World Anti-Doping Code 2021 Update

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has released a short guide on the major changes included in the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code. The new Code will replace the 2015 version as of 1 January 2021.

The Code, along with the eight International Standards, protects athletes’ rights to participate in clean sport and ensure consistency in anti-doping programmes globally.

Athletes, coaches, administrative staff at National Governing Bodies (NGBs), parents and everyone in sport should familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes.

Some of the new additions in the 2021 Code include:

• A new Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) has been added to protect those sharing information on doping in sport (whistleblowing). It will become an offence to either discourage the reporting of information or to retaliate against an individual for sharing information
• Bans can be increased by an additional two years where “aggravating circumstances” occur (for example using multiple banned substances.
• Engaging in fraudulent conduct (for example providing falsified documents) following an alleged ADRV will be treated as a separate offence and an additional ban can be applied
• Substances of Abuse: Shorter bans can be given for a certain group of substances when found in-competition if their use is determined to have been out-of-competition and unrelated to sports performance. There is recognition that taking these substances might be part of a wider substance misuse or addiction problem and a further reduction in the length of ban may be available if a substance misuse treatment programme is completed

You can read a copy of UKAD’s summary guide here. 

The full 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and 2021 Banned Substance List and can be viewed on The World Anti-Doping (Wada) website.  A summary of major modifications and explanatory notes regarding the banned substance list is also available here

To view the current rules introduced in 2015 and for more anti-doping information please visit our anti-doping page.