Compliance Monitoring Program

The Compliance Monitoring Program is made up of the following components:

  • Rules review: WADA has the duty to constantly monitor Signatory anti-doping rules, regulations and legislation (when applicable) to ensure that they are in line with the Code and the relevant International Standards.
  • Code Compliance Questionnaire (CCQ): This online self-assessment tool enables Signatories to measure their compliance with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards. Signatories must provide answers and supporting data related to: 
    • Signatory’s governance
    • ADAMS
    • Budgeting and reporting
    • Testing and investigations
    • Results Management
    • Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
    • Education
    • Privacy

Due to their comprehensive nature, CCQs for National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and International Federations (IFs) usually follow the amendments to the Code and International Standards. The first CCQ, in 2017, measured compliance with the 2015 Code. The next CCQ for NADOs and IFs is planned for 2022-2023 to assess the implementation of the 2021 Code and International Standards. Major Event Organizations (MEOs) receive a tailored CCQ to assess their compliance in the lead up to their Major Event, with any shortfalls identified and corrected prior to the event. CCQs are also issued to new Signatories to ensure their anti-doping program meets the minimum mandatory requirements.

  • Audits: Audits are conducted by trained individuals from WADA and external anti-doping experts. A key component of an audit is the collaborative approach between the audit team and the Signatory. WADA’s audits are technical in nature and assess the compliance of the audited Signatory with the Code and International Standards. They focus on the compliance of the anti-doping program specifically at the time of the audit. WADA maintains a list of all audits conducted.
  • Continuous Monitoring Program: WADA’s Continuous Monitoring Program complements the CCQ and audits and monitors critical anti-doping activities, such as:
    • Doping Control Forms (DCFs) in ADAMS
    • TUE management
    • Results Management processes and decisions
    • Testing activity, including the implementation of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) Program, sample delivery delays, out-of-competition testing programs and Registered Testing Pools (RTPs)

Continuous monitoring is designed to bridge the gap between CCQs and ensures that improvements identified and implemented by Signatories are maintained over time.

  • WADA may issue Information Requests or Mandatory Information Requests (MIRs) to Signatories to receive additional information on any anti-doping matter which raises concerns from a Code compliance perspective.
  • WADA also uses other sources of information to monitor and assess the quality of anti-doping programs and their subsequent compliance with the Code and International Standards, such as:
    • ADAMS
    • The Agency’s results management database
    • Investigations
    • Any other intelligence received to monitor Signatories’ compliance with the Code, including from WADA’s Compliance Investigation Section