Anti Doping Guidelines

Anti-Doping

World Netball (WN) is committed to protecting the integrity of netball and supporting clean, fair sport at every level of the game. We believe every athlete has the right to compete in a clean sporting environment. 

WN is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code and is committed to meeting the requirements established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WN partners with the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent organisation specialising in clean sport, to deliver key operational elements of its Anti-Doping Programme. 

The ITA independently manages testing and doping control, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), results management and WADA compliance activities relating to the areas delegated to it and other delegated anti-doping activities, including intelligence and investigations, whereabouts management and relevant regulatory compliance support. 

WN retains overall accountability for ensuring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and for overseeing the delivery of its Anti-Doping Programme. WN also retains responsibility for its Anti-Doping Education Programme, working with athletes, athlete support personnel and Member Associations to promote awareness, understanding and a strong culture of clean sport. 

Who is responsible for what?

Testing and whereabouts 

The ITA manages the operational delivery of WN’s Anti-Doping Testing Programme on WN’s behalf. 

This includes risk assessment, development and implementation of the Test Distribution Plan, intelligence-led in-competition and out-of-competition testing and the Athlete Biological Passport programme. The ITA also manages whereabouts support and monitoring, whereabouts failures and relevant ADAMS administration.  

Athletes selected for a WN Testing Pool or Registered Testing Pool will be informed and receive information about their specific requirements. 

Athletes included in a testing pool are responsible for understanding and meeting their individual whereabouts obligations, including providing accurate and up-to-date information where required. The ITA provides guidance and support to help athletes meet these responsibilities. 

Further information is available, here. 

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) 

Athletes may require treatment or medication containing a substance or method on the WADA Prohibited List. Where required under the Anti-Doping Rules, the athlete will need a TUE. 

WN has delegated the administration and management of TUEs for International-Level Athletes to the ITA. Applications are assessed by the ITA’s independent International Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (ITUEC). 

Athletes classified as International-Level Athletes under the WN Anti-Doping Rules should apply through the ITA. Athletes who do not meet this definition should normally apply through their relevant National Anti-Doping Organisation. Athletes should check the applicable requirements before submitting an application. 

The ITA provides comprehensive guidance on applications and supporting medical evidence on its ITA Athlete Hub TUE page, here. 

Athletes applying through the ITA should: 

  • Complete the ITA TUE Application Form with their treating physician. 
  • Gather the required supporting medical evidence. 
  • Submit their application and supporting documentation through ADAMS or the ITA’s secure online submission process, as appropriate. 

Applications should be submitted as soon as the need for a prohibited substance or method becomes known and, where required, before the treatment is used. Different arrangements may apply in emergency or exceptional circumstances. 

Athletes holding an existing TUE issued by a National Anti-Doping Organisation may also need to obtain recognition of that TUE for international competition. 

Athletes requiring assistance can contact the ITA at tue@ita.sport or book an online appointment through the ITA Athlete Hub.

Anti-Doping Education 

WN operates an Anti-Doping Education Programme. 
 
WN works collaboratively with Member Associations, National Anti-Doping Organisations and relevant partners to support athletes, coaches, medical personnel and other athlete support personnel in understanding their Anti-Doping rights and responsibilities. 

The programme aims to promote informed decision-making, prevent inadvertent Anti-Doping Rule Violations and strengthen a culture of integrity and clean sport throughout the global netball communityAdditional education is available through WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning platform (ADEL), here. 

Athletes and athlete support personnel are encouraged to complete relevant Anti-Doping education and remain informed of their responsibilities under the applicable rules. 

Prohibited substances and methods 

Athletes are responsible for complying with the Anti-Doping rules, including the requirements relating to prohibited substances and methods. 

The WADA Prohibited List is the authoritative source for substances and methods prohibited in sport and it can be found, here. 

The Prohibited List is updated annually, and athletes should always consult the current version before taking any medication or using a treatment. 

Athletes are subject to the principle of strict liability, meaning they are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, regardless of how it entered their body. 

Athletes should also be aware of the risks associated with nutritional supplements, which may contain prohibited substances. 

Results Management 

The ITA manages Anti-Doping results management on behalf of WN. 

 This includes reviewing potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations, managing notifications and case procedures, and presenting cases before the relevant independent hearing bodies in accordance with the applicable Anti-Doping Rules. 

Decisions on alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations are determined through the applicable independent adjudication process, with appeals available in accordance with WN’s Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code, including to the Court of Arbitration for Sport where applicable. 

The delegation of results management to the ITA supports an independent, consistent and transparent approach to the management of potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations while protecting the procedural rights of athletes and other persons concerned. 

Report a Concern 

Protecting clean sport is everyone’s responsibility. 

The ITA operates REVEAL, its confidential reporting platform. As part of the WN programme, the ITA is responsible for receiving and assessing information submitted through REVEAL and determining appropriate follow-up action in accordance with its intelligence and investigations procedures. 

Athletes, athlete support personnel, officials and members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns or information relating to suspected doping or potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations. 

Reports can be made confidentially and anonymously, providing a secure means of raising concerns. 

Report suspected doping or other Anti-Doping concerns through ITA REVEAL, here.

Useful Links 

Useful Contacts