Dopingukood

Dopingukood is a formal set of rules and standards intended to prevent the use of performance‑enhancing substances and methods in sport. It defines prohibited substances and practices, establishes testing procedures, and outlines sanctions for violations. The term is used in Estonian-language contexts and translates roughly to “Doping Code.”

Scope and definitions: The code applies to athletes, coaches, teams, and events under the jurisdiction of national federations and international bodies. The prohibited list is reviewed and updated periodically and typically covers anabolic agents, hormone modulators, stimulants, diuretics, masking agents, and prohibited methods such as blood doping and gene doping. Substances may be banned in-competition, out-of-competition, or in both contexts, with exceptions such as therapeutic use exemptions where appropriate.

Testing and enforcement: The code governs sample collection, laboratory analysis, chain of custody, and result management. Athletes may be subject to in- and out-of-competition testing, with procedures for notifications, hearings, and the reporting of results. Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) and provisional suspensions are part of the framework.

Penalties and governance: Sanctions range from warnings and fines to suspensions or bans, depending on the substance, degree of fault, and prior violations. The code is administered by national anti-doping agencies and sport federations and is aligned with international standards, notably the World Anti-Doping Code, with formal rights to appeal and due process.

Impact and evolution: Proponents argue that the code preserves health and fair play, while ongoing debates focus on testing effectiveness and privacy. The list and procedures are updated regularly to address new substances and techniques.