Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the
2017 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods; along with, the 2017 Summary ofMajor Modifications and Explanatory Notes. The List - which designates what
substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition, and
which substances are banned in particular sports - was approved by the
Executive Committee on 21 September and comes into force on 1 January 2017.
“WADA is pleased to publish the 2017 Prohibited List, which
is one of five International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories
of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) to follow,” said WADA President, Sir Craig
Reedie. “All athletes around the world
are held to these standards and there can be no tolerance for people who intentionally
break the rules,” Reedie continued.
“Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking
effect so that all stakeholders – in particular athletes and their entourage --
have ample time to familiarize themselves with the List and its modifications,”
he said.
“The Prohibited List follows a very extensive stakeholder
review process over the course of nine months,” said Director General, Olivier
Niggli. “In reviewing the List, experts
examine such sources as: scientific and medical research; trends; and,
intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in
order to stay ahead of those that wish to cheat,” Niggli continued. “It is
vital that all athletes take the necessary time to consult the List; and that,
they contact their respective anti-doping organizations (ADOs) if they have any
doubts as to the status of a substance or method,” said Niggli.
The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA, beginning
with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the
List by 1 October. This is an extensive nine-month consultation process which
includes gathering information, circulating a draft list, stakeholder
submissions, committee recommendations and the approval of the List by WADA’s Executive
Committee during its September meeting.
It should be noted that, for athletes who have a legitimate
medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List,
they can be accommodated via the International Standard for Therapeutic UseExemptions (ISTUE), which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians
and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.
To view the changes made to the 2017 Prohibited List, pleasesee the 2017 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.