Prohibited List
The Prohibited List includes all substances and methods that are prohibited both in competition and at any time. The Prohibited List is updated regularly, but at least once a year.
Prohibited Substances and Methods
Ten different classes of substances (S0 to S9), three classes of prohibited methods (M1 to M3), and one class of substances (P1) that is prohibited only in certain sports are on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) worldwide Prohibited List.
- S0-S5: banned at all times (in-competition and out-of-competition)
- S6-S9: prohibited in competition
- M1-M3: prohibited at all times (in-competition and out-of-competition)
- P1. Beta-blockers: banned only in certain sports
Which substances and methods are included on the Prohibited List is decided by a WADA committee made up of international experts: the so-called List Expert Group. Substances and methods are assessed according to three criteria:
- They have the potential to improve athletic performance;
- They pose an actual or potential health risk to athletes;
- They violate the spirit of sport
The Prohibited List is revised once a year. In exceptional cases, if there are current and urgent indications of abuse, it can also be amended before the end of a year. It contains all active substances and methods that are prohibited. The Prohibited List is divided into substances and methods that are prohibited at all times, i.e. in and out of competition, substances that are prohibited only in competition, and substances that are prohibited only in certain sports.
