What is doping?
Improving physical performance with the help of pharmacological agents has certainly been a long-held aspiration of humankind.
In this context, effective substances—whether isolated from natural plant sources or synthesized for medical purposes to treat specific medical conditions—have been used time and again.
Definition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
"Doping is the presence of a prohibited substance, its metabolite, or a marker in an athlete's bodily fluids. Doping is the use of substances from the prohibited substance groups and the application of prohibited methods," etc. (see also the WADA definition of doping, World Anti-Doping Code)
Definition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) effective January 1, 2015
Effective January 1, 2015, the definition in the World Anti-Doping Code was revised (see World Anti-Doping Code 2015).
Article 1 Definition of Doping
Doping is defined as a single or repeated violation of the anti-doping rules as set forth in Articles 2.1 through 2.10.
Article 2 Violations of the Anti-Doping Rules
The following constitute violations of the anti-doping rules:
2.1 The presence of a Prohibited Substance, its metabolites, or markers in an athlete’s sample
2.2 The use or attempted use of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method by an athlete
2.3 Evasion of sample collection or refusal or failure to submit to sample collection
2.4 Violations of the reporting obligations
2.5 Improper influence or attempted improper influence on any part of the doping control process
2.6 Possession of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method
2.7 The distribution or attempted distribution of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method
2.8 The administration or attempted administration of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods to athletes
2.9 Complicity
2.10 Prohibited Association
History
As far back as ancient times, stimulants were used in athletic competitions to gain a competitive edge. We can only speculate on the extent to which performance-enhancing substances were used in sports from the first half of the 20th century—when the Olympic Games resumed—through the late 1960s. In any case, there were no rules in place at that time prohibiting doping.
After several deaths occurred in cycling in the 1960s, particularly in connection with the use of stimulants from the amphetamine class, sports federations established anti-doping rules.
The most famous fatality in professional cycling was that of cyclist Tom Simpson, who collapsed and died during the 1967 Tour de France. The cause was the use of amphetamines combined with extreme heat stress.
The first anti-doping rules were enacted against the use of stimulants and narcotics in competition. Over the years, this ban was expanded to include additional classes of substances.
Definition of Doping
There are various approaches to defining doping, such as that of the Council of Europe. Council of Europe definition from 1963 (Committee on Non-Formal Education):
"Doping is the administration or use of exogenous substances in any form and physiological substances in an abnormal form or by abnormal means to healthy individuals with the sole aim of artificially and unfairly enhancing performance for competition. Furthermore, various psychological measures aimed at enhancing an athlete’s performance must be regarded as doping."
However, this definition remains highly unsatisfactory for the purpose of establishing a potential doping rule and its enforcement, as it does not clearly and unambiguously define the facts necessary to effectively monitor rule violations.
IOC Rule Until the End of 2003
Until the end of 2003, the definition of doping established by the IOC Medical Commission applied. The IOC rule was a pragmatic definition of doping: Doping is prohibited. Doping is the use of substances from the prohibited groups of active ingredients and the application of prohibited methods.
Almost all international sports federations had incorporated this rule into their anti-doping regulations or adopted it in its entirety. There were deviations from this rule in some federations, such as the IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation).
Definition of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as of January 1, 2004
Since January 1, 2004, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) definition of doping has been in effect, thereby expanding the IOC’s previous regulations. The various sections of the definition are summarized in Articles 1 and 2 of the World Anti-Doping Code:
Article 1 Definition of Doping
Doping is defined as a single or repeated violation of the anti-doping rules as set forth in Articles 2.1 through 2.8.
Article 2 Violations of Anti-Doping Rules
The following articles constitute violations of anti-doping rules:
2.1 The presence of a prohibited substance, its metabolites, or a marker in a sample collected from the athlete (Author’s note: e.g., the athlete’s urine sample)
2.2 The use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method
2.3 Refusal or failure (without sufficient justification) to provide a sample upon request for doping control in accordance with the authorization provided by the anti-doping rules
2.4 Preventing availability for out-of-competition testing, including failure to comply with the whereabouts filing requirement
2.5 Fraud or attempted fraud in doping control
2.6 Possession of prohibited substances or prohibited methods
2.7 Distribution of any prohibited substance or prohibited method
2.8 Inciting, participating in, supporting, or encouraging the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method, or any form of involvement in a violation of anti-doping rules
