Code Compliance Implementation and Maintenance

After the initial step of formally accepting the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) by signing a Code acceptance form, the Signatory must then determine how the Code is to be best implemented into its rules, regulations, and (where required) legislation to ensure compliance.

All draft anti-doping rules, regulations and/or (where required) legislation must be submitted to WADA for review, in either English or French, to assess their compliance with the Code.

Concerning anti-doping rules, WADA provides Model Rules to assist National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, National Olympic Committees and Major Event Organizations with this requirement.

From a compliance perspective, national legislation is not a mandatory requirement for Signatories. Anti-doping rules provide the necessary legal framework for Signatories to be compliant with the Code. However, Signatories who may be considering implementing the Code through national legislation should consult the Q&A resource titled “Implementing the World Anti-Doping Code through National Legislation”.

Concerning legislation, it is clear from the Code and International Standards that national anti-doping related legislation, when adopted, must be consistent with the Code. The reason for this is evident as, if there are inconsistencies between national legislation on the one hand, and anti-doping rules, regulations, or government decrees on the other, legislation will in principle take precedence over the latter. It is also clear from the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS) that it will neither be an excuse nor a mitigating factor for a National Anti-Doping Organization to claim that a non-conformity is caused by the act or omission of a governmental or public authority. For the reasons outlined above, WADA works closely with stakeholders in order to ensure that relevant legislation is compliant with the Code before it is adopted and enters into force.

In the framework of this monitoring activity, WADA has on many occasions in the past, issued Corrective Action Reports to National Anti-Doping Organizations where national legislation has been inconsistent with the Code and, in certain cases, National Anti-Doping Organizations were subsequently declared non-compliant as a result. The Compliance Review Committee (CRC) and WADA’s Executive Committee have consistently endorsed this approach when such cases have been brought to their attention in the framework of compliance procedures.

The next step is the implementation of anti-doping programs that are compliant with the Code and International Standards including:
 

  1. Anti-doping education and information
  2. Conducting testing   

     

    Test distribution planning

    Maintenance of Registered Testing Pools
    Managing Athlete Biological Passports
    Collecting samples from athletes
    Organizing the analysis of samples

     

  3. Gathering of intelligence and conducting investigations
  4. Processing of TUE applications
  5. Results Management
  6. Complying with data privacy requirements
  7. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with any consequences imposed on other Signatories

Signatories must also report on Code compliance to WADA, upon request, by:

  • Completing the Code Compliance Questionnaire (CCQ)
  • Responding to Information Requests or Mandatory Information Requests (MIRs)
  • Collaborating with WADA audits
  • Responding and addressing corrective actions provided by WADA
  • Providing any other documents, reports or data requested by WADA 

It is an integrated and sustainable program of self-assessment, monitoring, audits, management of risks and opportunities, and continual development. This evolutionary process is supported by WADA at all stages, with the objective that compliance becomes ‘business as usual’ for all Signatories.

Compliance Resources

Stakeholders worldwide have accepted the Code and have agreed to enforce the applicable provisions of the Code in their policies, statutes, rules and regulations and implement the respective anti-doping programs.

WADA offers:

  • Model Rules to help Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) with their regulatory obligations.
  • Resources to assist Signatories to understand their responsibilities and implement effective anti-doping programs. Technical documents, guidelines, templates and education tools are available on ADEL.
  • Workshops, symposia and webinars scheduled around key times to provide Signatories with tailored information and face-to-face access to compliance experts so that support is readily available and accessible
  • Ongoing advice and support to Signatories through WADA's Regional Offices and departments.