Anti-doping gets a 2015 update

Updates to the Code, which are reflected in the changes to the World Rowing Federation, FISA’s, rules include:

• The definition of an ‘international-level rower’ in anti-doping rules. This definition is particularly important with regards to TUEs (Therapeutic Use Exemptions), as a valid FISA approved TUE is now required for more events than in the past. In addition to competitors at the senior World Rowing Cups and World Rowing Championships, the Under-23 and Junior Championships will also require TUEs. Also indoor rowing World and Continental Championship competitors will be considered international-level rowers.
• Increased mutual recognition of TUEs between national anti-doping organisations and FISA.
• Longer periods of ineligibility for serious anti-doping rule violations from two to four years and more flexibility in sanctioning in certain specific circumstances.
• The statute of limitations has been extended to ten years instead of eight.
• Amendments to better reach athlete support personnel who are involved in doping. In addition, an athlete can be sanctioned for continuing to  be coached by  athlete support personnel sanctioned for committing an anti-doping rule violation.
• For whereabouts violations or filing failures, previously three filing failures or missed tests in 18 months meant an anti-doping rule violation. Now it is for a 12 month period.

The rule changes reflect the fact that national anti-doping organisations are now managing national doping cases. There is also increased cooperation between International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organisations in the sharing of data from testing and investigations.  .

For more information: WADA website.

The 2015 WADA prohibited substances list came into effect on 1 January 2015. The list specifies substances and methods prohibited in sport and is a mandatory document for all organisations that have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code.

The Prohibited List will continue to be offered as an iPhone app and is available on other mobile devices.

For the full list.