IBSA takes its anti-doping responsibilities very seriously. In 2011, it became apparent that IBSA had a problem in terms of how IBSA was managing Anti-Doping for its athletes. IBSA was advised by WADA that it was not compliant with the 2009 WADA Anti-Doping Code.

Immediately, IBSA set about engaging directly with WADA, opening a dialogue with Emiliano Simonelli (WADA Head of NGB Compliance). As a result, the IBSA Anti-Doping Rules were completely revised and, following the submission of several drafts, IBSA was eventually granted the status of being “WADA Code Compliant”.

We set out the following objectives:
 

• Appoint Chairman of IBSA Anti-Doping Committee
• Seek nominations for places on the Anti-Doping Committee from IBSA membership
• Co-opt extra members with appropriate expertise
• Set up TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemptions) Committee
• Set up Doping Review Panel
• Set up Registered testing Pool (RTP)

We are happy to report that all objectives has been reached:
 

• Iain Gowans was appointed as Chairman of IBSA Anti-Doping Committee;
• The Anti-Doping Committee is now populated with experts in Pharmaceuticals; Medicine; Ophthalmology; Anti-Doping Practice and Law;
• IBSA collaborates with NADOs (National Anti-Doping Agencies) where IBSA competitions take place – IBSA agrees to recognise the findings of every NADO in good standing with WADA;
• The IBSA Anti-Doping Committee has held meetings annually in 2011; 2012 and 2013;
• IBSA TUE Panel has been appointed – 16 cases decided;
• IBSA RTP (Registered Testing Pool) can now be viewed online;
• Doping Review Panel has been formed – 2 cases considered and found to be legitimate; One Powerlifting athlete was banned for two years and stripped of medals gained at the IBSA WG 2011. Two cases ongoing – both athletes have had adverse analytical findings;
• Out-of-Competition testing is taking place on a regular basis;
• Testing took place at London 2012 and all subsequent major IBSA competitions.