Worldwide quality anti-doping education: the ITA launches the new International Clean Sport Educator Program

Anti-doping education is being increasingly recognised as an effective doping prevention tool, and is an essential part of all anti-doping programs. In 2021, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) introduced the International Standard for Education (ISE), making clean sport education a compulsory element for any sports and anti-doping organisation that is Signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). The ISE calls on Code Signatories to work with trained and authorised educators who are competent in all anti-doping topics and in values-based education.

To support the implementation and access to quality anti-doping education globally and help concerned organisations to build the necessary capacity to achieve this objective, the ITA has created the International Clean Sport Educator Program. With a mission to deliver high-quality clean sport education, this training program has been developed by the ITA together with international anti-doping and education experts. To ensure the easiest possible access to this course for interested participants from all over the world,  the program is a comprehensive 3-month online self-paced learning course, followed by a one-day live virtual training session.

“Over the past two years, we have been ramping up our own capacity at the ITA at a rapid pace to keep up with the growing global demand for quality clean sport education,” says ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “And we noticed that we were not alone – anti-doping and sports organisations worldwide need trained educators and ambassadors that can spread vital knowledge and awareness among athletes and their entourage. This is why we developed the ITA International Clean Sport Educator Program to offer any organisation access to a standardised international-level certification for their staff, future and current educators, and athlete ambassadors.”

The course is open to representatives of all sport and anti-doping organisations such as International Federations, Major Event Organisers, National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations and other sports bodies wishing to participate. Graduates of the ITA International Clean Sport Education Program will receive an ITA educator certification and become part of a global network of Clean Sport Educators offering them ongoing opportunities for the delivery of clean sport values and continuous learning throughout their journey in the fight against doping in sport.

The program will be delivered by the ITA in cooperation with sports and anti-doping organisations and is scheduled to start in March 2023, with other dates in 2023 to be announced in the near future. Any organisation wishing to participate in or co-deliver the training can register their interest from now on – please find more information by following this link.

The ITA International Clean Sport Educator Program is the third expert-led training developed and launched by the ITA that aims at harmonising efforts among anti-doping organisations worldwide and promoting quality in the delivery of anti-doping programs. In 2020, the ITA launched the International Doping Control Officer (IDCO) Training & Certification Program, an advanced training for existing DCOs wishing to promote quality testing worldwide and to work at international-level events, such as the Olympic Games. Earlier this year, the ITA launched the Doping Control Officer (DCO) Foundation Training Program, offering entry-level education and certification for individuals looking to establish a new professional role as DCO and for organisations wishing to offer high-quality training to their workforce.