The World Anti-Doping Agency will adopt a new code in the
strengthening of global efforts to combat doping in sport.
The revision of the World Anti-Doping code, the core document
adopted in 2003 as the framework for the global harmonized fight
against doping, will be the chief topic of discussion in the third
World Conference on Doping in Sport, officially opening in Madrid
on Friday.
The draft revised Code will be presented to WADA's Foundation
Board for approval on Sunday after a review process which began in
April 2006 and included three stages of consultations with
stakeholders and drafting.
"Doping is without doubt the greatest threat ethical sport has
ever known and has become so pervasive that it places public health
at grave risk," said WADA president Richard W. Pound, stepping down
at the end of this year.
"It is incumbent upon the Sport Movement and Governments of the
world to continue to bolster efforts to battle the scourge of
doping, which is what they will do during this Third World
Conference on Doping in Sport, by approving refinements to the
World Anti-Doping Code."
The process of revising the Code is intended to fine-tune its
provisions based on the experience gained to date and to strengthen
global efforts against doping in sport, according to the Canadian
lawyer.
"One of the main improvements in the code is having tougher
sanctions in the case of aggravated doping," he said.
"We also want to make sure we don't end up having sanctions that
are too strong in cases where we are dealing with accidental
doping."
Pound highlighted other measures such as more rapid testing of
"B" samples following an initial positive and the development of a
non-invasive test to detect genetic manipulation as evidence of
progress being made.
(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2007)