The CCES Completes Second Phase of 2021 World Anti-Doping Code Review

(Ottawa, Ontario – October 31, 2018) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) has submitted feedback to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on the first draft of the 2021 Code and the International Standards to complete the second phase of the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code review.

The CCES is grateful to those who provided feedback and appreciate the ongoing commitment to the fight against doping. All responses and comments submitted to the CCES were analyzed and considered as part of Canada’s submission to WADA. The following comments on the 2021 Code draft and three International Standards were submitted on September 14, 2018:

The CCES commends WADA on the revisions of the first draft of the Code and is supportive of the majority of changes, however, we remain concerned about the following:

  • The current wording of the Presence violation makes it possible for an athlete to receive an anti-doping rule violation if a prohibited substance is present in their sample despite the prohibited substance having never been in their body at a time when it was prohibited. The CCES believes that if an athlete can prove the substance was never present in their body, despite it being detected in their sample, they should not receive an anti-doping rule violation. (Article 2.1)
  • In the case of a Presence violation, proof of the source of the prohibited substance should be required when evaluating the athlete’s intent. Without an accurate understanding of what has occurred and, critically, how the substance entered the athlete’s body, it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately evaluate the athlete’s state of knowledge regarding intent. (Article 10.2.3)
  • The CCES has identified the need for a requirement for athletes to be subject to a robust anti-doping program for 12 months prior to participating in international sport competition. 
  • The CCES has identified the need for a clause that reflects the need to have all sanctions be proportionate to the violation committed and not to exceed what is required to achieve a justifiable aim.

This marks the end of the second phase of consultation for the development of the 2021 Code and the first for the International Standards. In the next phase, WADA will provide the second draft of the Code and first drafts of the International Standards.

The Code is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations across sport organizations and public authorities around the world. It is a living document that is reviewed through a consultation process every six years. The Code works in conjunction with the six International Standards aimed at bringing harmonization among anti-doping organizations in various technical areas.

Upcoming milestones in the 2021 Code review process:
  • December 2018: WADA to provide the second draft of the Code, first draft of the International Standards and will release the new International Standard for Results Management (ISRMA).
  • November 2019: Final 2021 World Anti-Doping Program (Code and International Standards) will be revealed.
  • 2020: Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) revision process.
  • January 1, 2021: The 2021 Code, International Standards and CADP come into effect.
Previous advisory notes regarding the 2021 Code review:
About the CCES

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to making sport better by working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

For further information, please contact:

+1 613-521-3340 x3233
[email protected]