The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2020 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. Broken down into several categories, the List identifies which substances and methods are prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition and occasionally by specific sport.
The list is released several months ahead of it taking effect on Wednesday 1st January 2020, so that athletes and coaches can acquaint themselves with any modifications. Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and prohibited methods found to have been used. Athlete support personnel are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit.
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said: “WADA is pleased to announce the publication of the 2020 Prohibited List. Updated annually, the list undergoes an extensive consultation period with a wide array of anti-doping stakeholders from around the globe. This is a very comprehensive process which aims to ensure that new substances and methods with doping potential – which are either currently on the market or in some cases still in clinical development – are included in the list. This helps us to protect not only the integrity of sport, but the health of athletes worldwide.”
If you’re in any doubt about any medications or their ingredients, you can check them on the Global DRO website. Supplements can be checked on the Informed Sport website, but please be aware this only minimises the risk, no guarantee can be given that any particular supplement is free from prohibited substances.
The 2020 List and summary of changes from 2019 are available below, however if you’re still uncertain contact substanceenquiry@ukad.org.uk or British Swimming's Anti-Doping Compliance Manager Rachel Burrows.
- WADA 2020 Prohibited List
- WADA 2020 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes
- WADA 2020 Monitoring Program
For more information please visit the WADA website here.