Yes. In order to ensure efficiency of the harmonized fight against doping in sport and fairness for the athletes, compliance with the Code is mandatory for signatories of the Code, as stated in Article 23.2.1 of the Code: “The signatories shall implement applicable Code provisions through policies, statutes, rules or regulations according to their authority and within their relevant spheres of responsibility.”

Yes, reporting to WADA on Code-compliance is mandatory. Article 23.4.2 of the Code states: “To facilitate monitoring, each Signatory shall report to WADA on its compliance with the Code every second year and shall explain reasons for non-compliance.”

The Code assigns WADA the responsibility of monitoring implementation of and compliance with the Code by its signatories. One way WADA achieves this is by closely monitoring doping cases and exercising its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for cases under the jurisdiction of organizations that have implemented the Code. WADA is also required to report formally on stakeholder compliance with the Code every two years.

WADA, through its Foundation Board, reports cases of non-compliance to its stakeholders, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who have jurisdiction to impose sanctions. The Olympic Charter was amended in 2003 to state that adoption of the Code by the Olympic Movement is mandatory, and only sports that are compliant can be included and remain in the program of the Olympic Games. Similarly, if a country does not ratify the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, it may also be subject to sanctions from the IOC and from other sports organizations, including losing the right to host major games.