ICC Anti-Doping Code (2009) now effective
After a lengthy period of consultation and review, the ICC's Executive Board has now approved the ICC Anti-Doping Code (2009) (the "ICC Code") which came into effect on 1 January 2009.
Hong Kong Cricket Association
18-Jan-2009
After a lengthy period of consultation and review, the ICC's Executive Board has now approved the ICC Anti-Doping Code (2009) (the "ICC Code") which came into effect on 1 January 2009.
The final version of the ICC Code is available on the ICC's website at https://icc-cricket.yahoo.com/about-icc/rules-regulations.html. Since the ICC Code (2009) differs significantly from previous ICC Codes it is essential that all Members ensure that they are familiar with the changes and with the ICC Code in its entirety. In particular, please note the following key points:
- The attached ICC Code will be effective as from 1 January 2009 The new ICC Code will enable the ICC to remain WADA-compliant during 2009 as it incorporates the new sanctioning procedures and periods of ineligibility consistent with the key amendments to the 2009 World Anti-Doping Code.
- The most fundamental change to the ICC Code is in relation to its scope and application. As you may be aware, the ICC Code previously applied only during ICC Events. However, the new version of the ICC Code will apply to all international cricketers (both men and women) who participate or have participated in the preceding twelve months (whether as a member of a starting XI or as an officially designated substitute) in any "International Match", which definition encompasses all official "Test Matches", "One Day International Matches" and "Twenty20 International Matches" (as those terms are defined in the ICC Code) and any other cricket matches played as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC World Twenty20; the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup; the ICC Women's World Cup; the ICC Champions Trophy; the ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournament and any other events organised or sanctioned by the ICC from time to time (provided that notice of such application has been given to the participating teams). This is known as "In-Competition Testing". In addition, all international cricketers may also be subject to testing at any other time throughout the year ("Out-of-Competition Testing").
- In short, those international cricketers to whom the ICC Code applies are now subject to testing by the ICC at any time, any place and on any day of the year. If there is any doubt as to which cricketers and/or in which matches the ICC Code should apply, please refer to Article 1.1 of the ICC Code and the definitions of "International Match", "Test Match", "One Day International Match", "Twenty20 International Match" and "ICC Event".
- The new ICC Code will also see the introduction of the ICC's International Registered Testing Pool ("IRTP"). Once finalised, the IRTP will consist of international cricketers who will have additional obligations under the ICC Code, particularly in relation to the provision of specific whereabouts information in accordance with the requirements of the 2009 International Standard for Testing (the "2009 IST"). (A more detailed explanatory note setting out the criteria for inclusion in the IRTP and the rights and responsibilities of international cricketers falling within that pool will be circulated shortly and well in advance of the IRTP going 'live'.)
- In line with the 2009 IST, the Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption process has been removed and a Retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption process has been established.
The new ICC Code will introduce a lot of new requirements and processes that Member countries and cricketers will need to become familiar with. The ICC is therefore working hard to develop Education programs and resources to assist both its Members and those international cricketers that will be subject to the jurisdiction of the ICC Code and will provide more details of those programs and resources in due course.