A focus on unintentional doping

Unintentional doping has accounted for many anti-doping rule violations in cricket. From administrative errors on whereabouts, careless use of supplements and inadequate checks on medication, cricket has seen its fair share of inadvertent violations. Hence the sigh of relief when WADA announced the establishment of a Taskforce on Unintentional Doping.

The taskforce is a working group set up by WADA’s Education department at the request of its Social Science Research Expert Advisory Group. Its purpose is to examine the area of unintentional doping and recommend an ‘evidence -informed, athlete-focussed approach.’

Professor Backhouse chairing the Taskforce said, “The Taskforce on Unintentional Doping is committed to developing a better understanding of the complex issue of unintentional doping, as we know it leads to worry and anxiety amongst athletes across the world. With a focus on preventing the behaviours that put athletes and their support personnel at risk of unintentional doping, we want to draw upon multiple perspectives to help us address the current knowledge gaps and shape collective actions. By better understanding the problem and establishing a system where we can globally measure unintentional doping trends, we will be better placed to intervene in a targeted and tailored way.”

The ICC takes comfort in knowing that WADA not only acknowledges the complexities of the anti-doping system and the risks of unintentional doping but is also committed to providing informed guidance for anti-doping education programs. This will help reduce the incidence of unintentional violations and better support athletes in upholding the integrity of sport.