WADA publishes revised TDSSA that will come into force on 1 January 2025

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish version 10.0 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), which will enter into force on 1 January 2025. The revised TDSSA was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) on 12 September 2024. 

The TDSSA is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) that are Signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. The TDSSA is intended to ensure that the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA are subject to an appropriate and consistent minimum level of analysis (MLA) by all ADOs that conduct testing in those sports or disciplines deemed at risk. 

To ensure the TDSSA remains fit for purpose, WADA’s Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group (STEAG) conducts an annual review of this Technical Document. 

Modifications to TDSSA version 9.0 

A summary of modifications to the TDSSA version 9.0 can be found here and the redlined version of the TDSSA version 10.0 can be found here. The Guidelines for Implementing the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA Guidelines) that support version 10.0 of the TDSSA have also been updated.   

Application for Flexibility 

ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), “an ADO may apply to WADA for flexibility in the implementation of the MLA specified for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as outlined in the TDSSA.” ADOs can apply for flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of the MLAs against set criteria listed in Articles 3 and 6 of the TDSSA. 

TDSSA Testing Guides 

Information on the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and relevant guidance on testing strategies are provided within the TDSSA Testing Guides. A Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is also available. ADO staff involved in test planning and target testing of athletes are advised to be familiar with these Testing Guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA directly at testing@wada-ama.org. 

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA version 10.0 or the application for flexibility, we invite you to contact testing@wada-ama.org.