Prohibited list

Prohibited substances and procedures are divided into categories based on their effect and use and may be prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition or in a specific sport.

For a certain substance or procedure to be prohibited in sport, at least two of the three criteria must be met:

• evidence that the substance or process has a potential enhancing effect or enhances abilities,
• proof that the substance or procedure poses an actual or potential risk to the athlete,
• a determination by WADA that the use of a substance or procedure violates sportsmanship.

Athletes should always check with their international federation which additional substances and procedures are prohibited in their sport. Athletes must also inform their personal physician that specific rules apply in their sport.

If an athlete is not sure what a certain product contains, he should not take it until he is sure that it does not contain prohibited substances. Ignorance is never an excuse!

The athletes can’t just take any drug or medication, or even use any training method. Some drugs, medications and substances are banned in sport, as are some methods.

The List of prohibited substances and methods applies to athletes both in- and out-of-competition. WADA updates the List annually and the most current version is posted on WADA website.

The irresponsible use of any medical, dietary, or other substance or method can rob you of your best performance. Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. Even an “all-natural” supplement could contain a prohibited substance.

Before taking edications/supplements you should always consult:

• The List
• Your NADO/IF
• A pharmacist or physician

Banned substances and methods are placed into categories based on their effect or application (e.g., steroids (anabolic agents), stimulants, gene doping) and can be prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition, or in particular sports.

At least two out of three criteria must be met:

• evidence that the substance or method has the potential to enhance or does enhance performance.
• evidence that the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
• WADA's determination that use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.

Athletes should know that, under the Code, they are strictly liable whenever a prohibited substance is found in their bodily specimen. This means that a violation occurs whether or not the athlete intentionally, knowingly or unknowingly, used a prohibited substance or was negligent to otherwise at fault. It is therefore very important for athletes to understand not only what is prohibited, but also what might potentially cause an inadvertent doping violation.

Athletes, like all other people, may occasionally develop a medical condition that requires the use of certain medications. Substances that the athlete is supposed to take to cure an illness (injury) may be on the List of Prohibited Substances and Procedures. In such a case, the athlete may apply for a Therapeutic Exemption (TUE) from an International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization and thus obtain permission to take the necessary medication.

Athletes who would like to request a TUE should request more information about the TUE request process from their International Federation (International Level Athletes) or National Anti-Doping Organization (National Level Athletes).

Yes, that is why special care is recommended when using nutritional supplements. Check out the tips for reducing the risk of using dietary supplements on the Prohibited Substances.