— Published on May 23, 2024

WADA issues new guidelines for major events

Communiqué

Montreal, May 22, 2024

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to release new Guidelines for major events (Guidelines). The Guidelines support the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards to better equip Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) when preparing and implementing anti-doping programs in preparation for a major event.

Although major event organizations have specific roles and responsibilities under the Code and the International Standards that are referenced in these Guidelines, please note that these may also be used by other ADOs and stakeholders to major single-sport Games, such as world, continental or regional championships.

Drawing on experience and best practices implemented during major Games, these Guidelines provide clear and practical solutions for preparing and implementing an anti-doping plan in the context of a major event. Developing an effective plan for major Games requiring ADOs to navigate numerous anti-doping areas, activities and requirements, references to the Code and International Standards have been integrated into the Guidelines, allowing the document to function as a centralized source containing all relevant information.

To support ADOs in preparation for the Games, WADA has produced multiple resources, including templates and checklists, several of which are mentioned in the first section of the document. Keeping in mind that every event faces different challenges, the document is designed to help stakeholders at all levels navigate the most practical way. The document is therefore divided into five sections:

  1. General overview of an anti-doping program at major events
  2. Planning an anti-doping program for your major events
  3. Implementation period before the Games
  4. Implementation period during the Games
  5. Program sustainability

WADA will host a webinar to provide its partners with a more detailed overview of these new Guidelines in the coming months.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Guidelines for Major Events, we invite you to contact the Sports Movement Relations department at sportrelations@wada-ama.org.