The list designates those substances and methods which are prohibited for athletes both in and out of competition, and it also lists certain substances which are banned in specific sports.
The list comes into force on 1st January 2020 but is released by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) a few months prior so that coaches and athletes are able to familiarise themselves with any substance or method that is prohibited. Athletes can receive bans if they are found to have prohibited substances within their body or to be found to have used prohibited methods whilst coaches can also be charged with anti-doping violations. WADA stresses that any individual who is in doubt in relation to any substance should seek the necessary advice.
An extensive research and updating process is undertaken before the list is published so that all relevant substances and methods can be included for the next year’s list, the list is available in English, French and Spanish. A substance or method will be added to the list if it meets two of the following three criteria:
- it has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance,
- it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes,
- or it violates the spirit of sport.
The aim of WADA and the respective list are to protect the integrity of sport and also to protect athletes worldwide.
You can read the WADA statement here.
And you can also access the 2020 list here.
