World anti-doping regulations for 2005: essential changes for athletes and physicians

Abstract

The World Anti-Doping Code was renewed by an international sports organization committee prior to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. Up to now, most of the important international sports federations have accepted the code. Governments will soon follow and set the legislative milestones for the fight against doping. Surveillance and code-conversion are being done by national anti-doping organizations. In 2005, the structural organization and the content of the 2004 prohibited list have been modified: "substances and methods prohibited all times" (in and out of competition); "substances and methods prohibited in competition", "substances prohibited in particular sports", and "specified substances" are separately discussed. News regarding "specific substances", "whereabout-infos" and "therapeutic use exemptions" are outlined clearly.