WADA launches stakeholder consultation process regarding development of an International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories

Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) launches, and invites stakeholders to participate in, a consultation process regarding:

1. review of a limited number of World Anti-Doping Code (Code) articles related to Code compliance; and
2. a new International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS).  

[Note: These documents are available in English only.]

On 18 May 2017, WADA’s Foundation Board approved development of a framework that outlines:

• Code Signatories’ rights and responsibilities;
• the ways WADA supports Signatories in achieving and maintaining Code compliance;
• a range of graded, proportionate and predictable consequences that could be levied in situations of non-compliance with the Code by a Signatory; and
• a process whereby the consequences can be imposed by an independent tribunal.

Development of this framework necessitates amendment to a limited number of Code provisions related to compliance; and, development of an ISCCS.  In keeping with article 23.7 of the Code, WADA is initiating the consultation process to receive and respond to recommendations; and, to facilitate review and feedback from athletes and other stakeholders – all with the view to seeking Board approval in November 2017 and the changes entering into effect in early 2018.

“WADA believes that this framework responds to the appeal by athletes and other stakeholders for a clear and transparent procedure, which, once enacted, will hold Signatories to a similar high standard for ensuring clean sport as athletes are today,” said Sir Craig Reedie, President, WADA.  “Of course, while this framework could ultimately result in sanctioning sports and nations for non-compliance; as the Leader of Clean Sport, WADA’s focus will continue to be one of ensuring compliance.”

The consultation process will be overseen by WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) with updates to, and approvals by, the WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board at relevant milestones.

To submit comments via WADAConnect

For this first phase, we would ask you to propose recommendations no later than 31 July 2017 via WADAConnect, the Agency’s online consultation platform. 

Easy to use, WADAConnect will prompt you to create a user account and input your comments regarding aspects of the Code review and/or the ISCCS that are of particular interest to you.

For more information related to WADAConnect, please refer to the simple user guide.

In terms of the broader consultation timeline, starting 1 August 2017, second drafts will be developed based off of stakeholder feedback.  Then, on 1 September, stakeholders will be solicited once again for the second consultation phase that will run through 14 October.  If, following review of those comments, it appears that there is sufficient consensus to proceed without a further round of formal consultation; third drafts will be developed for circulation to WADA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board on 31 October prior to being presented to the Committee and Board for approval on 15 and 16 November respectively. 

Stakeholders are asked, to the extent possible, to draw on practical experiences and propose recommendations that would benefit the fight for clean sport worldwide.

Please note that, in the interest of transparency, WADA will publish all comments on its website at the end of each phase of the consultation process; and, stakeholder credentials -- such as user name, organization and organization type -- will be posted along with the comments unless WADA is otherwise notified. 

For more information, please visit the Code/International Standard review section of our website and/or the attached following Backgrounder.

Post-script:

It is also worth noting that, in November 2017, the Board will consider a third comprehensive revision process of the Code – the scope of which will be discussed at that time. In addition to the above-noted amendments concerning compliance, the review would take into account other recommendations, including those that emerged from the November 2016 Board related to WADA’s governance and creation of the Independent Testing Authority (ITA).  This broader review would also require stakeholder consultation, which would culminate with approval and acceptance at the next World Conference on Doping in Sport in November 2019.