World Anti-Doping: Bermuda Is Non-Compliant

The World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] has declared Bermuda to be non-compliant — due to a “failure to appropriately implement the Code into their legal systems” — and the proposed consequences including prohibiting Bermuda’s flag from being “flown at regional, continental and World Championships and events organized by major event organizations.”

World Anti-Doping Agency Statement

The organisation said, “The World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] held its second meeting of the year in Shanghai, China, generously hosted by the General Administration of Sport of China and supported by the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency and the Shanghai Administration for Sport. During the meeting, ExCo members took a number of key decisions – the main ones are summarized below – and were updated on WADA’s progress on its strategic and operational priorities.

“The ExCo followed the CRC’s recommendation to assert two National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) as non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code [Code]. In these cases, the non-compliance is due to a failure to appropriately implement the Code into their legal systems. The NADOs in question are from Bermuda and South Africa.

“The proposed consequences and reinstatement conditions for these NADOs can be found here.

“Under Article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories  [ISCCS], these Signatories have 21 days following the date of receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute WADA’s assertion of non-compliance, as well as the consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by the Agency.”

A screenshot of the proposed consequences is below [PDF here]

Bermuda Olympic Association

A spokesperson said, “We are disappointed that this decision will impact the experience of the athletes as they represent Bermuda at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile next month. The BOA is hopeful that there remains a chance that the required items will be submitted and approved by WADA in advance of the Games, removing the non-compliant status.”

Statement from Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport Owen Darrell

The Minister said, “The Bermuda Government is committed to providing a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliant and clean competition platform for our athletes. The recent decision by WADA to label Bermuda as non-compliant is disappointing; however we are working closely with WADA technical officers in both the Latin American Regional Office and in WADA Headquarters.

“All technical staff are currently reviewing the draft amendments to Bermuda’s Anti-Doping in Sport Act. The legislation will fulfill Bermuda’s obligations in complying with the WADA code, and we hope to have a positive outcome within the month.

“The World Anti-Doping Programme has expanded significantly since the commencement of the Anti-Doping in Sport Act in 2012 and no amendments have been made since its inception.

“WADA requested that the Bermuda Sports Anti-Doping Agency (BSADA) undertake a thorough review of the Anti-Doping in Sport Act to bring it into compliance with the WADA Code. The Code is a core document that provides the framework for anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organisations and public authorities around the world. BSADA submitted its recommendations for amendments to the Act and the Government agreed to all of them.

“While we are addressing the implementation of the proposed legislation, the Bermuda Government continues to support the testing regime carried out by BSADA. We will continue to work closely with WADA, Bermuda’s athletes and Bermuda’s sporting clubs to fight against doping and to protect the rights and health of our athletes.

“Bermuda – BSADA has an excellent working relationship with WADA and it is regrettable that we are in this situation. We look forward to the commencement of this legislation later this year.”

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