WADA
General
Over the course of 2015, there were many, wide-ranging, contacts with WADA. There were almost daily consultations about the correct management of Dutch doping infringements, which is monitored by WADA. Collaboration with WADA is close and structural.
Prohibited list
As in other years, a response to the draft prohibited list was sent to WADA in the summer. The Doping Authority coordinates the Dutch response on behalf of the NOC*NSF, the NOC*NSF Athletes Committee and the Ministry of Sport. Once again, it was pointed out that the prohibited list must have a sound practical and scientific basis. Responses to the various 'technical documents' were also written during the course of the year.
WADA – ADO Symposium
The Doping Authority attended the annual WADA - ADO Symposium in Lausanne. This Symposium was organised in the context of the implementation of the revised World Anti-Doping Code, which came into force on 1 January 2015, but a wide range of other topics were also covered. The ADO Symposium has evolved into the annual event at which most of the world's anti-doping organisations meet to discuss and promote developments in the field.
Sociological research
As part of WADA's 'Sociological Research Program', a research proposal with supervision from the University of Potsdam has been submitted in collaboration with four other NADOs and approved. The study will look at possible performance indicators for NADOs and will continue until early 2015 (pursuant to a number of administrative differences of opinion between the German researchers and WADA, the project was suspended for a short time). On behalf of all the NADOs concerned, the Doping Authority will have an advisory and coordinating role.
International collaboration on Intelligence & Investigations
The international Intelligence & Investigations Working Group continued its work in 2015. The group, which consists of Intelligence Officers and/or Intelligence Analysts, was established at the initiative of WADA in 2014.
WADA organised meetings in April and October at which the members of the Working Group informed each other about new developments and initiatives relating to Intelligence & Investigations processes. Some members discussed cases and agreements were made about the collection and exchange of information relating to doping investigations and international cooperation in doping investigations. Because not all anti-doping organisations are structured on the same lines and/or have the same statutory competencies, the group's work includes a very strong emphasis on how the information is used and the legal implications of sharing and using information.
A smaller group was established on the basis of that group. It consists of Intelligence Officers who work at organisations that have already established procedures for Intelligence & Investigations: the Doping Authority, NADA, AEPSAD, ADN, USADA, UKAD, CADF and WADA. A meeting lasting two days was organised in October 2015 for the members of this group, most of whom have a background in investigation. Some of those present organised a workshop about experiences with the process of Intelligence & Investigations. The Intelligence Officer of the Doping Authority ran a workshop about how DCOs – the eyes and ears in the field – can be involved more in Intelligence & Investigations and generate more information. In addition, the meeting also included intervision and, at the request of WADA, input was provided with respect to a number of proposals set out by WADA relating to working practices in Intelligence & Investigations and training for Intelligence Officers.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
CAHAMA and Monitoring Group
Once again in 2015, the Doping Authority was very active on the international stage. There are two objectives: to acquire up-to-date knowledge and to play a role in guiding international anti-doping policies. We attended three meetings of the CAHAMA (Ad hoc European Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency). The CAHAMA mission is:
- To examine the issues concerning relations between the Council of Europe, its Member States and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and to decide on a common position, when possible, on these issues;
- To draw up, if necessary, opinions for the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on these issues, including the budgetary elements;
- To periodically revise the mandate of members of the WADA Foundation Board appointed by the Council of Europe.
The work of CAHAMA in 2015 focused in particular on establishing a European position on the WADA budget, on WADA’s priorities, and on the findings of WADA’s Independent Commission.
In addition, the Doping Authority attended two meetings of the Monitoring Group. This group monitors the implementation of the Anti-Doping Convention of the Council of Europe.
Advisory Groups
In the context of the 'Expert Group on Education' of the Council of Europe, the Doping Authority attended the meetings on 16-17 February (London) and 27 July (Vilnius).
Seminar
At the invitation of the Council of Europe, the Doping Authority gave a presentation on 22 September about 'Education: experiences from the Netherlands' during a national education and prevention seminar in Podgorica (Montenegro).
EUROPEAN UNION
Expert Group on Anti-doping
This Expert Group answers to the Council of Ministers of the European Union and it works on doping-related matters that affect community law. The subjects discussed included the revision of the present WADA Code, as well as the Regulation relating to data protection proposed by the European Commission.
iNADO
Institute for National Anti-Doping Organisations - iNADO
Immediately after the iNADO was established, the Doping Authority joined this umbrella organisation. In 2015, iNADO continued to develop its role as the knowledge institute and the representative of the National Anti-Doping Organisations affiliated with it. The Doping Authority made a range of contributions to the work done by iNADO, and attended the iNADO meeting in Lausanne before the WADA – ADO Symposium.
IADA
International Anti-Doping Arrangement - IADA
The Doping Authority was present at the annual meeting of this group of eleven countries. The present Arrangement will be in place from 2015 to 2018.