The 20th century witnessed the development of sports as cultural, social and economic phenomenon. Sports started as a leisure activity and rapidly transformed into a multimillion industry. The principal actors of this industry, the athletes, are raised to the status of authentic mythological gods, covered by glory because of their achievements in the fields.

However, to achieve such glory and to maintain a superior sport performance, athletes may be tempted to succumb to doping.

What is doping, legally speaking? What are the international rules in force preventing doping? What are the relevant international organisations and what is their role? This Practice Note will cover anti-doping international rules.

Athlete : For the purposes of doping control, any person who participates in sport at the international or national level as defined by each national anti-doping organisation and any additional person who participates in a sport or event at a lower level.

Athlete Support Person : Any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff, official, medical or paramedical personnel working with, treating or assisting an Athlete participating in or preparing for sports competition.

Code : The World Anti-Doping Code adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency.