As the global, independent organization leading the movement for doping-free sport, one of our core activities is to monitor and enforce compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code (Code).
Code Signatories are responsible for the implementation of applicable Code provisions through policies, statutes, rules, regulations and programs according to their authority and jurisdiction.
WADA’s Compliance Strategy
WADA’s compliance activities are guided by its Compliance Strategy, endorsed by WADA’s Executive Committee in 2019. This Strategy articulates WADA’s vision that strong, Code-compliant anti-doping rules and programs applied and enforced consistently and effectively across all sports and all countries, enable clean athletes to have confidence that there is fair competition on a level playing field, and contribute to public confidence in the integrity of sport.
The implementation of the Compliance Strategy includes the publication of an annual Compliance Report, with the first edition published in 2019. The Compliance Report details risks, challenges and achievements per year using key performance indicators, with lessons learned leading into the development of an internal annual Compliance Plan to continually improve the Compliance Monitoring Program.
The Strategy’s ultimate goal is for Signatories to enhance their compliance maturity so that compliance with the Code becomes a 'business as usual' activity.
Governance of WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program
The groups and key documents included in the governance of WADA’s compliance monitoring program are:
- Compliance Taskforce
The Taskforce consists of an internal working group of WADA staff from different departments and offices whose activities are centralized and coordinated. If any non-conformity is identified, the Taskforce facilitates an open dialogue with the Signatory concerned and recommends corrective actions. Support and assistance are provided to help the Signatory address all non-conformities within an agreed timeframe.
- Compliance Review Committee (CRC)
The Compliance Review Committee (CRC) is an external, independent committee that provides advice, guidance and recommendations of WADA’s compliance activities. The CRC is involved in the process when a Signatory does not solve a non-conformity within the relevant timeframe. The CRC provides a recommendation to WADA’s Executive Committee to determine a Signatory’s non-compliance with the Code. The CRC also provides expert advice, recommendations and guidance to WADA’s Management, Executive Committee and Foundation Board on individual cases and compliance activities.
- Executive Committee
WADA’s Executive Committee is responsible for the final determination of Signatory non-compliance and the consequences applied following a recommendation of the CRC. If WADA’s allegation of non-compliance and/or consequences are disputed by a Signatory, non-compliance and applicable consequences are determined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- The International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS)
One of WADA’s eight international standards that complement the Code, the ISCCS was introduced in April 2018. It created a clear framework for WADA’s compliance activities and outlined the responsibilities and consequences applicable to Signatories.
The ISCCS enables WADA to prioritize its compliance monitoring activities based on the available resources within WADA and Signatories. WADA published its Prioritization Policy and Signatory Tiers to ensure its activities and the consequences for Signatories are clearly communicated.
- ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System
To ensure efficient and transparent compliance management, in 2016, WADA initiated the development of an ISO9001:2015 certified Code Compliance Monitoring Program. External auditors re-assess the compliance monitoring program’s certification annually .