About WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was created in 1999, after major doping scandals hit the world of sports. The independent international organization was created to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport around the world. WADA is governed and funded by both the sport movement (Olympic Movement) and governments of the world.

Visit the links below to learn more about WADA.

» WADA's History » WADA's Governance » WADA's Logo Story

The World Anti-Doping Code

The World Anti Doping Code, known as the Code, was created to ensure that athletes in all countries and all sports are subject to the same anti-doping rules and procedures, to ensure fairness. The Code works in conjunction with five International Standards that provide more technical guidance to anti-doping organizations.

To learn more about the Code and the five International Standards, visit the links below.

» The Code » International Standards

WADA's Activities

From setting anti-doping rules and standards, to educating athletes about the dangers of doping, to accrediting anti-doping laboratories, WADA's main activities reflect the importance of a comprehensive approach to the fight against doping in sport.

Definition of Doping

We often only think of doping as being the use of a prohibited (banned) substance, but breaking other anti-doping rules is also considered doping.

In the Code, doping is defined as breaking one or more anti-doping rule(s). This is also called an anti-doping rule violation.

Dangers of Doping

Not only is doping unethical and against the rules of sport, it can result in serious health consequences.

The Dangers of Doping Leaflet explains why doping is a concern beyond being against the rules of sport. The Leaflet presents the risks associated with using dietary/nutritional supplements, as well as the health consequences associated with steroids, EPO, stimulants, human growth hormone (hGH), masking agents, marijuana, and narcotics.

The leaflet is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. For other languages, consult the Other Languages section on the Web site.