June 20, 2012 - Sportsmen and women around the world should use their expertise and experience to help strengthen the World Anti-Doping Code, said WADA Athlete Committee member Dr. Sara Fischer.

The Code is currently undergoing a two-year review that will culminate in a new version being approved at the World Conference on Doping in Sport in November 2013.

The second Consultation Phase got underway at the beginning of June and Dr. Fischer has encouraged athletes to make recommendations before the October 10 deadline.

“The Code protects the rights of clean athletes worldwide so it makes sense that athletes play an active role in its development,” said Dr. Fischer, a twice Olympic snowboarder for Sweden.

“As athletes, we are tested every day across the world and it is the athletes who can give valuable feedback about many aspects of the testing and results management process.

“Ultimately we are the ones who are most affected by the Code and therefore it is in our best interest to take some responsibility in making sport a level playing field. This is our chance to have our voices heard.”

In all there are three Consultation Phases, with the third running from December 1 to March 1, 2013. Although the next version of the Code will be approved later next year, it will not come into force until January 1, 2015.

To help expedite the process of making recommendations, WADA has created WADAConnect to allow interested parties to make recommendations online and by directly referencing the article of concern.

“Submitting a recommendation is a simple process, and you can also request that it is not made public if you wish for it to be kept confidential,” added Fischer.

“Recommendations are made by a wide range of interested parties and I think the more athletes get involved the more the Code will reflect their needs and wishes.”

The Fourth World Conference on Doping in Sport will be held in Johannesburg from November 13-15, 2013.

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