All of us involved in boccia across the world are committed to clean sport. To this effect, we would like to share a number of crucial updates from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) with all those involved in boccia.
WADA’s 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) and the 2026 Monitoring Program came into force from 1st January 2026. The 2026 Monitoring Program includes substances that are not on the List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport. WADA have produced a 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes. These documents are also available for download on WADA’s website in French, and Spanish.
The List of Prohibited Substances does include some medications that can be prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons and also some items you can buy from a pharmacy. If your athletes or ramp operators take any medication please check whether it is on the List. Global DRO is a resource provided by WADA to help you do this.
If the athlete or ramp operator is taking a medication which is on the List of Prohibited Substances and this has been prescribed by a doctor, then they need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Please ensure that you allow plenty of time for a TUE application to be assessed. The TUE Committee need sufficient evidence of the athlete’s medical condition and why the particular medication was prescribed to be able to make a decision as to whether to award a TUE.
Some common ‘over-the-counter’ medications that you can buy from a pharmacy or even a supermarket without needing a prescription also contain substances that are on the List of Prohibited Substances. This includes some painkillers, treatments for colds / flu and diuretics. Furthermore, the composition of medication with the same brand name and packaging may differ from one country to the next. It is also important to be aware of Prohibited Substances when considering things such as herbal medications, supplements, protein shakes etc. Under WADA rules, there are still high penalties for ‘inadvertent’ or ‘accidental’ doping. Hence, please encourage and support your athletes and ramp operators to check if any potential substances they might consume are on the List. Please be aware that it is only possible to apply for a TUE for medications prescribed by a a doctor.
In order to compete at a World Boccia sanctioned event, athletes must complete the required anti-doping education on ADEL. There are also really useful courses available on ADEL for coaches, support staff and parents/carers.
If you have any questions about topics raised in this email or anti-doping more generally, please contact your NADO (National Anti-Doping Organisation) or World Boccia (on admin@worldboccia.com). It is much better to get advice on anything you are unsure about before a problem arises.
