The updated World Anti-Doping Code comes into effect from the 1st January 2015. This is the first update to the core document that harmonizes anti-doping rules and processes across sports and countries since 2009. It is therefore imperative that those it directly impacts in cricket are aware of this new version of the Code and what it means for them.
There are a number of changes that both cricketers and cricketer support personnel should be aware of, but in simple terms the key points are:
- Increase in sanction for serious offences to 4 years.
- Less serious offences are now more likely to receive 2 year sanction than the reduced sanctions seen under the previous Code.
- There are 2 new anti-doping rule violations – complicity and prohibited association. This means there are now 10 in total.
UKAD have a dedicated 2015 Code microsite that includes factsheets for athletes and support personnel which focus on role specific aspects of the new Code. These factsheets have been provided to all First Class Counties and all changes to the WADA Code will be addressed with professional players during pre-season awareness sessions.
To reflect the changes to the Code the ECB Anti-Doping Rules have also been updated for 2015 and can be found below or through the ECB website.
