Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)

Clean sport depends on athletes, support personnel, and organisations understanding and respecting the rules that protect fairness, health, and integrity. Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) are breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code and the rules adopted by International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organisations. They are not limited to a positive test – there are multiple ways a violation can occur, and athletes are ultimately responsible for what enters their bodies and athletes and other persons for their conduct in relation to anti-doping.

The 11 ADRVs cover a range of behaviours, including the presence or use of prohibited substances or methods, evading or refusing sample collection, failures in whereabouts obligations, tampering with the doping control process, possession, trafficking, administration, complicity, prohibited association and retaliation. Violations can be established through different forms of evidence, not only laboratory results.

Consequences of an ADRV can be significant and may include periods of ineligibility, disqualification of results, loss of medals or rankings, financial sanctions, health and reputational impact. At the same time, the anti-doping system recognises that circumstances vary, and athletes and other persons have rights within the results management process, including the opportunity to be heard and to present their case.

Understanding ADRVs is essential for making informed decisions and protecting your career. This section of the Athlete Hub explains the types of violations and the potential consequences of an ADRV – helping you compete clean and confidently.