopt and implement rules, policies and programs which
conform with the Code.
21.4.2 To require, as a condition of membership, that a member country sign an official

Regional Anti-Doping Organization membership form which clearly outlines the
delegation of anti-doping responsibilities to the Regional Anti-Doping Organization.
21.4.3 To cooperate with other relevant national and regional organizations and agencies and
other Anti-Doping Organizations.
21.4.4 To encourage reciprocal Testing between National Anti-Doping Organizations and

Regional Anti-Doping Organizations.
21.4.5 To promote and assist with capacity building among relevant Anti-Doping
Organizations.
21.4.6 To promote anti-doping research.
ARTICLE 22 INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENTS112

Each government’s commitment to the Code will be evidenced by its signing the Copenhagen Declaration on
Anti-Doping in Sport of 3 March 2003, and by ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the UNESCO
Convention.
111[Comment to Article 21.2.6: In those situations where Use or personal Possession of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method by
an Athlete Support Person without justification is not an anti-doping rule violation under the Code, it should be subject to other sport
disciplinary rules. Coaches and other Athlete Support Personnel are often role models for Athletes. They should not be engaging in
personal conduct which conflicts with their responsibility to encourage their Athletes not to dope.]
112[Comment to Article 22: Most governments cannot be parties to, or be bound by, private non-governmental instruments such as the
Code. For that reason, governments are not asked to be Signatories to the Code but rather to sign the Copenhagen Declaration and
ratify, accept, approve or accede to the UNESCO Convention. Although the acceptance mechanisms may be different, the effort to
combat doping through the coordinated and harmonized program reflected in the Code is very much a joint effort between the sport
movement and governments.
This Article sets forth what the Signatories clearly expect from governments. However, these are simply “expectations” since
governments are only “obligated” to adhere to the requirements of the UNESCO Convention.]

The Signatories are aware that any action taken by a government is a matter for that government and subject
to the obligations under international law as well as to its own laws and regulations. While governments are
bound only by the requirements of the relevant international intergovernmental treaties (and notably of the
UNESCO Convention), the following Articles set forth the expectations of the Signatories to support them in
the implementation of the Code.
22.1 Each government should take all actions and measures necessary to comply with the UNESCO
Convention.
22.2 Each government should put in place legislation, regulation, policies or administrative practices
for: cooperation and sharing of information with Anti-Doping Organizations; sharing of data among
Anti-Doping Organizations as provided in the Code; unrestricted transport of urine and blood
Samples in a manner that maintains their security and integrity; and unrestricted entry and exit of
Doping Control officials and unrestricted access for Doping Control officials to all areas where
International-Level Athletes or National-Level Athletes live or train to conduct no advance notice
Testing, subject to applicable border control, immigration and access requirements and regulations.
22.3 Each government should adopt rules, regulations or policies to discipline officials and employees who
are involved in Doping Control, sport performance or medical care in a sport setting, including in a
supervisory capacity, for engaging in activities which would have constituted a violation of anti-doping
rules if Code-compliant rules had been applicable to such Persons.
22.4 Each government should not permit any Person to be involved in any position involving Doping Control,
sport performance or medical care in a sport setting, including in a supervisory capacity, where such
Person: (i) is serving a period of Ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation under the Code, or (ii)
if not subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, and where Ineligibility has not been
addressed in a Results Management process pursuant to the Code, has been convicted or found in a
criminal, disciplinary or professional proceeding to have engaged in conduct which would have
constituted a violation of anti-doping rules if Code-compliant rules had been applicable to such
Person, in which case the disqualifying status of such Person should be in force for the longer of six
years from the criminal, professional or disciplinary decision or the duration of the criminal,
disciplinary or professional sanction imposed.
22.5 Each government should encourage cooperation between all of its public services or agencies and
Anti-Doping Organizations to timely share information with Anti-Doping Organizations which would
be useful in the fight against doping and where to do so would not otherwise be legally prohibited.
22.6 Each government should respect arbitration as the preferred means of resolving doping-related
disputes, subject to human and fundamental rights and applicable national law.
22.7 Each government that does not have a National Anti-Doping Organization in its country should work
with its National Olympic Committee to establish one.
22.8 Each government should respect the autonomy of a National Anti-Doping Organization in its country
or a Regional Anti-Doping Organization to which its country belongs and any WADA-approved
laboratory in its country and not interfere in their operational decisions and activities.
22.9 Each government should not limit or restrict WADA’s access to any doping samples or anti-doping
records or information held or controlled by any Signatory, member of a Signatory or WADA-accredited
laboratory.
22.10 Failure by a government to ratify, accept, approve or accede to the UNESCO Convention may result
in ineligibility to bid for and/or host Events as provided in Articles 20.1.11, 20.3.14 and 20.6.9, and
the failure by a government to comply with the UNESCO Convention thereafter, as determined by

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UNESCO, may result in meaningful consequences by UNESCO and WADA as determined by each
organization.

PART FOUR
ACCEPTANCE, COMPLIANCE,
MODIFICATION AND
INTERPRETATION
536642316.30
Acceptance, Compliance,
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Interpretation
ARTICLE 23 ACCEPTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION

Acceptance of the Code
23.1.1 The following entities may be Signatories to the Code: the International Olympic
Committee, International Federations, the International Paralympic Committee,
National Olympic Committees, National Paralympic Committees, Major Event
Organizations, National Anti-Doping Organizations and other organizations having
significant relevance in sport.
23.1.2 The International Olympic Committee; International Federations recognized by the

International Olympic Committee; the International Paralympic Committee; National
Olympic Committees; National Paralympic Committees; National Anti-Doping
Organizations; and Major Event Organizations recognized by one or more of the
aforementioned entities shall become Signatories by signing a declaration of
acceptance or by another form of acceptance determined to be acceptable by WADA.
23.1.3 Any other entity described in Article 23.1.1 may submit an application to WADA to
become a Signatory which will be reviewed under a policy adopted by WADA. WADA’s
acceptance of such applications shall be subject to conditions and requirements
established by WADA in such policy.113 Upon acceptance of an application by WADA,
the applicant’s becoming a Signatory is subject to the applicant signing a declaration
of acceptance of the Code and an acceptance of the conditions and requirements
established by WADA for such applicant.
23.1.4 A list of all acceptances will be made public by WADA.
Implementation of the Code
23.2.1 The Signatories shall implement applicable Code provisions through policies, statutes,
rules or regulations according to their authority and within their relevant spheres of
responsibility.
23.2.2 The following Articles as applicable to the scope of the anti-doping activity which the
Anti-Doping Organization performs must be implemented by Signatories without
substantive change (allowing for any non-substantive changes to the language in order
to refer to the organization’s name, sport, section numbers, etc.): 114
• Article 1 (Definition of Doping)
• Article 2 (Anti-Doping Rule Violations)
• Article 3 (Proof of Doping)
• Article 4.2.2 (Specified Substances or Specified Methods)
113[Comment to Article 23.1.3: For example, these conditions and requirements would include financial contributions by the entity to
cover WADA’s administrative, monitoring and compliance costs that may be attributable to the application process and the entity’s
subsequent Signatory status.]
114[Comment to Article 23.2.2: Nothing in the Code precludes an Anti-Doping Organization from adopting and enforcing its own specific
disciplinary rules for conduct by Athlete Support Personnel related to doping but which does not, in and of itself, constitute an anti-
doping rule violation under the Code. For example, a National or International Federation could refuse to renew the license of a coach
when multiple Athletes have committed anti-doping rule violations while under that coach’s supervision.]

• Article 4.2.3 (Substances of Abuse)
• Article 4.3.3 (WADA’s Determination of the Prohibited List)
• Article 7.7 (Retirement from Sport)
• Article 9 (Automatic Disqualification of Individual Results)
• Article 10 (Sanctions on Individuals)
• Article 11 (Consequences to Teams)
• Article 13 (Appeals) with the exception of 13.2.2, 13.6, and 13.7
• Article 15.1 (Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions)
• Article 17 (Statute of Limitations)
• Article 26 (Interpretation of the Code)
• Appendix 1 – Definitions
No additional provision may be added to a Signatory’s rules which changes the effect of
the Articles enumerated in this Article. A Signatory’s rules must expressly acknowledge
the Commentary of the Code and endow the Commentary with the same status that it
has in the Code. However, nothing in the Code precludes a Signatory from having safety,
medical, eligibility or Code of Conduct rules which are applicable for purposes other than
anti-doping.115
23.2.3 In implementing the Code, the Signatories are encouraged to use the models of best
practice recommended by WADA.
Implementation of Anti-Doping Programs
Signatories shall devote sufficient resources in order to implement anti-doping programs in all areas
that are compliant with the Code and the International Standards.
115[Comment to Article 23.2.2: For example, an International Federation could decide, for reputational and health reasons, to have a
Code of Conduct rule prohibiting an Athlete’s use or possession of cocaine Out-of-Competition. In an anti-doping Sample collection Out-
of-Competition, such International Federation would be able to have the laboratory test for cocaine as part of the enforcement of its
Code of Conduct policy. On the other hand, the International Federation’s Code of Conduct could not impose additional sanctions for
the use of cocaine In-Competition since that is already covered by the sanction scheme established in the Code. Other possible examples
include rules governing the use of alcohol or oxygen. Similarly, an International Federation could use data from a Doping Control test to
monitor eligibility relating to transgender and other eligibility rules.]

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ARTICLE 24 MONITORING AND ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE AND

UNESCO CONVENTION
Monitoring and Enforcing Compliance with the Code116
24.1.1 Compliance by Signatories with the Code and the International Standards shall be
monitored by WADA in accordance with the International Standard for Code
Compliance by Signatories.
24.1.2 To facilitate such monitoring, each Signatory shall report to WADA on its compliance
with the Code and the International Standards as and when required by WADA. As
part of that reporting, the Signatory shall accurately provide all of the information
requested by WADA and shall explain the actions it is taking to correct any Non-
Conformities.
24.1.3 Failure by a Signatory to provide accurate information in accordance with Article

24.1.2 itself constitutes an instance of Non-Conformity with the Code, as does failure
by a Signatory to submit accurate information to WADA where required by other
Articles of the Code or by the International Standard for Code Compliance by
Signatories or other International Standard.
24.1.4 In cases of Non-Conformity (whether with reporting obligations or otherwise), WADA

shall follow the corrective procedures set out in the International Standard for Code
Compliance by Signatories. If the Signatory or its delegate fails to correct the Non-
Conformities within the specified timeframe, then (following approval of such course
by WADA’s Executive Committee) WADA shall send a formal notice to the Signatory,
alleging that the Signatory is non-compliant, specifying the consequences that WADA
proposes should apply for such non-compliance from the list of potential consequences
set forth in Article 24.1.12, and specifying the conditions that WADA proposes the
Signatory should have to satisfy in order to be Reinstated to the list of Code-compliant
Signatories. That notice will be publicly reported in accordance with the
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.
24.1.5 If the Signatory does not dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance or the
consequences or Reinstatement conditions proposed by WADA within twenty-one days
of receipt of the formal notice, the non-compliance alleged will be deemed admitted
and the consequences and Reinstatement conditions proposed will be deemed
accepted, the notice will automatically become and will be issued by WADA as a final
decision, and (without prejudice to any appeal filed in accordance with Article 13.6)
it will be enforceable with immediate effect in accordance with Article 24.1.9. The
decision will be publicly reported as provided in the International Standard for Code
Compliance by Signatories or other International Standards.
24.1.6 If the Signatory wishes to dispute WADA’s allegation of non-compliance, and/or the
consequences and/or the Reinstatement conditions proposed by WADA, it must notify
WADA in writing within twenty-one days of its receipt of the notice from WADA. In
that event, WADA shall file a formal notice of dispute with CAS, and that dispute will
be resolved by the CAS Ordinary Arbitration Division in accordance with the
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories. WADA shall have the
burden of proving to the CAS Panel, on the balance of probabilities, that the Signatory
is non-compliant (if that is disputed). If the CAS Panel decides that WADA has met
that burden, and if the Signatory has also disputed the consequences and/or the
Reinstatement conditions proposed by WADA, the CAS Panel will also decide, by
116 [Comment to Article 24.1: Defined terms specific to Article 24.1 are set forth at the end of Appendix 1 to the Code.]

reference to the relevant provisions of the International Standard for Code
Compliance by Signatories: (a) what consequences should be imposed from the list of
potential consequences set out in Article 24.1.12 of the Code; and (b) what conditions
the Signatory should be required to satisfy in order to be Reinstated.
24.1.7 WADA will publicly report the fact that the case has been referred to CAS for
determination. Each of the following Persons shall have the right to intervene and
participate as a party in the case, provided it gives notice of its intervention within
ten days of such publication by WADA:
the International Olympic Committee and/or the International

Paralympic Committee (as applicable), and the National Olympic
Committee and/or the National Paralympic Committee (as applicable),
where the decision may have an effect in relation to the Olympic Games
or Paralympic Games (including decisions affecting eligibility to
attend/participate in the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games); and
an International Federation, where the decision may have an effect on

participation in the International Federation’s World Championships
and/or other International Events and/or on a bid that has been
submitted for a country to host the International Federation’s World
Championships and/or other International Events.
Any other Person wishing to participate as a party in the case must apply to CAS within
ten days of publication by WADA of the fact that the case has been referred to CAS for
determination. CAS shall permit such intervention (i) if all other parties in the case agree;
or (ii) if the applicant demonstrates a sufficient legal interest in the outcome of the case
to justify its participation as a party.
24.1.8 CAS’s decision resolving the dispute will be publicly reported by CAS and by WADA.
Subject to the right under Swiss law to challenge that decision before the Swiss
Federal Tribunal, the decision shall be final and enforceable with immediate effect in
accordance with Article 24.1.9.
24.1.9 Final decisions issued in accordance with Article 24.1.5 or Article 24.1.8, determining
that a Signatory is non-compliant, imposing consequences for such non-compliance,
and/or setting conditions that the Signatory has to satisfy in order to be Reinstated
to the list of Code-compliant Signatories, and decisions by CAS further to Article
24.1.10, are applicable worldwide, and shall be recognized, respected and given full
effect by all other Signatories in accordance with their authority and within their
respective spheres of responsibility.
24.1.10 If a Signatory wishes to dispute WADA’s allegation that the Signatory has not yet met
all of the Reinstatement conditions imposed on it and therefore is not yet entitled to
be Reinstated to the list of Code-compliant Signatories, the Signatory must advise
WADA in writing within twenty-one days of its receipt of the allegation from WADA.
In that event, WADA shall file a formal notice of dispute with CAS, and the dispute
will be resolved by the CAS Ordinary Arbitration Division in accordance with Articles
24.1.6 to 24.1.8. WADA shall have the burden to prove to the CAS Panel, on the
balance of probabilities, that the Signatory has not yet met all of the Reinstatement
conditions imposed on it and therefore is not yet entitled to be Reinstated. Subject
to the right under Swiss law to challenge CAS's decision before the Swiss Federal
Tribunal, CAS's decision shall be final and enforceable with immediate effect in
accordance with Article 24.1.9.

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24.1.11 The various requirements imposed on Signatories by the Code and the International
Standards shall be classified either as Critical, or as High Priority, or as General, in
accordance with the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories,
depending on their relative importance to the fight against doping in sport. That
classification shall be a key factor in determining what consequences should be
imposed in the event of non-compliance with such requirement(s), in accordance with
Article 10 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories. The
Signatory has the right to dispute the classification of the requirement, in which case
CAS will decide on the appropriate classification.
24.1.12 The following consequences may be imposed, individually or cumulatively, on a

Signatory that has failed to comply with the Code and/or the International Standards,
based on the particular facts and circumstances of the case at hand, and the provisions
of Article 10 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories:
Ineligibility or withdrawal of WADA privileges:
(a) in accordance with the relevant provisions of WADA’s Statutes, the

Signatory's Representatives being ruled ineligible for a specified period
to hold any WADA office or any position as a member of any WADA board
or committee or other body (including but not limited to WADA’s
Foundation Board, the Executive Committee, and any Standing
Committee) (although WADA may exceptionally permit Representatives
of the Signatory to remain as members of WADA expert groups where
there is no effective substitute available);
(b) the Signatory being ruled ineligible to host any event organized or
co-hosted or co-organized by WADA;
(c) the Signatory’s Representatives being ruled ineligible to participate

in any WADA Independent Observer Program or WADA Outreach program
or other WADA activities;
(d) withdrawal of WADA funding to the Signatory (whether direct or

indirect) relating to the development of specific activities or
participation in specific programs; and
(e) the Signatory’s Representatives being ruled ineligible for a specified

period to hold any office of or position as a member of the board or
committees or other bodies of any other Signatory (or its members) or
association of Signatories.
Special Monitoring of some or all of the Signatory's Anti-Doping

Activities, until WADA considers that the Signatory is in a position to
implement such Anti-Doping Activities in a compliant manner without
such monitoring.
Supervision and/or Takeover of some or all of the Signatory's Anti-

Doping Activities by an Approved Third Party, until WADA considers that
the Signatory is in a position to implement such Anti-Doping Activities
itself in a compliant manner without such measures.
(a) If the non-compliance involves non-compliant rules, regulations

and/or legislation, then the Anti-Doping Activities in issue shall be
conducted under other applicable rules (of one or more other Anti-
Doping Organizations, e.g., International Federations or National Anti-

Doping Organizations or Regional Anti-Doping Organizations) that are
compliant, as directed by WADA. In that case, while the Anti-Doping
Activities (including any Testing and Results Management) will be
administered by the Approved Third Party under and in accordance with
those other applicable rules at the cost of the non-compliant Signatory,
any costs incurred by the Anti-Doping Organizations as a result of the
use of their rules in this manner shall be reimbursed by the non-
compliant Signatory.
(b) If it is not possible to fill the gap in the Signatory’s Anti-Doping

Activities in this way (for example, because national legislation prohibits
it, and the National Anti-Doping Organization has not secured an
amendment to that legislation or other solution), then it may be
necessary as an alternative measure to exclude Athletes who would have
been covered by the Signatory's Anti-Doping Activities from
participating in the Olympic Games/Paralympic Games/other Events, in
order to protect the rights of clean Athletes and to preserve public
confidence in the integrity of competition at those events.
A Fine.
Suspension or loss of eligibility to receive some or all funding and/or

other benefits from the International Olympic Committee or the
International Paralympic Committee or any other Signatory for a
specified period (with or without the right to receive such funding
and/or other benefits for that period retrospectively following
Reinstatement).
Recommendation to the relevant public authorities to withhold some or

all public and/or other funding and/or other benefits from the Signatory
for a specified period (with or without the right to receive such funding
and/or other benefits for that period retrospectively following
Reinstatement).117
Where the Signatory is a National Anti-Doping Organization or a

National Olympic Committee acting as a National Anti-Doping
Organization, the Signatory’s country being ruled ineligible to host or
co-host and/or to be awarded the right to host or co-host an
International Event (e.g., Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, any other
Major Event Organization’s Event, World Championships, regional or
continental championships, and/or any other International Event):
(a) If the right to host or co-host a World Championship and/or other

International Event(s) has already been awarded to the country in
question, the Signatory that awarded that right must assess whether it
is legally and practically possible to withdraw that right and re-assign
the Event to another country. If it is legally and practically possible to
do so, then the Signatory shall do so.
117[Comment to Article 24.1.12.6: Public authorities are not Signatories to the Code. In accordance with Article 11(c) of the UNESCO
Convention, however, State Parties shall, where appropriate, withhold some or all financial or other sport-related support from any
sports organization or anti-doping organization that is not in compliance with the Code.]

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(b) Signatories shall ensure that they have due authority under their
statutes, rules and regulations, and/or hosting agreements, to comply
with this requirement (including a right in any hosting agreement to
cancel the agreement without penalty where the relevant country has
been ruled ineligible to host the Event).
Where the Signatory is a National Anti-Doping Organization or a

National Olympic Committee or a National Paralympic Committee,
exclusion of the following Persons from participation in or attendance
at the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games and/or other specified
Events, World Championships, regional or continental championships
and/or any other International Events for a specified period:
(a) the National Olympic Committee and/or the National Paralympic

Committee of the Signatory’s country;
(b) the Representatives of that country and/or of the National Olympic

Committee and/or the National Paralympic Committee of that country;
and/or
(c) the Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel affiliated to that country
and/or to the National Olympic Committee and/or to the National
Paralympic Committee and/or to the National Federation of that
country.
Where the Signatory is an International Federation, exclusion of the

following Persons from participation in or attendance at the Olympic
Games and the Paralympic Games and/or other Events for a specified
period: the Representatives of that International Federation and/or the
Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel participating in the
International Federation's sport (or in one or more disciplines of that
sport).
Where the Signatory is a Major Event Organization:
(a) Special Monitoring or Supervision or Takeover of the Major Event

Organization's Anti-Doping Activities at the next edition(s) of its Event;
and/or
(b) Suspension or loss of eligibility to receive funding and other benefits

from and/or the recognition/membership/patronage (as applicable) of
the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic
Committee, the Association of National Olympic Committees, or other
patron body; and/or
(c) loss of recognition of its Event as a qualifying event for the Olympic
Games or the Paralympic Games.
Suspension of recognition by the Olympic Movement and/or of

membership of the Paralympic Movement.
24.1.13 Other Consequences
Governments and Signatories and associations of Signatories may impose additional

consequences within their respective spheres of authority for non-compliance by

Signatories, provided that this does not compromise or restrict in any way the ability to
apply consequences in accordance with this Article 24.1.118
Monitoring Compliance with the UNESCO Convention
Compliance with the commitments reflected in the UNESCO Convention will be monitored as
determined by the Conference of Parties to the UNESCO Convention, following consultation with the
State Parties and WADA. WADA shall advise governments on the implementation of the Code by the
Signatories and shall advise Signatories on the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the
UNESCO Convention by governments.
ARTICLE 25 MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL

Modification
25.1.1 WADA shall be responsible for overseeing the evolution and improvement of the Code.
Athletes and other stakeholders and governments shall be invited to participate in
such process.
25.1.2 WADA shall initiate proposed amendments to the Code and shall ensure a consultative
process to both receive and respond to recommendations and to facilitate review and
feedback from Athletes and other stakeholders and governments on recommended
amendments.
25.1.3 Amendments to the Code shall, after appropriate consultation, be approved by a two-
thirds majority of the WADA Foundation Board including a majority of both the public
sector and Olympic Movement members casting votes. Amendments shall, unless
provided otherwise, go into effect three months after such approval.
25.1.4 Signatories shall modify their rules to incorporate the 2021 Code on or before 1
January 2021, to take effect on 1 January 2021. Signatories shall implement any
subsequent applicable amendment to the Code within one year of approval by the
WADA Foundation Board.119
Withdrawal of Acceptance of the Code
Signatories may withdraw acceptance of the Code after providing WADA six-months written notice of
their intent to withdraw. Signatories shall no longer be considered in compliance once acceptance
has been withdrawn.
118[Comment to Article 24.1.13: For example, the International Olympic Committee may decide to impose symbolic or other
consequences on an International Federation or a National Olympic Committee pursuant to the Olympic Charter, such as withdrawal of
eligibility to organize an International Olympic Committee Session or an Olympic Congress; while an International Federation may decide
to cancel International Events that were scheduled to be held in the country of a non-compliant Signatory, or move them to another
country.]
119[Comment to Articles 25.1.3 and 25.1.4: Under Article 25.1.3, new or changed obligations imposed on Signatories automatically go
into effect three months after approval unless provided otherwise. In contrast, Article 25.1.4 addresses new or changed obligations
imposed on Athletes or other Persons which can only be enforced against individual Athletes or other Persons by changes to the anti-
doping rules of the relevant Signatory (e.g., an International Federation). For that reason, Article 25.1.4 provides for a longer period of
time for each Signatory to conform its rules to the 2021 Code and take any necessary measures to ensure the appropriate Athletes and
other Persons are bound by the rules.]

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ARTICLE 26 INTERPRETATION OF THE CODE

26.1 The official text of the Code shall be maintained by WADA and shall be published in English and French.
In the event of any conflict between the English and French versions, the English version shall prevail.
26.2 The comments annotating various provisions of the Code shall be used to interpret the Code.
26.3 The Code shall be interpreted as an independent and autonomous text and not by reference to the
existing law or statutes of the Signatories or governments.
26.4 The headings used for the various Parts and Articles of the Code are for convenience only and shall
not be deemed part of the substance of the Code or to affect in any way the language of the provisions
to which they refer.
26.5 Where the term “days” is used in the Code or an International Standard, it shall mean calendar days
unless otherwise specified.
26.6 The Code shall not apply retroactively to matters pending before the date the Code is accepted by a
Signatory and implemented in its rules. However, pre-Code anti-doping rule violations would continue
to count as “First violations” or “Second violations” for purposes of determining sanctions under
Article 10 for subsequent post-Code violations.
26.7 The Purpose, Scope and Organization of the World Anti-Doping Program and the Code and Appendix
1, Definitions and Appendix 2, Examples of the Application of Article 10, shall be considered integral
parts of the Code.
ARTICLE 27 TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

General Application of the 2021 Code
The 2021 Code shall apply in full as of 1 January 2021 (the “Effective Date”).
Non-Retroactive except for Articles 10.9.4 and 17 or Unless Principle of “Lex Mitior” Applies
Any anti-doping rule violation case which is pending as of the Effective Date and any anti-doping rule
violation case brought after the Effective Date based on an anti-doping rule violation which occurred
prior to the Effective Date shall be governed by the substantive anti-doping rules in effect at the time
the alleged anti-doping rule violation occurred, and not by the substantive anti-doping rules set out
in this 2021 Code, unless the panel hearing the case determines the principle of “lex mitior”
appropriately applies under the circumstances of the case. For these purposes, the retrospective
periods in which prior violations can be considered for purposes of multiple violations under Article
10.9.4 and the statute of limitations set forth in Article 17 are procedural rules, not substantive rules,
and should be applied retroactively along with all of the other procedural rules in the 2021 Code
(provided, however, that Article 17 shall only be applied retroactively if the statute of limitation
period has not already expired by the Effective Date).
Application to Decisions Rendered Prior to the 2021 Code
With respect to cases where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule violation has been rendered
prior to the Effective Date, but the Athlete or other Person is still serving the period of Ineligibility
as of the Effective Date, the Athlete or other Person may apply to the Anti-Doping Organization which
had Results Management responsibility for the anti-doping rule violation to consider a reduction in
the period of Ineligibility in light of the 2021 Code. Such application must be made before the period
of Ineligibility has expired. The decision rendered by the Anti-Doping Organization may be appealed

pursuant to Article 13.2. The 2021 Code shall have no application to any anti-doping rule violation
case where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule violation has been rendered and the period of
Ineligibility has expired.
Multiple Violations Where the First Violation Occurs Prior to 1 January 2021
For purposes of assessing the period of Ineligibility for a second violation under Article 10.9.1, where
the sanction for the first violation was determined based on pre-2021 Code rules, the period of
Ineligibility which would have been assessed for that first violation had 2021 Code rules been
applicable, shall be applied.120
Additional Code Amendments
Any additional Code Amendments shall go into effect as provided in Article 27.1.
Changes to the Prohibited List
Changes to the Prohibited List and Technical Documents relating to substances on the Prohibited List
shall not, unless they specifically provide otherwise, be applied retroactively. As an exception,
however, when a Prohibited Substance has been removed from the Prohibited List, an Athlete or
other Person currently serving a period of Ineligibility on account of the formerly Prohibited Substance
may apply to the Anti-Doping Organization which had Results Management responsibility for the anti-
doping rule violation to consider a reduction in the period of Ineligibility in light of the removal of
the substance from the Prohibited List.
120[Comment to Article 27.4: Other than the situation described in Article 27.4, where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule
violation has been rendered prior to the existence of the Code or under the Code in force before the 2021 Code and the period of
Ineligibility imposed has been completely served, the 2021 Code may not be used to re-characterize the prior violation.]

APPENDIX 1
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS 121
ADAMS: The Anti-Doping Administration and Management System is a Web-based database management tool
for data entry, storage, sharing, and reporting designed to assist stakeholders and WADA in their anti-doping
operations in conjunction with data protection legislation.
Administration: Providing, supplying, supervising, facilitating, or otherwise participating in the Use or

Attempted Use by another Person of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method. However, this definition
shall not include the actions of bona fide medical personnel involving a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited
Method used for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or other acceptable justification and shall not include
actions involving Prohibited Substances which are not prohibited in Out-of-Competition Testing unless the
circumstances as a whole demonstrate that such Prohibited Substances are not intended for genuine and legal
therapeutic purposes or are intended to enhance sport performance.
Adverse Analytical Finding: A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory or other WADA-approved laboratory
that, consistent with the International Standard for Laboratories establishes in a Sample the presence of a
Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers or evidence of the Use of a Prohibited Method.
Adverse Passport Finding: A report identified as an Adverse Passport Finding as described in the applicable
Aggravating Circumstances: Circumstances involving, or actions by, an Athlete or other Person which may
justify the imposition of a period of Ineligibility greater than the standard sanction. Such circumstances and
actions shall include, but are not limited to: the Athlete or other Person Used or Possessed multiple Prohibited
Substances or Prohibited Methods, Used or Possessed a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method on multiple
occasions or committed multiple other anti-doping rule violations; a normal individual would be likely to enjoy
the performance-enhancing effects of the anti-doping rule violation(s) beyond the otherwise applicable period
of Ineligibility; the Athlete or Person engaged in deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid the detection or
adjudication of an anti-doping rule violation; or the Athlete or other Person engaged in Tampering during
Results Management or the hearing process. For the avoidance of doubt, the examples of circumstances and
conduct described herein are not exclusive and other similar circumstances or conduct may also justify the
imposition of a longer period of Ineligibility.
Anti-Doping Activities: Anti-doping Education and information, test distribution planning, maintenance of a
Registered Testing Pool, managing Athlete Biological Passports, conducting Testing, organizing analysis of
Samples, gathering of intelligence and conduct of investigations, processing of TUE applications, Results
Management, hearings, monitoring and enforcing compliance with any Consequences imposed, and all other
activities related to anti-doping to be carried out by or on behalf of an Anti-Doping Organization, as set out
in the Code and/or the International Standards.
Anti-Doping Organization: WADA or a Signatory that is responsible for adopting rules for initiating,
implementing or enforcing any part of the Doping Control process. This includes, for example, the
International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, other Major Event Organizations
that conduct Testing at their Events, International Federations, and National Anti-Doping Organizations.
Athlete: Any Person who competes in sport at the international level (as defined by each International
Federation) or the national level (as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization). An Anti-Doping
Organization has discretion to apply anti-doping rules to an Athlete who is neither an International-Level
Athlete nor a National-Level Athlete, and thus to bring them within the definition of “Athlete.” In relation to
Athletes who are neither International-Level nor National-Level Athletes, an Anti-Doping Organization may
elect to: conduct limited Testing or no Testing at all; analyze Samples for less than the full menu of Prohibited
121[Comment to Definitions: Defined terms shall include their plural and possessive forms, as well as those terms used as other parts of
speech.]

Appendix 1 Definitions
Substances; require limited or no whereabouts information; or not require advance TUEs. However, if an
Article 2.1, 2.3 or 2.5 anti-doping rule violation is committed by any Athlete over whom an Anti-Doping
Organization has elected to exercise its authority to test and who competes below the international or national
level, then the Consequences set forth in the Code must be applied. For purposes of Article 2.8 and Article
2.9 and for purposes of anti-doping information and Education, any Person who participates in sport under the
authority of any Signatory, government, or other sports organization accepting the Code is an Athlete.122
Athlete Biological Passport: The program and methods of gathering and collating data as described in the
International Standard for Testing and Investigations and International Standard for Laboratories.
Athlete Support Personnel: Any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff, official, medical, paramedical
personnel, parent or any other Person working with, treating or assisting an Athlete participating in or
preparing for sports competition.
Attempt: Purposely engaging in conduct that constitutes a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to
culminate in the commission of an anti-doping rule violation. Provided, however, there shall be no anti-doping
rule violation based solely on an Attempt to commit a violation if the Person renounces the Attempt prior to
it being discovered by a third party not involved in the Attempt.
Atypical Finding: A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory or other WADA-approved laboratory which
requires further investigation as provided by the International Standard for Laboratories or related Technical
Documents prior to the determination of an Adverse Analytical Finding.
Atypical Passport Finding: A report described as an Atypical Passport Finding as described in the applicable
CAS: The Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Code: The World Anti-Doping Code.
Competition: A single race, match, game or singular sport contest. For example, a basketball game or the
finals of the Olympic 100-meter race in athletics. For stage races and other sport contests where prizes are
awarded on a daily or other interim basis the distinction between a Competition and an Event will be as
provided in the rules of the applicable International Federation.
Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (“Consequences”): An Athlete’s or other Person’s violation of an

anti-doping rule may result in one or more of the following: (a) Disqualification means the Athlete’s results
in a particular Competition or Event are invalidated, with all resulting Consequences including forfeiture of
any medals, points and prizes; (b) Ineligibility means the Athlete or other Person is barred on account of an
anti-doping rule violation for a specified period of time from participating in any Competition or other activity
or funding as provided in Article 10.14; (c) Provisional Suspension means the Athlete or other Person is barred
temporarily from participating in any Competition or activity prior to the final decision at a hearing conducted
under Article 8; (d) Financial Consequences means a financial sanction imposed for an anti-doping rule
violation or to recover costs associated with an anti-doping rule violation; and (e) Public Disclosure means the
dissemination or distribution of information to the general public or Persons beyond those Persons entitled to
earlier notification in accordance with Article 14. Teams in Team Sports may also be subject to Consequences
as provided in Article 11.
122[Comment to Athlete: Individuals who participate in sport may fall in one of five categories: 1) International-Level Athlete, 2)
National-Level Athlete, 3) individuals who are not International- or National-Level Athletes but over whom the International Federation
or National Anti-Doping Organization has chosen to exercise authority, 4) Recreational Athlete, and 5) individuals over whom no
International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization has, or has chosen to, exercise authority. All International- or National-
Level Athletes are subject to the anti-doping rules of the Code, with the precise definitions of international and national level sport to
be set forth in the anti-doping rules of the International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations.]

Contaminated Product: A product that contains a Prohibited Substance that is not disclosed on the product
label or in information available in a reasonable Internet search.
Decision Limit: The value of the result for a threshold substance in a Sample, above which an Adverse
Analytical Finding shall be reported, as defined in the International Standard for Laboratories.
Delegated Third Party: Any Person to which an Anti-Doping Organization delegates any aspect of Doping
Control or anti-doping Education programs including, but not limited to, third parties or other Anti-Doping
Organizations that conduct Sample collection or other Doping Control services or anti-doping Educational
programs for the Anti-Doping Organization, or individuals serving as independent contractors who perform
Doping Control services for the Anti-Doping Organization (e.g., non-employee Doping Control officers or
chaperones). This definition does not include CAS.
Disqualification: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.
Doping Control: All steps and processes from test distribution planning through to ultimate disposition of any
appeal and the enforcement of Consequences, including all steps and processes in between, including but not
limited to, Testing, investigations, whereabouts, TUEs, Sample collection and handling, laboratory analysis,
Results Management, hearings and appeals, and investigations or proceedings relating to violations of Article
10.14 (Status During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension).
Education: The process of learning to instill values and develop behaviors that foster and protect the spirit of
sport, and to prevent intentional and unintentional doping.
Event: A series of individual Competitions conducted together under one ruling body (e.g., the Olympic Games,
World Championships of an International Federation, or Pan American Games).
Event Period: The time between the beginning and end of an Event, as established by the ruling body of the
Event.
Event Venues: Those venues so designated by the ruling body for the Event.
Fault: Fault is any breach of duty or any lack of care appropriate to a particular situation. Factors to be taken
into consideration in assessing an Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault include, for example, the
Athlete’s or other Person’s experience, whether the Athlete or other Person is a Protected Person, special
considerations such as impairment, the degree of risk that should have been perceived by the Athlete and the
level of care and investigation exercised by the Athlete in relation to what should have been the perceived
level of risk. In assessing the Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault, the circumstances considered must
be specific and relevant to explain the Athlete’s or other Person’s departure from the expected standard of
behavior. Thus, for example, the fact that an Athlete would lose the opportunity to earn large sums of money
during a period of Ineligibility, or the fact that the Athlete only has a short time left in a career, or the timing
of the sporting calendar, would not be relevant factors to be considered in reducing the period of Ineligibility
under Article 10.6.1 or 10.6.2.123
Financial Consequences: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.
In-Competition: The period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete
is scheduled to participate through the end of such Competition and the Sample collection process related to
such Competition. Provided, however, WADA may approve, for a particular sport, an alternative definition if
an International Federation provides a compelling justification that a different definition is necessary for its
123[Comment to Fault: The criteria for assessing an Athlete’s degree of Fault is the same under all Articles where Fault is to be
considered. However, under Article 10.6.2, no reduction of sanction is appropriate unless, when the degree of Fault is assessed, the
conclusion is that No Significant Fault or Negligence on the part of the Athlete or other Person was involved.]

sport; upon such approval by WADA, the alternative definition shall be followed by all Major Event
Organizations for that particular sport.124
Independent Observer Program: A team of observers and/or auditors, under the supervision of WADA, who
observe and provide guidance on the Doping Control process prior to or during certain Events and report on
their observations as part of WADA’s compliance monitoring program.
Individual Sport: Any sport that is not a Team Sport.
Ineligibility: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.
Institutional Independence: Hearing panels on appeal shall be fully independent institutionally from the Anti-
Doping Organization responsible for Results Management. They must therefore not in any way be administered
by, connected or subject to the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for Results Management.
International Event: An Event or Competition where the International Olympic Committee, the International
Paralympic Committee, an International Federation, a Major Event Organization, or another international
sport organization is the ruling body for the Event or appoints the technical officials for the Event.
International-Level Athlete: Athletes who compete in sport at the international level, as defined by each
International Federation, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.125
International Standard: A standard adopted by WADA in support of the Code. Compliance with an International
Standard (as opposed to another alternative standard, practice or procedure) shall be sufficient to conclude
that the procedures addressed by the International Standard were performed properly. International
Standards shall include any Technical Documents issued pursuant to the International Standard.
Major Event Organizations: The continental associations of National Olympic Committees and other
international multi-sport organizations that function as the ruling body for any continental, regional or other
International Event.
Marker: A compound, group of compounds or biological variable(s) that indicates the Use of a Prohibited
Substance or Prohibited Method.
Metabolite: Any substance produced by a biotransformation process.
Minimum Reporting Level: The estimated concentration of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolite(s) or
Marker(s) in a Sample below which WADA-accredited laboratories should not report that Sample as an Adverse
Analytical Finding.
Minor: A natural Person who has not reached the age of eighteen years.
National Anti-Doping Organization: The entity(ies) designated by each country as possessing the primary
authority and responsibility to adopt and implement anti-doping rules, direct the collection of Samples, the
management of test results, and the conduct of hearings at the national level. If this designation has not been
124[Comment to In-Competition: Having a universally accepted definition for In-Competition provides greater harmonization among
Athletes across all sports, eliminates or reduces confusion among Athletes about the relevant timeframe for In-Competition Testing,
avoids inadvertent Adverse Analytical Findings in between Competitions during an Event and assists in preventing any potential
performance enhancement benefits from substances prohibited Out-of-Competition being carried over to the Competition period.]
125[Comment to International-Level Athlete: Consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, the International
Federation is free to determine the criteria it will use to classify Athletes as International-Level Athletes, e.g., by ranking, by
participation in particular International Events, by type of license, etc. However, it must publish those criteria in clear and concise
form, so that Athletes are able to ascertain quickly and easily when they will become classified as International-Level Athletes. For
example, if the criteria include participation in certain International Events, then the International Federation must publish a list of
those International Events.]

made by the competent public authority(ies), the entity shall be the country’s National Olympic Committee
or its designee.
National Event: A sport Event or Competition involving International- or National-Level Athletes that is not
an International Event.
National-Level Athlete: Athletes who compete in sport at the national level, as defined by each National Anti-
Doping Organization, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
National Olympic Committee: The organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The term
National Olympic Committee shall also include the National Sport Confederation in those countries where the
National Sport Confederation assumes typical National Olympic Committee responsibilities in the anti-doping
area.
No Fault or Negligence: The Athlete or other Person’s establishing that he or she did not know or suspect, and
could not reasonably have known or suspected even with the exercise of utmost caution, that he or she had
Used or been administered the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method or otherwise violated an anti-doping
rule. Except in the case of a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, for any violation of Article 2.1, the
Athlete must also establish how the Prohibited Substance entered the Athlete’s system.
No Significant Fault or Negligence: The Athlete or other Person’s establishing that any Fault or negligence,
when viewed in the totality of the circumstances and taking into account the criteria for No Fault or
Negligence, was not significant in relationship to the anti-doping rule violation. Except in the case of a
Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, for any violation of Article 2.1, the Athlete must also establish how
the Prohibited Substance entered the Athlete’s system.
Operational Independence: This means that (1) board members, staff members, commission members,
consultants and officials of the Anti-Doping Organization with responsibility for Results Management or its
affiliates (e.g., member federation or confederation), as well as any Person involved in the investigation and
pre-adjudication of the matter cannot be appointed as members and/or clerks (to the extent that such clerk
is involved in the deliberation process and/or drafting of any decision) of hearing panels of that Anti-Doping
Organization with responsibility for Results Management and (2) hearing panels shall be in a position to
conduct the hearing and decision-making process without interference from the Anti-Doping Organization or
any third party. The objective is to ensure that members of the hearing panel or individuals otherwise involved
in the decision of the hearing panel, are not involved in the investigation of, or decisions to proceed with, the
case.
Out-of-Competition: Any period which is not In-Competition.
Participant: Any Athlete or Athlete Support Person.
Person: A natural Person or an organization or other entity.
Possession: The actual, physical Possession, or the constructive Possession (which shall be found only if the
Person has exclusive control or intends to exercise control over the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method
or the premises in which a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method exists); provided, however, that if the
Person does not have exclusive control over the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method or the premises in
which a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method exists, constructive Possession shall only be found if the
Person knew about the presence of the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method and intended to exercise
control over it. Provided, however, there shall be no anti-doping rule violation based solely on Possession if,
prior to receiving notification of any kind that the Person has committed an anti-doping rule violation, the
Person has taken concrete action demonstrating that the Person never intended to have Possession and has
renounced Possession by explicitly declaring it to an Anti-Doping Organization. Notwithstanding anything to

the contrary in this definition, the purchase (including by any electronic or other means) of a Prohibited
Substance or Prohibited Method constitutes Possession by the Person who makes the purchase.126
Prohibited List: The List identifying the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods.
Prohibited Method: Any method so described on the Prohibited List.
Prohibited Substance: Any substance, or class of substances, so described on the Prohibited List.
Protected Person: An Athlete or other natural Person who at the time of the anti-doping rule violation: (i) has
not reached the age of sixteen years; (ii) has not reached the age of eighteen years and is not included in any
Registered Testing Pool and has never competed in any International Event in an open category; or (iii) for
reasons other than age has been determined to lack legal capacity under applicable national legislation.127
Provisional Hearing: For purposes of Article 7.4.3, an expedited abbreviated hearing occurring prior to a
hearing under Article 8 that provides the Athlete with notice and an opportunity to be heard in either written
or oral form.128
Provisional Suspension: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.
Publicly Disclose: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.
Recreational Athlete: A natural Person who is so defined by the relevant National Anti-Doping Organization;
provided, however, the term shall not include any Person who, within the five years prior to committing any
anti-doping rule violation, has been an International-Level Athlete (as defined by each International
Federation consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations) or National-Level Athlete
(as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization consistent with the International Standard for Testing
and Investigations), has represented any country in an International Event in an open category or has been
included within any Registered Testing Pool or other whereabouts information pool maintained by any
International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization.129
Regional Anti-Doping Organization: A regional entity designated by member countries to coordinate and
manage delegated areas of their national anti-doping programs, which may include the adoption and
implementation of anti-doping rules, the planning and collection of Samples, the management of results, the
review of TUEs, the conduct of hearings, and the conduct of Educational programs at a regional level.
Registered Testing Pool: The pool of highest-priority Athletes established separately at the international level
by International Federations and at the national level by National Anti-Doping Organizations, who are subject
to focused In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing as part of that International Federation’s or
126[Comment to Possession: Under this definition, anabolic steroids found in an Athlete’s car would constitute a violation unless the
Athlete establishes that someone else used the car; in that event, the Anti-Doping Organization must establish that, even though the
Athlete did not have exclusive control over the car, the Athlete knew about the anabolic steroids and intended to have control over
them. Similarly, in the example of anabolic steroids found in a home medicine cabinet under the joint control of an Athlete and spouse,
the Anti-Doping Organization must establish that the Athlete knew the anabolic steroids were in the cabinet and that the Athlete
intended to exercise control over them. The act of purchasing a Prohibited Substance alone constitutes Possession, even where, for
example, the product does not arrive, is received by someone else, or is sent to a third party address.]
127[Comment to Protected Person: The Code treats Protected Persons differently than other Athletes or Persons in certain circumstances
based on the understanding that, below a certain age or intellectual capacity, an Athlete or other Person may not possess the mental
capacity to understand and appreciate the prohibitions against conduct contained in the Code. This would include, for example, a
Paralympic Athlete with a documented lack of legal capacity due to an intellectual impairment. The term “open category” is meant to
exclude competition that is limited to junior or age group categories.]
128[Comment to Provisional Hearing: A Provisional Hearing is only a preliminary proceeding which may not involve a full review of the
facts of the case. Following a Provisional Hearing, the Athlete remains entitled to a subsequent full hearing on the merits of the case.
By contrast, an “expedited hearing”, as that term is used in Article 7.4.3, is a full hearing on the merits conducted on an expedited time
schedule.]
129[Comment to Recreational Athlete: The term “open category” is meant to exclude competition that is limited to junior or age group
categories.]

National Anti-Doping Organization’s test distribution plan and therefore are required to provide whereabouts
information as provided in Article 5.5 and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.
Results Management: The process encompassing the timeframe between notification as per Article 5 of the
International Standard for Results Management, or in certain cases (e.g., Atypical Finding, Athlete Biological
Passport, whereabouts failure), such pre-notification steps expressly provided for in Article 5 of the
International Standard for Results Management, through the charge until the final resolution of the matter,
including the end of the hearing process at first instance or on appeal (if an appeal was lodged).
Sample or Specimen: Any biological material collected for the purposes of Doping Control.130
Signatories: Those entities accepting the Code and agreeing to implement the Code, as provided in Article 23.
Specified Method: See Article 4.2.2.
Specified Substance: See Article 4.2.2.
Strict Liability: The rule which provides that under Article 2.1 and Article 2.2, it is not necessary that intent,
Fault, negligence, or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated by the Anti-Doping Organization in
order to establish an anti-doping rule violation.
Substance of Abuse: See Article 4.2.3.
Substantial Assistance: For purposes of Article 10.7.1, a Person providing Substantial Assistance must: (1) fully
disclose in a signed written statement or recorded interview all information he or she possesses in relation to
anti-doping rule violations or other proceeding described in Article 10.7.1.1, and (2) fully cooperate with the
investigation and adjudication of any case or matter related to that information, including, for example,
presenting testimony at a hearing if requested to do so by an Anti-Doping Organization or hearing panel.
Further, the information provided must be credible and must comprise an important part of any case or
proceeding which is initiated or, if no case or proceeding is initiated, must have provided a sufficient basis on
which a case or proceeding could have been brought.
Tampering: Intentional conduct which subverts the Doping Control process but which would not otherwise be
included in the definition of Prohibited Methods. Tampering shall include, without limitation, offering or
accepting a bribe to perform or fail to perform an act, preventing the collection of a Sample, affecting or
making impossible the analysis of a Sample, falsifying documents submitted to an Anti-Doping Organization or
TUE committee or hearing panel, procuring false testimony from witnesses, committing any other fraudulent
act upon the Anti-Doping Organization or hearing body to affect Results Management or the imposition of
Consequences, and any other similar intentional interference or Attempted interference with any aspect of
Doping Control.131
Target Testing: Selection of specific Athletes for Testing based on criteria set forth in the International
Standard for Testing and Investigations.
130
[Comment to Sample or Specimen: It has sometimes been claimed that the collection of blood Samples violates the tenets of certain
religious or cultural groups. It has been determined that there is no basis for any such claim.]
131[Comment to Tampering: For example, this Article would prohibit altering identification numbers on a Doping Control form during
Testing, breaking the B bottle at the time of B Sample analysis, altering a Sample by the addition of a foreign substance, or intimidating
or attempting to intimidate a potential witness or a witness who has provided testimony or information in the Doping Control process.
Tampering includes misconduct which occurs during the Results Management and hearing process. See Article 10.9.3.3. However,
actions taken as part of a Person's legitimate defense to an anti-doping rule violation charge shall not be considered Tampering.
Offensive conduct towards a Doping Control official or other Person involved in Doping Control which does not otherwise constitute
Tampering shall be addressed in the disciplinary rules of sport organizations.]

Team Sport: A sport in which the substitution of players is permitted during a Competition.
Technical Document: A document adopted and published by WADA from time to time containing mandatory
technical requirements on specific anti-doping topics as set forth in an International Standard.
Testing: The parts of the Doping Control process involving test distribution planning, Sample collection,
Sample handling, and Sample transport to the laboratory.
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE): A Therapeutic Use Exemption allows an Athlete with a medical condition
to use a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, but only if the conditions set out in Article 4.4 and the
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions are met.
Trafficking: Selling, giving, transporting, sending, delivering or distributing (or Possessing for any such
purpose) a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method (either physically or by any electronic or other means)
by an Athlete, Athlete Support Person or any other Person subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping
Organization to any third party; provided, however, this definition shall not include the actions of bona fide
medical personnel involving a Prohibited Substance used for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or other
acceptable justification, and shall not include actions involving Prohibited Substances which are not prohibited
in Out-of-Competition Testing unless the circumstances as a whole demonstrate such Prohibited Substances
are not intended for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or are intended to enhance sport performance.
UNESCO Convention: The International Convention against Doping in Sport adopted by the 33rd session of the
UNESCO General Conference on 19 October 2005, including any and all amendments adopted by the States
Parties to the Convention and the Conference of Parties to the International Convention against Doping in
Sport.
Use: The utilization, application, ingestion, injection or consumption by any means whatsoever of any
Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.
WADA: The World Anti-Doping Agency.
Without Prejudice Agreement: For purposes of Articles 10.7.1.1 and 10.8.2, a written agreement between an
Anti-Doping Organization and an Athlete or other Person that allows the Athlete or other Person to provide
information to the Anti-Doping Organization in a defined time-limited setting with the understanding that, if
an agreement for Substantial Assistance or a case resolution agreement is not finalized, the information
provided by the Athlete or other Person in this particular setting may not be used by the Anti-Doping
Organization against the Athlete or other Person in any Results Management proceeding under the Code, and
that the information provided by the Anti-Doping Organization in this particular setting may not be used by
the Athlete or other Person against the Anti-Doping Organization in any Results Management proceeding under
the Code. Such an agreement shall not preclude the Anti-Doping Organization, Athlete or other Person from
using any information or evidence gathered from any source other than during the specific time-limited setting
described in the agreement.
DEFINITIONS SPECIFIC TO ARTICLE 24.1
Aggravating Factors: This term encompasses a deliberate attempt to circumvent or undermine the Code or
the International Standards and/or to corrupt the anti-doping system, an attempt to cover up non-compliance,
or any other form of bad faith on the part of the Signatory in question; a persistent refusal or failure by the
Signatory to make any reasonable effort to correct Non-Conformities that are notified to it by WADA; repeat
offending; and any other factor that aggravates the Signatory’s non-compliance.
Approved Third Party: One or more Anti-Doping Organizations and/or Delegated Third Parties selected or
approved by WADA, following consultation with the non-compliant Signatory, to Supervise or Takeover some
or all of that Signatory’s Anti-Doping Activities. As a last resort, if there is no other suitable body available,
then WADA may carry out this function itself.

Critical: A requirement that is considered to be Critical to the fight against doping in sport. See further Annex
A of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.
Fine: Payment by the Signatory of an amount that reflects the seriousness of the non-compliance/Aggravating
Factors, its duration, and the need to deter similar conduct in the future. In a case that does not involve non-
compliance with any Critical requirements, the Fine shall not exceed the lower of (a) 10% of the Signatory’s
total annual budgeted expenditure; and (b) US$100,000. The Fine will be applied by WADA to finance further
Code compliance monitoring activities and/or anti-doping Education and/or anti-doping research.
General: A requirement that is considered to be important to the fight against doping in sport but does not
fall into the categories of Critical or High Priority. See further Annex A of the International Standard for Code
Compliance by Signatories.
High Priority: A requirement that is considered to be High Priority but not Critical in the fight against doping
in sport. See further Annex A of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.
Non-Conformity: Where a Signatory is not complying with the Code and/or one or more International
Standards and/or any requirements imposed by the WADA Executive Committee, but the opportunities
provided in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories to correct the Non-
Conformity/Non-Conformities have not yet expired and so WADA has not yet formally alleged that the
Signatory is non-compliant.
Reinstatement: When a Signatory that was previously declared non-compliant with the Code and/or the
International Standards is determined to have corrected that non-compliance and to have met all of the other
conditions imposed in accordance with Article 11 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by
Signatories for Reinstatement of its name to the list of Code-compliant Signatories (and Reinstated shall be
interpreted accordingly).
Representatives: Officials, directors, officers, elected members, employees, and committee members of the
Signatory or other body in question, and also (in the case of a National Anti-Doping Organization or a National
Olympic Committee acting as a National Anti-Doping Organization) Representatives of the government of the
country of that National Anti-Doping Organization or National Olympic Committee.
Special Monitoring: Where, as part of the consequences imposed on a non-compliant Signatory, WADA applies
a system of specific and ongoing monitoring to some or all of the Signatory’s Anti-Doping Activities, to ensure
that the Signatory is carrying out those activities in a compliant manner.
Supervision: Where, as part of the consequences imposed on a non-compliant Signatory, an Approved Third
Party oversees and supervises the Signatory’s Anti-Doping Activities, as directed by WADA, at the Signatory’s
expense (and Supervise shall be interpreted accordingly). Where a Signatory has been declared non-compliant
and has not yet finalized a Supervision agreement with the Approved Third Party, that Signatory shall not
implement independently any Anti-Doping Activity in the area(s) that the Approved Third Party is to oversee
and supervise without the express prior written agreement of WADA.
Takeover: Where, as part of the consequences imposed on a non-compliant Signatory, an Approved Third
Party takes over all or some of the Signatory’s Anti-Doping Activities, as directed by WADA, at the Signatory’s
expense. Where a Signatory has been declared non-compliant and has not yet finalized a Takeover agreement
with the Approved Third Party, that Signatory shall not implement independently any Anti-Doping Activity in
the area(s) that the Approved Third Party is to take over without the express prior written agreement of
WADA.

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WORLD

World Anti-Doping Agency

Tel: +1 514 904 9232

2 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

PART ONE DOPING CONTROL .................................................................. 11

3 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

4 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

5 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

PART TWO EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ...................................................... 57

PART THREE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................. 61

6 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

PART FOUR ACCEPTANCE, COMPLIANCE, MODIFICATION AND INTERPRETATION ....... 76

APPENDIX 1 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................ 87

7 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

The World Anti-Doping Program

Level 1: The Code

Level 2: International Standards and Technical Documents

Level 3: Models of Best Practice and Guidelines

8 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

Models of Best Practice and Guidelines

9 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

• Ethics, fair play and honesty

• Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code

• Character and Education

• Fun and joy

• Dedication and commitment

• Respect for rules and laws

• Respect for self and other Participants

• Community and solidarity

The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true.

Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport.

10 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

12 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITION OF DOPING

ARTICLE 2 ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS

The following constitute anti-doping rule violations:

Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample

13 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method9

Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection by an Athlete

Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete

Possession of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method by an Athlete or Athlete Support Person

2.6.1 Possession by an Athlete In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited

14 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

establishes that the Possession is consistent with a Therapeutic Use Exemption

2.6.2 Possession by an Athlete Support Person In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance

Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking in any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method by an Athlete

Administration or Attempted Administration by an Athlete or Other Person to any Athlete In-

Complicity or Attempted Complicity by an Athlete or Other Person

Prohibited Association by an Athlete or Other Person

2.10.1 Association by an Athlete or other Person subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping

If subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, is serving a

If not subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, and

Is serving as a front or intermediary for an individual described in Article

15 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities

ARTICLE 3 PROOF OF DOPING

16 World Anti-Doping Code 2021

Methods of Establishing Facts and Presumptions