World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) - Objectives, Functions & Structure

A Short Overview of WADA

• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was set up in 1999
• The headquarters of WADA is located in Montreal, Canada
• WADA was established as a foundation under the aegis of the IOC, with the support of intergovernmental organizations, governments, public authorities, and other public and private entities committed to combating doping in sports
• WADA was created in accordance with the terms of the Lausanne Declaration, which called for the formation of an independent international anti-doping agency
• WADA is responsible for the World Anti-Doping Code, which has been adopted by over 650 sports organizations, including international sports federations, national anti-doping organizations, the IOC, and the International Paralympic Committee
• WADA's primary aim is to lead a worldwide collaboration to eradicate doping in sports
• WADA operates based on several core values and principles, which include:
  • Protecting the rights of all athletes in relation to anti-doping, thereby contributing to the integrity of sports
  • Developing policies, procedures, and practices that reflect justice, equity, and integrity
  • The organization maintains transparency and impartiality, listens to athletes' concerns, and strives to be diverse
  • WADA develops innovative and practical solutions to help stakeholders implement anti-doping programs

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WADA's Objectives

• Overseeing the acceptance, implementation, and compliance of the Code, which is the core document that unifies anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations worldwide
• Outlining preventative measures, such as values-based education programs aimed at young athletes, coaches, doctors, and parents, on the dangers and consequences of doping
• Coordinating global anti-doping activities through the central clearinghouse Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS)
• Raising awareness about the impact of doping by engaging with athletes and their entourage
• Collaborating closely with government bodies, law enforcement, and Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) to facilitate the collection of evidence and sharing of information

In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) is the legislation that deals with the prohibition of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.

WADA’s Governance Structure

As per WADA’s Statutes, its current governance structure comprises:

• A 38-member Foundation Board (Board) , which is the Agency’s supreme policy-making body, with an equal number of representatives from the Sports Movement and Governments of the World
• A 14-member Executive Committee (ExCo) , to which the Board delegates the management and operation of the Agency, including the execution of activities and the administration of assets
• 5 Standing Committees , which report to the ExCo and play a significant advisory role in the development of policies and priorities for the Agency
• 10 Expert Groups , which play a crucial advisory role for the Agency in their respective areas of expertise
• A Nominations Committee to ensure that individuals with the right skills and independence serve in senior governance roles within WADA

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World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)  [UPSC Notes]:-

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