OCA ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM

The use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and undermines the very essence of sport. Doping not only poses serious risks to an athlete's health, but also damages the integrity, image, and value of sport, affecting fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Competing clean is a core principle that ensures fairness, respect, and equal opportunity on the field of play.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is firmly committed to protecting the integrity of sport across Asia. Through a comprehensive anti-doping program implemented at all its events, the OCA places equal emphasis on education, prevention, testing, and the enforcement of sanctions for rule violations. This approach supports the development of a strong clean sport culture and reinforces the importance of ethical competition.

In collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Testing Agency (ITA), the OCA aligns with global clean sport standards and regulations. Together, these efforts aim to educate and empower athletes and coaches with the knowledge and tools needed to compete clean and uphold the values of sport.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the international body responsible for harmonizing anti-doping policies and regulations worldwide through the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. As a Signatory to the Code, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is committed to implementing a Code-compliant anti-doping programme for all events under its authority in Asia. In addition, the OCA has established its own Anti-Doping Rules applicable to its Games, and all participants should be familiar with the rules in force for the relevant event.

Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, and all other persons subject to anti-doping rules have rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code and the applicable International Standards. Part Three of the Code outlines the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. It is particularly important to be familiar with Code Article 21:

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes are strictly responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body or any prohibited method used, regardless of intent. Therefore, athletes and Athlete Support Personnel must understand and comply with all applicable anti-doping rules and responsibilities.

Athletes should also be familiar with the Prohibited List and the risks associated with medications and supplements, as some products may contain prohibited substances.

Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs):

The first four violations apply only to athletes. The remaining seven apply to both athletes and support personnel.

WADA produces a list of banned substances and methods, updated annually and effective January 1st each year. Substances can be prohibited at all times, in-competition only, or in particular sports.

Both prescribed and over-the-counter medications should be checked against the Prohibited List. Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use, as many positive tests have been attributed to contamination or poor labeling.

We recommend checking all medications and choosing only batch-tested supplements verified by independent programmes:

Athletes with legitimate medical conditions may need to use prohibited substances. The TUE process allows athletes to apply for permission to use these substances therapeutically, in line with the International Standard for TUE.

The aim of doping control is to protect clean sport by detecting and deterring doping among athletes. Any athlete under the testing jurisdiction of the OCA may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, both in-competition and out-of-competition, and may be required to provide urine and/or blood samples.

Testing may be conducted by OCA, International Federations (IFs), or other authorised Anti-Doping Organisations (ADOs). OCA has delegated parts of its anti-doping testing programme to the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Doping has serious consequences that can affect an athlete or Athlete Support Personnel physically, mentally, socially, financially and professionally. In line with the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code, all are encouraged to understand the risks and responsibilities associated with clean sport.

Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel play a key role in protecting the integrity of sport. Any suspicions of doping or related activity can be reported through REVEAL, the International Testing Agency's confidential whistleblowing platform.

REVEAL enables anonymous reporting in a secure manner while actively supporting the investigation of Anti-Doping Rule Violations or related activities. All information is treated confidentially and in accordance with a strict handling policy.

With the implementation of the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Education (ISE), anti-doping education continues to play a vital role in protecting the integrity of sport. As part of the accreditation requirements for OCA Games, athletes and Athlete Support Personnel must complete the relevant Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) courses developed by WADA prior to their arrival.

In accordance with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP) (effective 1 January 2027), Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) are required to ensure that athletes and other relevant individuals are informed about the collection, processing, storage, sharing, and protection of their Personal Information in the context of anti-doping activities.

This information must be provided through clear and accessible privacy notices before or at the time Personal Information is collected. Where applicable, Athlete Consent Forms may also be used in line with ISDP requirements and relevant national or international data protection laws. ADOs may publish an Anti-Doping Privacy Notice on their official website to ensure transparency and compliance with the ISDP.