The World Anti-Doping Code: Truths and Wrongs

Abstract

World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) is the unique authority to set the rules of doping and banned substances all around the World and the prohibited list is annually updated. It aims to prevent the use of the compounds that may increase athletic performance, hence create a fair and equal status for all competitors and also protect athlete-s health from the unexpected or side effects of the compounds that have a potential for misuse. The list of 2018 consists three major titles of prohibited substances and methods. Prohibited substances are classified as -S- code, whereas prohibited methods as -M- and substances prohibited in particular sports as -P.- The present review criticize some illogical parts of the 2018 prohibited list. For example; despite the most of the beta-2 agonists, diuretics/masking agents and stimulants were banned, a few of them are not accepted as doping in the use of limited doses. Some compounds that have a serious potential to increase mood and physical resistance similar to amphetamines, such as MAO inhibitors and anticholinergics have not been banned yet by WADA. Also the prohibition/allowance of beta blockers and alcohol in some sports were criticized in the present paper.