Montréal, 23rd September 2014 – The World Antidoping Agency has announced the publication of the Athlete Reference Guide to the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code.

The guide, which will act as a crucial point of reference for all athletes looking to enhance their knowledge of the Code, has been championed by members of the WADA Athlete Committee throughout the course of 2013 and 2014.

The WADA Athlete Committee, whose job it is to represent the views and rights of athletes worldwide, have led and directed the project in time for the introduction of the revised Code at the start of 2015. The document which is purely a guide, and will not supersede the Code itself will help athletes the world over better understand the anti-doping framework, rules and regulations.

The guide provides an explanation of athletes’ roles and responsibilities, details of what constitutes an anti-doping rule violation, information on the Prohibited List and supplements, and details on matters ranging from the ‘Whereabouts’ rule to Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), amongst other topics.

WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie said: “Long in the making, the Athlete Reference Guide to the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code marks a significant step forward in ensuring that all athletes, no matter what sport they play or which country they come from, understand their anti-doping rights and responsibilities.”

WADA Athlete Committee Chair, Beckie Scott, former Canadian country skiing champion said: “Anti-doping can be a taxing matter for many of us, and what this guide does is help shed light on some of the more tricky subjects within anti-doping. Through its improved rules, the revised Code is going to offer a real boost to the clean sport movement when it arrives in just over three months’ time. I am delighted that we now have this athlete guide to accompany the Code, and I look forward to helping promote its use in the months and years ahead,” she added.

The Athlete Reference Guide to the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code is now available on WADA’s website (www.wada-ama.org).