Thu, August 06, 2020

UKAD publishes new UK Anti-Doping Rules for 2021

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has published new Anti-Doping Rules which will come into effect on 1st January 2021 in line with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code.

Some of the changes that will be introduced to the 2021 Rules include:

• Bans can be increased by an additional two years where “aggravating circumstances” exist, such as the use of multiple prohibited substances
• Fraudulent conduct such as submitting falsified documents, following an alleged ADRV will be treated as a separate offence and a further consecutive ban can be applied
• A new ADRV has been added to help whistle-blowers so that it will be an offence to discourage or retaliate against a whistle-blower
• Cocaine and marijuana use can result in shorter bans if used out-of-competition and is unrelated to sports performance.

UKAD chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said “The UK Anti-Doping Rules are the backbone of our mission to keep sport clean. They reflect the standards set out by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) in the Code, to make sure that athletes across the world are held to the same high standards. 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. In the five months until the new Rules come into effect, our job will be working with athletes and sports, so they are aware of how the changes impact them and what they need to do to make sure they are working to the Rules by the new year.”

The 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules can be adopted by any NGB. Most NGBs using the current UK Anti-Doping Rules will adopt the 2021 Rules automatically. However, an NGB may choose to adopt their respective International Federation’s rules, or draft their own bespoke rules, either of which must be approved by UKAD before they come into effect.

You can access the 2021 Rules here.