To promote a level playing field in international sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) initiated the World Anti-Doping Program in 2000. Acceptance and implementation of the program is a requirement for sports and countries to participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, world championships, and other major games. The World Anti-Doping Program encompasses all of the elements needed to ensure optimal harmonization and best practice in international and national anti-doping programs. 

World Anti-Doping Program: Main Elements

  • Level 1: The World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with the International Standards. The first version of the Code was adopted in 2003. 
  • Level 2: International Standards and Technical Documents foster consistency among anti-doping organizations responsible for specific technical and operational parts of anti-doping programs. Adherence to the International Standards and Technical Documents is mandatory for compliance with the Code. 
  • Level 3: Models of Best Practice and Guidelines based on the Code and International Standards provide solutions in different areas of anti-doping.

A major component of WADA’s role is monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program, including the Code. The 2021 Canadian Anti-Doping Program is Code-compliant. In light of Canadians’ long-standing interest in harmonized and effective anti-doping programs worldwide, the CCES believes that compliance with the Code is not only an obligation, but a privilege. 

2027 the Code and International Standards Consultation Process

WADA has started the two-year consultation process for the 2027 Code and International Standards. The CCES will lead the process of providing comments to WADA on behalf of the national sport community throughout the consultation phases. Learn more. 

Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds

The Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds (Ombuds) is a resource that athletes who are subject to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program can safely turn to for help with anti-doping related matters. 

The Ombuds provides athletes with cost-free, confidential, neutral, and fair advice and assistance in relation to the World Anti-Doping Program and the anti-doping entities that operate a Code-compliant anti-doping program, such as the CCES. The Ombuds' focus is to serve athletes covered by the World Anti-Doping Code in relation to anti-doping issues. 

The Ombuds operates on the core principles of independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and informality as set out in the Ombuds' Terms of Reference and in accordance with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice. More about the Athletes' Anti-Doping Ombuds.