International Paralympic Committee publishes 2015 Anti-Doping Code

by IPC on 30 Oct 2014 The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) published its 2015 Anti-Doping Code on Wednesday (29 October), which will apply to all Member organisations, Paralympic Games and IPC recognised International Federations, from 1 January 2015.

The new Code has been established in response to the release of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), due to come into force on the same date, and has been approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Toni Pascual, Chairperson of the IPC's Anti-Doping Committee said 'The 2015 IPC Anti-Doping Code reflects changes made to the WADC and we remain committed to meeting the standards laid-out to ensure fair play across all areas of our responsibility.

'We have made great strides in the introduction of education and outreach programmes, which when combined have led to a greater understanding amongst Members, athletes and teams of anti-doping.

'All Members should now ensure that athletes and team personnel familiarise themselves with the new edition.

'There is still progress to be made but the new IPC Anti-Doping Code will help us to be even clearer of everyone's responsibilities in the fight against doping.'

As a condition of recognition by the IPC, Members within the Paralympic Movement, as Anti-Doping Organisations and as signatories to the WADC, must comply with the Code, and all Members shall have anti-doping rules consistent with and reflecting the provisions of the Code.

Members of the IPC include National Paralympic Committees, International Organizations of Sport for the Disabled, International Federations and Regional Paralympic Committees. In addition to these Members, this Code also applies to IPC recognised International Federations.

Earlier in 2014, WADA published a list of nine significant changes to the WADC, which have been reflected in the IPC's Code. These can be viewed here.

The 2015 IPC Anti-Doping Code can be found here.