The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) this week published its 2018 list of prohibited substances and methods, which details what substances are banned in particular sports for the coming athletic year.
The world’s leading anti-doping organization, WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency which performs scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities and monitors the World Anti-Doping Code, which outlines anti-doping policies in sports all over the world.
“WADA is pleased to publish the 2018 Prohibited List,” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie. “Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders — in particular athletes and their entourage — have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the document and its modifications. It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the List; and that, they contact their respective anti-doping organizations (ADOs) if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method.”
The list can be viewed here: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/prohibited_list_2018_en.pdf
“Annually, the Prohibited List review involves a very extensive stakeholder consultation process over the course of nine months,” said Director General, Olivier Niggli. “In reviewing the List, experts examine such sources as: scientific and medical research; trends; and, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in order to stay ahead of those that endeavor to cheat the system.”
It should be noted that, for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they may be accommodated if they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE process has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.
World Anti-Doping Agency press release
Editor’s Note: Sir Craig Reedie was the recipient of the United States Sports Academy’s 2016 Eagle Award, given annually to a world leader in sport to recognize that individual’s contributions to promoting international harmony, peace and goodwill through the effective use of sport. The recipient must have tempered strength with keen judgment in using authority wisely as a means of bringing nations together through sport for the betterment of mankind.