by Françoise Dagouret, ITTF Anti-Doping Manager
On Thursday 29th September 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) published the 2017 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods alongside 2017 Summary of Major 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 Wednesday 21st September and comes into force on Sunday 1st 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 Saturday 1st 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 Use Exemptions (ISTUE), which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.
To view the changes made to the 2017 Prohibited List, please see the 2017 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.
As has been the case in past years, the List will be made available as an iPhone app and on other mobile devices effective Sunday 1st January 2017.