UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2021
The current edition of the anti-doping rules for wrestling, aligned with the 2021 edition of the World Anti-Doping Code; the text was entirely rewritten and administration of the anti-doping programme was entrusted to the International Testing Agency.
| Publication | United World Wrestling — 2021 edition |
| Structure | 14 main articles together with definitions and annexes (66 pages) |
| Status | Current edition — the anti-doping rules governing wrestling |
What are the Anti-Doping Rules in wrestling?
The United World Wrestling (UWW) Anti-Doping Rules are the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code in the sport of wrestling: they define anti-doping rule violations, regulate responsibilities and the procedure for sample collection, initial review and provisional suspension, guarantee the right to a fair hearing and notification of the decision, and set out the route of appeal. Administration and implementation of the federation's anti-doping programme has been entrusted to the International Testing Agency (ITA).
About the 2021 editionChanges from the 2015 edition
Key changes from the previous edition
- Complete rewrite on the basis of the 2021 CodeThe text was rewritten from the ground up to align with the 2021 edition of the World Anti-Doping Code; the document reached 66 pages and its structure changed to numbered articles running from the definition of doping to confidentiality and reporting.
- Delegation of implementation to the International Testing AgencyAdministration and implementation of the federation's anti-doping programme was delegated to the International Testing Agency (ITA), and its role and responsibility were stated expressly in the text.
- Express statement of strict liabilityThe text expressly provides that establishing a violation does not require proof of intent, fault, negligence or knowing use on the part of the athlete.
- Elaboration of the procedural rulesSeparate sections were devoted to responsibilities, initial review, notification and provisional suspension, the right to a fair hearing and notification of the decision, appeals, and confidentiality and reporting.
Who this document matters to
Every doping case involving a wrestler is determined on the basis of this text. Two points matter to the defence: liability in doping is strict and establishing a violation does not require proof of the athlete's intent or fault, and the procedural time limits — from challenging a provisional suspension to requesting a hearing — are short. The final appellate authority is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).