WADA Taskforce on Unintentional Doping - Call for Contributions

WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, has launched its Call for Contributions to inform the important work of the Taskforce on Unintentional Doping. Chaired by Professor Susan Backhouse HonFCASES, Director of Research in the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, the Taskforce will provide expert advice and guidance towards an evidence-informed approach to the prevention of unintentional doping.

Unintentional doping occurs when an athlete or athlete support personnel unknowingly breaks an anti-doping rule. These cases can have wide-ranging and, at times, life-changing consequences, making this issue crucial to understand. The risk of unintentional doping elicits fear and anxiety amongst some athletes as they are subject to the principle of strict liability.

The Call for Contributions provides an opportunity for everyone, including athletes, athlete support personnel (e.g., sport and exercise scientists, coaches, physicians, parents), anti-doping practitioners, academics, and policymakers to share their personal experiences, professional opinions, research evidence, and examples of emerging practices regarding unintentional doping. The aim of the Taskforce is to better understand the causes and consequences of unintentional doping so we can develop preventative strategies for athletes, athlete support personnel and anti-doping organisations.

To make a contribution please click here. The deadline to submit contributions is 23 June 2025.