Anti-Doping Information
World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is committed to ensuring that our sport is clean, fair, and safe for every participant. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), WWR follows anti‑doping rules that align with the World Anti‑Doping Code and all 2027 International Standards.
The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is wrong and is detrimental to the sport. It can be harmful to an athlete’s health and to other athletes competing in sport. To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to clean sport is critical.
This page contains links to Anti-Doping documents and educational resources. For further information, please contact the WWR Office – office@worldwheelchair.rugby
World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is committed to ensuring that our sport is clean, fair, and safe for every participant. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), WWR follows anti‑doping rules that align with the World Anti‑Doping Code and all 2027 International Standards.
Doping is a violation of any of the anti-doping rules however is best understood as the use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance performance. Doping goes against the values of wheelchair rugby and harms:
- Athlete health
- Fair competition
- Trust within teams
- The integrity of our sport
Clean sport protects athletes and athlete support personnel, it protects our game and the future of wheelchair rugby.
This section provides access to WWR’s anti‑doping rules, policies, and education resources. These materials help athletes, coaches, medical staff, and our members understand their responsibilities and make safe, informed decisions.
Athletes are central to clean sport. Their actions, behaviours, and choices determine how clean sport works in practice. To protect fairness and athlete wellbeing, athletes and support personnel must understand their rights and responsibilities.
Athlete Rights
All athletes and athlete support personnel (ASP) have fundamental rights in anti‑doping which have been clearly stated in WADA’s Athlete’s Anti-Doping Rights Act:
Included in these rights is the right to education which is protected under the World Anti‑Doping Code and the International Standard for Education (ISE).
Athlete Responsibilities
Under the World Anti‑Doping Code and WWR Anti‑Doping Rules, athletes must:
- Know and follow all anti‑doping rules
- Be available for testing at any time
- Take responsibility for everything they ingest or use
- Tell medical professionals they cannot use prohibited substances or methods
- Inform WWR if they have committed an ADRV in the past 10 years
- Cooperate with any anti‑doping investigation
Athletes are also responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body – regardless of intent, fault, or source. Not knowing is not an excuse. This is known as the principle of strict liability.
All International‑Level Athletes and ASP must complete approved anti‑doping education – annually
- Proof of completion is required before an individual licence to compete can be issued
- Outside of the International Level, we strongly encourage all athletes and ASP to complete anti‑doping education annually.
Regular education helps you stay informed, make safe decisions, and avoid inadvertent doping. Visit our Resources Page for education options.
WWR defines an International‑Level Athlete as any athlete who:
- Competes in a WWR International‑Level Event, or
- Is selected to represent their country at such events, or
- Is included in a WWR or IPC Registered Testing Pool (RTP)
This definition ensures that athletes competing at the highest levels receive the correct testing, education, and TUE requirements.
WWR defines an International‑Level Event as:
- Any competition organised, sanctioned, or recognised by WWR
- Any event where WWR is the Testing Authority
- Major tournaments such as World Championships, zonal championships, and qualification events for the Paralympic Games
If you compete at these events, you are considered an International‑Level Athlete for anti‑doping purposes.
Some athletes need to use medications that contain prohibited substances to treat legitimate medical conditions. A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) allows an athlete to use a prohibited substance or method if certain strict criteria are met.
All International‑Level Athletes must apply for a TUE before using any prohibited medication or method.
National‑level athletes should follow the TUE process of their National Anti‑Doping Organisation (NADO).
A TUE is required when:
- A medication contains a substance on the WADA Prohibited List
- A method is listed on the WADA Prohibited List
- No permitted alternative is suitable
- The medication is medically necessary
How to apply
International‑Level Athletes must submit:
- A completed WWR TUE application form
- Sufficient medical documentation to support the diagnosis and treatment plan
- Any additional information requested by the TUE Committee.
Important: A TUE is not automatically granted. Athletes must wait for approval before using the prohibited medication unless emergency rules apply.
Click here to access the TUE application form and instructions.
Testing positive is not the only way to break anti‑doping rules. The World Anti‑Doping Code lists 10 Anti‑Doping Rule Violations, all of which apply to athletes and ASP.
These include:
- Presence of a prohibited substance
- Use or attempted use
- Evading, refusing, or failing to submit to testing
- Whereabouts failures
- Tampering (including retaliation)
- Possession
- Trafficking
- Administration
- Complicity
- Prohibited association
These rules protect athlete health, fair competition, and the integrity of wheelchair rugby.
If an athlete or ASP is alleged to have committed an ADRV, they may be provisionally suspended from all wheelchair rugby activities, including:
- Training
- Competition
- Coaching
- Team support roles
- Administrative duties
If the case involves a positive test, athletes have the right to:
- Request B‑sample analysis
- Receive all relevant case information
- Present evidence
- Have a fair hearing before an independent panel
Sanctions depend on:
- The type of violation
- The substance involved
- Degree of fault
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
The standard sanction for presence or use is four years, unless reduced fault applies.
Disqualification of Results
If an ADRV occurs in competition, results from that event are disqualified, including medals, points, titles, and prizes.
Public Disclosure
WWR must publicly disclose confirmed ADRVs in line with the World Anti‑Doping Code and the International Standard for Results Management (ISRM).
WWR publishes:
- Name
- Nationality
- ADRV committed
- Sanction
- Period of ineligibility
- Full written decision
Disclosure occurs once the decision is final and the appeal window has closed. Personal data is handled according to the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI).
Health Consequences of Doping
Doping can cause serious short‑term and long‑term health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Liver and kidney damage
- Mental health issues
- Addiction
- Increased risk of stroke or cancer
For athletes with impairments, risks may be higher due to:
- Medication interactions
- Increased strain on organs
- Rehabilitation complications
- Reduced ability to manage pain safely
Protecting your health is the most important part of clean sport.
Social Consequences of Doping
ADRVs can have long‑lasting social impacts, including (but not limited to):
- Loss of trust and respect
- Damage to reputation and community standing
- Negative media attention
- Loss of sponsorship and funding
- Fewer employment opportunities
- Social isolation
These consequences affect athletes, ASP and our sport.
Testing can occur any time, anywhere. The urine sample collection process includes:
- Notification
- Approved delays
- Para‑athlete modifications
- Catheter and drainage system guidance
- Partial samples
- Specific gravity checks
- Paperwork
- Laboratory analysis
Supplements are the leading cause of inadvertent doping. Risks include:
- Cross‑contamination
- Incorrect labelling
- Hidden ingredients
- Misleading marketing
Under strict liability, athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body – even from contaminated supplements. As such, the safest option is not to use supplements.
Keeping wheelchair rugby clean is a shared responsibility. When something doesn’t feel right – unusual substances, unsafe or unethical advice, suspicious behaviour around supplements or medications, pressure to use prohibited methods, or attempts to interfere with testing – speaking up helps protect athlete wellbeing and the fairness of our sport.
Reporting concerns strengthens trust across the wheelchair rugby community. It protects athletes from harm, supports honest teammates and staff, and ensures that clean athletes are not placed at a disadvantage. Clean sport relies on people raising concerns early so issues can be addressed before they escalate.
Under the World Anti‑Doping Code, athletes and ASP have the right to report safely and without fear of retaliation. Any form of retaliation – including threats, intimidation, or punishment for reporting – is an Anti‑Doping Rule Violation (Article 2.5, Tampering).
You can report anything that worries you, whether it relates to prohibited substances or methods, pressure from others, suspicious supplement use, attempts to avoid testing, concerns about trafficking or distribution, unsafe medical advice, or retaliation against someone who has already spoken up. Even if you’re unsure whether the situation is relevant, you can still report it. Anti‑doping organisations will assess the information and decide what action is needed.
Concerns can be shared confidentially or anonymously through your National Anti‑Doping Organisation, WADA’s Speak Up platform, the IPC integrity reporting channels, or directly to World Wheelchair Rugby via confidential email.[SC1]
Once a report is made, anti‑doping professionals review the information. They may ask for further details, monitor the situation, open an investigation, or collaborate with other organisations. You do not need to prove anything – simply share what you know or what feels concerning.
Speaking up protects your teammates, your competitors, your own reputation, and the future of wheelchair rugby. Clean sport is stronger when athletes and support personnel feel confident to report concerns.
For questions or for more support contact: antidoping@worldwheelchair.rugby