The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not just oversee major Olympic sports like swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. WADA’s reach extends to many non-traditional athletic competitions in sports you may have never even heard of. The international anti-doping lawyers at Global Sports Advocates who have represented athletes in more than 70 different sports and more than 70 different countries help athletes across the world to understand and comply with anti-doping regulations.
WADA’s Scope and Authority
The World Anti-Doping Code applies to all sports organizations that formally accept its terms as “Signatories.” This includes the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Federations, National Olympic Committees, National Paralympic Committees, Major Event Organizations, and National Anti-Doping Organizations.
Violations involve more than just the use of a banned substance or method. Rule violations under the World Anti-Doping Code include:
- The presence of a prohibited substance in a sample
- Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method
- Evading, refusing, or failing to submit a sample for testing
- Whereabouts failures
- Tampering or attempted tampering of a doping control
- Possession of prohibited substance or prohibited method
- Trafficking or attempted trafficking in any prohibited substance or method
- Complicity or attempted complicity
- Prohibited association
- Acts that discourage or retaliate against reporting to the authorities
You can download a PDF copy of the World Anti-Doping Code in the language of your choice by visiting the WADA website.
10 Unexpected Sports Under WADA’s Authority
The World Anti-Doping Code’s reach extends far beyond traditional athletic competitions. We’ve highlighted 10 of the most unusual sports that adhere to the Code here. You can review the full list of Code Signatories on the WADA website.
1. Billiards and Pool
The World Confederation of Billiards Sports governs all cue sports, including snooker, pool, and carom billiards. The use of beta-blockers is one noteworthy concern for these athletes since they could provide an unfair advantage by reducing tremors and anxiety during crucial shots. Players must also comply with in-competition testing protocols at major tournaments.
2. Darts
Professional dart players competing under the World Darts Federation must follow strict anti-doping protocols. Like billiards players, dart throwers cannot use beta-blockers to steady their nerves during competition. The federation conducts regular testing at major events like the World Championships and World Cup.
3. Mini Golf
Competitive mini golf through the World Minigolf Sport Federation requires the same level of anti-doping compliance as traditional golf. Players face both in-competition and out-of-competition testing, particularly during international championships where precision and focus are crucial.
4. Casting
The International Casting Sport Federation oversees competitive casting events that test accuracy and distance in simulated fishing competitions. These athletes must specifically comply with WADA regulations regarding stimulants and beta-blockers, which could enhance performance during these precision-based competitions.
5. Tug of War
The Tug of War International Federation requires anti-doping compliance for all international competitions. Tug of war athletes are tested for anabolic agents and other substances that could provide strength advantages.
6. Air Sports
The World Air Sports Federation governs activities like aerobatics, gliding, and ballooning. Participants must follow anti-doping rules, with a particular focus on stimulants and beta-blockers that could affect decision-making and performance during flight.
7. Bridge and Chess
These strategic games require intense mental focus and endurance. The International Mind Sports Association ensures that bridge and chess players comply with WADA regulations, particularly to avoid stimulants that could enhance concentration or decision-making abilities during long matches.
8. Esports
As competitive gaming grows internationally, the International Esports Federation has adopted WADA-compliant anti-doping programs. Players are tested for stimulants and other substances that could improve reaction time or maintain focus during extended gaming sessions.
9. Go
The International Go Federation requires players to follow WADA protocols during major competitions. Like chess and bridge players, Go competitors are primarily tested for substances that could provide mental performance advantages.
10. Underwater Sports
The World Underwater Federation (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques - CMAS) requires athletes in all subdisciplines like finswimming, freediving, spearfishing, and underwater target shooting to comply with WADA rules. These athletes face special scrutiny regarding substances that could affect breathing capacity or underwater awareness.
How Global Sports Advocates Protects an Athlete’s Right to Compete
Athletes in these sports who compete at national and international levels must navigate complex anti-doping requirements that extend far beyond competition day. The international anti-doping lawyers at Global Sports Advocates help athletes understand and fulfill these obligations to maintain their eligibility to compete.
When you have questions or are facing a potential rule violation, we provide timely guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes. We understand that anti-doping compliance can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on training and competition. Our role is to simplify these requirements and provide clear direction so you can concentrate on what matters most—your performance in your chosen sport.
