WADA Prepares to Shape Future of Anti-Doping in Sport

Over 1,000 representatives convene at Fourth World Conference to ratify 2015 Code

WADA unveils new initiatives designed to tackle doping in sport

The global anti-doping community will descend on Johannesburg, South Africa today to join leading figures from the world of sport and government in helping shape the future of anti-doping in sport.

The Fourth World Conference on Doping in Sport, which runs from November 12 – 15, will mark a major milestone in the strengthening of global efforts to combat doping in sport through the approval of the revised World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards.

Organized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and hosted by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and the City of Johannesburg, the World Conference will see over 1,000 representatives of public authorities, the sport movement, the anti-doping community, athletes, observers and media convene to review the major advances made in the fight against doping, and to discuss future strategy.

The main focus for the Conference will be the approval of the revised World Anti-Doping Code and four accompanying International Standards. The Code – which was adopted by the sport movement and governments in 2003 - is the core document that harmonizes regulations regarding anti-doping across sports and countries all over the world. Following its approval in Johannesburg, the Code will be implemented by signatories in 2014 before taking effect on January 1, 2015.

“Doping has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest threats that we face in sport,” said WADA President John Fahey. “Since WADA was formed 14 years ago, we have made huge strides to tackle the scourge of doping, yet today we still face challenges on a number of fronts.

“It is these challenges, and the strategies needed to combat them, that we will discuss over the course of the next four days in Johannesburg. As a community, we can now look forward to helping shape the very future of anti-doping in sport through the approval of what I believe will be the most effective response to tackling this issue yet - the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code.”

The importance of the Conference will be bolstered by the announcement from WADA of some new initiatives, aimed at tackling doping in sport.

Steroidal Module

WADA President John Fahey today announced the launch of the Steroidal Module for the Athlete Biological Passport. The Steroidal Module tests an athlete’s urine sample to observe unique steroidal variables such as testosterone, therefore making it a useful technique in spotting athlete abuse of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. The Steroidal Module joins the Haematological Module to complement the Athlete Biological Passport which, overall, aims to identify athletes for further target testing in addition to assisting detection of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs).

University Project

In collaboration with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and Gwangju 2015 Universiade Organizing Committee, WADA has developed an eTextbook and teaching material for first year university students.  The anti-doping etextbook is part of an initiative to deliver a full ‘model curriculum’ for university academic staff to educate future practitioners, athletes, coaches and all leaders of sport, on the dangers of doping in sport and their role in combatting the issue.

Rules to be matched by practice

Enhancements will be made to rules and processes to assist signatories with the implementation of more effective and intelligent anti-doping programs moving forward.

WADA will then be responsible for an effective monitoring process once the Code and International Standards have been approved. The compliance and monitoring process will be approved by the Foundation Board in May 2014.

WADA Whereabouts App for smartphones

WADA can confirm that it will launch its free Whereabouts app for smartphones at the end of the month. The app, which will be available for iPhone and Android devices, will be of particular interest to those athletes in a registered testing pool who have specific anti-doping responsibilities regarding the provision of whereabouts information to support out-of-competition testing.

Using their smartphone, athletes can enter, check, change and submit their whereabouts details at any time with just a few clicks. Using mobile notifications, it also helps the athletes to remember their obligations to submit whereabouts, including the relevant deadlines to do so.

“The app provides athletes with an easy, accessible way to report their whereabouts and remain in observance of the relevant regulations, thereby demonstrating their commitment to clean sport,” said WADA Director General David Howman. “Everyone benefits from this efficient solution, and we are pleased to offer the app.”

The World Conference will officially begin this evening with the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner, which is being generously hosted by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA). The first full day of the Conference (Wednesday, November 13) will commence with sessions examining the World Anti-Doping Code Review process, which will include Intervention opportunities for both the Sport Movement and Public Authorities. This will continue on the Thursday morning (November 14) before dedicated International Standard Review sessions take place. These will include the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (IPPI) and International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

On the final day of the Conference (Friday, November 15), the Conference Conclusions and Resolution will be discussed, shortly before the WADA President John Fahey formally closes proceedings at the Closing Ceremony.

In addition, WADA’s decision-making bodies— the Executive Committee and Foundation Board—will hold their annual November meetings in Johannesburg.

The WADA Executive Committee will meet on November 12 to consider a number of significant items for action, including:

Revised World Anti-Doping Code: The Executive Committee will discuss the draft revised Code (version 4.0) that was published on October 18. This meeting takes place in advance of the November 15 Foundation Board meeting where the revised Code will be approved.

Revised International Standards: The Committee will consider the revisions to the International Standards.

Code Compliance Reporting: The Executive Committee will discuss strategies for the monitoring of stakeholder compliance with the Code.

Social Science Research: Following recommendations made by the Education Committee and approval by the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board will confirm grants and the successful research project applications

The WADA Foundation Board will meet twice on November 15, at 09.30 and 14.00.

At the 09.30 meeting, the WADA Foundation Board will, upon recommendation from the WADA Executive Committee, approve the Revised World Anti-Doping Code.

At the 14.00 meeting, the WADA Foundation Board will make several important decisions relating to:

New Leadership: Election of the next WADA President and Vice President will be given, whose terms begin on January 1, 2014.

New Membership: As is consistent with the agenda for the Foundation Board’s annual November meeting, the Board will appoint the 2014 Executive Committee, and      approve the 2014 Foundation Board and Standing Committee memberships.

Budget: The Foundation Board will approve the 2014 Budget, as recommended by the Executive Committee