Anti-Doping Rules & Responsibilities

The need-to-know anti-doping information for athletes subject to anti-doping rules and their support teams.

USADA was created as the result of recommendations made by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Select Task Force on Externalization in order to bring credibility and independence to the anti-doping movement in the United States. USADA was given full authority to execute a comprehensive national anti-doping program encompassing testing, results management, education, and research, while also developing programs, policies, and procedures in each of those areas. USADA is a signatory to the inaugural World Anti-Doping Code (the Code), which was first implemented in 2004 to harmonize anti-doping rules across the globe and is updated around every five years. We enforce the global anti-doping rules and make recommendations to the global regulator, the World Anti-Doping Agency, regarding changes to the Code and Prohibited List. Since its inception, USADA has ensured the strategic execution of our mission and core values, with a primary focus on serving athletes with the best anti-doping program possible.

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Anti-Doping 101

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions for athletes and support personnel new to drug testing.

Testing & Whereabouts

Details on what athletes need to know for submitting Whereabouts and being prepared for testing.

Substances & Medications

Drug reference resources to make things as simple as possible for athletes and their support personnel when it comes to understanding prohibited and permitted substances and methods.

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Results Management

The results management and adjudication policies and procedures afford a full and fair legal process to athletes and support personnel at all times.

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Milano-Cortina Games

Games-specific rules and responsibilities for athletes and their support teams heading to the 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.

Understanding WADA's Role

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, which, along with the Prohibited List and the International Standards, are created and maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in order to harmonize anti-doping efforts around the world. While USADA is an active participant in the review and updating of the Code, Prohibited List, and International Standards, by submitting recommendations and feedback, and sharing our expertise and experience, WADA ultimately determines these global anti-doping rules. USADA, as a Code signatory, is responsible for enforcing these rules, while still advocating for updates and changes to the rules to best benefit clean athletes.