UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have released a short guide on the major changes included in the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code. The new Code will replace the 2015 version as of 1 January 2021.

The Code, along with the eight International Standards, protects athletes’ rights to participate in clean sport and ensure consistency in anti-doping programmes globally. Athletes, coaches, administrative staff at National Governing Bodies (NGBs), parents and everyone in sport should familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes. 

UKAD Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said, “The UK Anti-Doping Rules are the backbone of our mission to keep sport clean. We have developed the new Rules to ensure that we are able to meet the latest challenges threatening clean sport, and that athletes and the public can have confidence in clean competition.”

The new Rules come into effect in five months time, and UKAD will be working with athletes and sports to ensure everyone is aware of how the changes impact them and what they need to do.

Some of the new additions in the 2021 Code include:

• Engaging in fraudulent conduct (for example providing falsified documents) following an alleged ADRV will be treated as a separate offence and an additional ban can be applied
• Substances of Abuse: Shorter bans can be given for a certain group of substances when found in-competition if their use is determined to have been out-of-competition and unrelated to sports performance. There is recognition that taking these substances might be part of a wider substance misuse or addiction problem and a further reduction in the length of ban may be available if a substance misuse treatment programme is completed

Read and share the summary guide for more information on the major changes in the Code ahead of 1 January 2021.

Find the latest information, including a downloadable summary of the major changes for the UK Anti-Doping Rules here