The Prohibited List is an international standard identifying substances and methods prohibited in sport. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is responsible for the preparation and publication of the List, which it updates every year effective January 1.
What is the Prohibited List?
- Is separated into categories (e.g., steroids, stimulants, gene doping).
- Identifies which substances are prohibited in-competition and/or out-of-competition.
- Identifies which substances are prohibited in particular sports.
- Distinguishes between specified and non-specified substances.
How often is the Prohibited List updated?
- The Prohibited List is generally updated once every year. The revisions are published in October and come into effect the first of January.
- Changes and additions can be made at any time throughout the year.
- Guidelines for the annual review and publication of the Prohibited List are outlined in the World Anti-Doping Code.
How does a substance or method make the Prohibited List?
For a substance or method to be added to the prohibited list it must meet at least two out of three of the following criteria:
- There is evidence that the substance or method has the potential to enhance, or does enhance performance,
- There is evidence that the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete, and
- WADA has determined that use of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.
Read about the banned substances and methods on the Prohibited List.