November 20/07 4:46 am - WADA Changes to Affect Canadian Anti-Doping Program

Posted by Editor on 11/20/07
 

WADA Changes to Affect Canadian Anti-Doping Program
Courtesy SIRC

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adopted the revised World Anti-Doping Code last weekend during the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Madrid, Spain. The 2007 Code represents an intensification of the fight against doping in sport and reflects a maturing approach to anti-doping, applying the lessons learned since the 2003 Code was adopted by a large number of countries and sport governing bodies. In the same spirit, the Code will continue to evolve as stakeholders share their experience with its implementation.

Major shifts include:

• Mandatory education;
• More focus on investigations to catch doping activity;
• Proof of doping expanded to include testimony, evidence, or sample profiling;
• Stronger sanctions for certain kinds of doping based on aggravated circumstances;
• Prohibited List emphasizes steroids, hormones, and some stimulants;
• Most other substances become "specified substances" which are generally available in medicinal products or are less likely to be abused as doping agents.

"The Government of Canada is dedicated to protecting the integrity and spirit of sport to ensure that athletes at all levels compete on a fair and level playing field," said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport). "Canada has supported the World Anti-Doping Agency since its inception and its important leadership role in harmonizing the fight against doping around the world."

"Overall, the CCES supports the changes to the Code," said Paul Melia, CCES President and CEO, "especially with the new emphasis on education and investigations. As our detection systems become more efficient worldwide, it's time to throw the net wider. The ultimate goal of our education strategy is to reach younger athletes with the tools to help them make the right decisions, and to strike at the root causes of doping, many of which are found in our community sport activities across the country."

With the adoption of the revised Code, the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) will need to be updated to remain in compliance. The CCES plans to engage the Canadian sport community throughout 2008 to ensure stakeholders' expertise and input is built into the new CADP. There will be an adoption phase during the last three months of 2008, during which time all funded and recognized National Sport Organizations will be required to adopt the new CADP before it officially comes into force on January 1, 2009. Further information about the stages and timing of the consultation will be released soon.