General·International Regulations·WADA
2009 World Anti-Doping Code
- In force from
- 2009/01/01
The first revision of the Code, in force from 1 January 2009; it introduced the concept of "aggravating circumstances" into the sanctions regime and strengthened the position of education.
| In force from | 1 January 2009 |
| Publication | World Anti-Doping Agency — 2009 edition |
| Structure | Code, 2009 edition |
| Status | Superseded — replaced by the 2015 edition |
What is the World Anti-Doping Code?
The World Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code) is the foundational document of the global anti-doping system: it defines anti-doping rule violations, sets the burden and standard of proof, sets out sanctions and the conditions for reducing and increasing them, and organises the procedure for results management, hearings and appeals. All International Federations, National Olympic Committees and National Anti-Doping Organisations that have accepted it are required to bring their own rules into line with it; the International Standards — from the Prohibited List to testing, therapeutic use exemptions, results management, education and privacy — determine the technical detail of its implementation.
About the 2009 editionChanges from the 2003 edition
Key changes from the previous edition
- Aggravating circumstancesFor the first time, it was provided that where aggravating circumstances exist — such as organised doping or the use of multiple prohibited substances — the period of ineligibility may be set above the ordinary maximum. This concept did not exist in the 2003 edition.
- Strengthened position of educationReferences to education and prevention in the text more than doubled, and education moved closer from a recommendation to part of the obligations of those accepting the Code.
- Flexibility in determining sanctionsThe mechanisms for reducing and suspending sanctions — including where there has been substantial assistance in discovering violations by others — were set out in greater detail.
Who this document matters to
Every athlete doping case, in any sport, ultimately comes back to this text; the anti-doping rules of the world federations are nothing other than the implementation of this Code in that sport. Three points are decisive in a defence: liability in doping is strict, and proof of intent or fault is not required; the burden of proof and its standard are defined in the Code itself and are not the same as criminal standards; and each case is governed by the edition that was in force at the time the violation occurred, unless a later edition is more favourable to the accused.