FIVB medical anti-doping regulations 2021
The 2021 edition, adopted on 31 December 2020 and in force from 1 January 2021; the anti-doping rules were rewritten on the basis of the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and delegation of implementation to a third party was recognised.
| Adoption | 31 December 2020 — FIVB Board of Administration |
| In force from | 1 January 2021 |
| Structure | Medical section + anti-doping rules aligned with the 2021 Code |
| Status | Superseded — replaced by the June 2023 version |
What are the FIVB Medical and Anti-Doping Regulations?
The Medical and Anti-Doping Regulations of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) bring two documents together in a single text: the medical rules for events — including the injury reporting procedure — and the anti-doping rules, which implement the World Anti-Doping Code in volleyball. The FIVB may delegate part or all of doping control to a third party such as the International Testing Agency (ITA), and hearings and results management to the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but responsibility for compliance remains its own.
About the January 2021 versionChanges from January 2017
Key changes from the previous version
- Alignment with the 2021 World Anti-Doping CodeOn 31 December 2020 the FIVB Board of Administration accepted the 2021 edition of the World Anti-Doping Code, and the volleyball rules were rewritten on that basis.
- Delegation of doping control to a third partyIt was made explicit that the FIVB may delegate any part of doping control or education to a third party, including the International Testing Agency (ITA), and entrust hearings and results management to the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport — subject to the proviso that responsibility for compliance remains with the FIVB.
- Independent nature of the anti-doping rulesIt was emphasised that these rules are distinct in nature from criminal and civil law and are not subject to national legal requirements and standards.
- Injury reporting procedureThe medical section governs the FIVB's procedure for the distribution and collection of injury report forms.
Who this document matters to
Every doping case involving a volleyball player is determined on the basis of this text. The decisive point in the defence: liability is strict, and establishing a violation requires no proof of intent, fault or negligence on the athlete's part. The medical regulations are likewise binding on the team physician and the federation at international events.