November 16, 2014 - The WADA Foundation Board approved its Compliance Activities Plan for 2015 at its meeting in Paris, France today. The meeting also saw the Board approve a 3% budget increase for the organization from 2015.

“Today’s meeting marked an important step for the anti-doping movement as we approach a new chapter with the introduction of the revised World Anti-Doping Code,” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie.

“In addition to the approval of compliance activities and an increase to the annual budget, we also covered topics ranging from Code Implementation to Investigations, and the Anti-Doping Research Fund to the pressing matter of Kenya’s anti-doping program,” he added.

Compliance Activities Plan 2015

Plans relating to Code compliance were approved by the Foundation Board. It was agreed that an independent, non-political Compliance Review Committee would be formed to provide advice, guidance and recommendations on compliance matters to the Foundation Board.

The process will enable the implementation of practical and effective anti-doping programs to be discussed in a coordinated fashion with every Code signatory. The WADA management will work closely with signatories to help with the successful implementation of new practices. If there are serious non-conformities in practice, these will be reported to the Compliance Review Committee and then the matter can potentially be reported to the WADA Foundation Board.

To ensure quality, WADA will seek ISO accreditation for the compliance process. This accreditation process will commence in the first half of next year.

Budget increase

The WADA Foundation Board confirmed that the Agency would receive an increase in its annual budget. Following last year’s slight increase of 1%, the Board confirmed that WADA would receive an increase of 3% for 2015.

This increase will enable WADA to advance two prioritized core activities: the development of the new ADAMS platform, ADAMS 2016, and the need to advance anti-doping programs of all signatories in compliance with the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code.

“WADA is very appreciative of this budget increase, particularly given the economic difficulties experienced in many parts of the world. It will allow us to continue our progress as we enter the next chapter of anti-doping,” said Sir Craig Reedie.

Social Science Research

After recommendations by the Education Committee and approval by the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board confirmed social science research projects under the 2015 Social Science Research Grant Program (SSRGP).

In total, 26 applications from 17 countries were received for the Program. The Foundation Board approved three open research projects and one additional target research project to be used for research in 2015. Any remaining funds will be used for target research projects.

Kenya

Following the 17 October publication of the Kenyan Anti-Doping Task Force Report – which explored allegations of widespread doping among Kenyan athletes – WADA, Anti-Doping Norway and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency met with Kenyan officials in Cape Town to discuss the steps for initiating a new Anti-Doping Organization (ADO) in Kenya.

WADA will oversee the comprehensive plan of action for establishing the new NADO – to be named the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) – and Anti-Doping Norway and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency will provide technical training and guidance throughout the process.

Some of the recommendations contained within the Task Force Report will be advanced by Kenya in partnership with WADA.

2015 Code Implementation

Following the adoption of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards at last year’s World Conference on Doping in Sport, WADA has been working with signatories on the revision of their rules.

To assist with the process, WADA has published revised Model Rules for all signatories.

The Board was updated on the progress of rule implementation by signatories, with just over six weeks remaining until the revised Code takes effect.

Strategic Plan

The Foundation Board approved a new WADA Strategic Plan (2015-2019). The updated Plan will guide WADA in its mission to “lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.”

“The previous Strategic Plan was due to be in effect until the end of 2016, however with all the changes required by the revised Code, we believed the time was right to adjust the plan and WADA’s objectives accordingly as we embark on this crucial next chapter in anti-doping,” said Sir Craig Reedie.

“WADA now has an increasingly important role to play in collaborating with Anti-Doping Organizations, and this new direction is clearly emphasized in the Strategic Plan 2015-2019.”

Investigations update

With its increasing importance in anti-doping work – as reflected through the forthcoming renamed International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) – the Foundation Board received an update on investigations and information gathering.

The Board learned that with the additional responsibilities placed on Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) by the ISTI, WADA had drafted guidelines for gathering intelligence and investigation principles. Other matters including a training course for those responsible for gathering, storing and sharing information, and collaborations with law enforcement and appropriate networks were also discussed.

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