Sports Organisations: Preparing for the 2027 Code
The World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) exists to protect Athletes' health, support fair competition, and protect the right of Athletes to compete on a level playing field.
National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) and other sports organisations play a vital role in protecting clean sport. Through the rules you adopt, the education you provide, and the culture you set across your sport, you help Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel (ASP) understand their anti-doping responsibilities, and to make informed and ethical choices.
This page summarises the key changes for sports organisations on the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code.
2027: A new Code, shaped by athletes
The new 2027 Code and revised International Standards will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
More than 600 Athletes/Athlete Commissions across over 60 countries and 70 sports contributed during the extensive two-year, multi-phase consultation process prior to approval at the sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of Korea.
The 2027 Code and International Standards represent an evolving Athlete-centred anti-doping framework, with particular focus on procedural fairness and Athlete welfare.
Access the full 2027 Code on WADA’s website
2027 Code: Important changes for sports organisations
Education remains a fundamental part of anti-doping programme and is recognised as a right for Athletes.
Key changes include:
- More structured and comprehensive approach to establishing an Education Pool - as well as the specific categories of Athletes which are mandatory for inclusion.
- Greater emphasis on unintentional doping risks, including supplements and Contaminated Sources.
- Strengthened requirements for Educators, including the need for quality assurance, to ensure high-quality and consistent delivery.
- Greater focus on clean sport behaviours and values to support a positive, information-led and resilient anti-doping culture.
- New event-specific education requirements at major events, including pre-event and on-site education.
- Greater emphasis on ensuring Athlete Support Personnel receive education throughout their involvement in sport. Education should help Athlete Support Personnel understand their responsibilities, while equipping them to better support Athletes in making informed decisions.
The Code applies to Athlete Support Personnel directly and establishes their duty of care for Athletes. Sports organisations and their Athlete Support Personnel should be aware of:
- The range of Contaminated Sources that an Athlete can come into contact with, including food, drink, medications, supplements, contact exposure and environmental contamination.
- An increased focus on Athlete Support Personnel in anti-doping investigations. Athlete Support Personnel will be investigated in anti-doping cases where a Minor or a Protected Person is involved and where they have worked with multiple Athletes who commit anti-doping rule violations.
- The support they can provide during the Sample collection process. As a representative of a Minor, it is now possible to support an Athlete and observe the Sample collection process remotely (e.g., by video call) if you are unable to attend in person.
For most Athletes, day-to-day obligations will remain largely the same, however changes in 2027 Code aim to bring about:
- Stronger protections for Athletes and Athlete rights
- Stronger governance measures and evidence-based investigations
- Greater protection for Minors and Protected Persons
- A more proportionate approach to sanctioning
- More incentives for cooperation and resolving cases early
- Other changes of note - Whereabouts requirements, streamlined processes for Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) recognition and changes in the Sample collection process.
More details about the changes that apply to Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel can be found at The 2027 World Anti-Doping Code | UK Anti-Doping.