At the WBF Executive Council meeting held in October 2014 in Beijing, the WBF (the Bridge International Federation [IF]) accepted the revised Anti-Doping Code from WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency).

The WBF has adopted new Anti-Doping Rules based on the revised Code. These rules were approved by WADA on 17th November 2014 and come into force on 1st January 2015.

Under these new rules, Players competing at the following Events (WBF “International Events”) will be liable for testing under WBF’s authority:

• The World Team Championships (the Bermuda Bowl and the Venice Cup)
• The World Bridge Games (Open and Women’s Series)
• The World Bridge Series (Open, Women’s & Mixed Series)
• The World Junior and Girls Bridge Teams Championships.

All Players should be aware that failure to attend or refusal of a test if selected is deemed a positive test and may lead to a suspension. In addition, in some countries it is also deemed a criminal offence.

In addition, Players competing at the following Events are defined as WBF  “International-Level” Players

• The World Open and Women’s Team Championships held in the odd numbered years
• The World Bridge Games (Open and Women’s categories) held every fourth year
• The World Bridge Series (Open, Women’s & Mixed Series)
• The World Juniors and Girls Teams Championships held in the even numbered years

Should they require a Therapeutic Use Exemption, defined “International Level” Players must complete the Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) Application Form and return it to the address given on the document as soon as possible and no later than 30 days before the commencement of the competition in which they are participating.

Please be aware that the WBF does not automatically recognise a TUE awarded by any other organisation (i.e. a NADO or ANY other recognised sports organisation). Thus in the absence of such automatic recognition, the Athlete shall submit a request for recognition of the TUE to the WBF to the Chairman of the TUE Committee, Dr Jaap Stomphorst (click here to email) . The request should be accompanied by a copy of the TUE and the original TUE application form and supporting materials referenced at Articles 6.1 and 6.2 (unless the Anti-Doping Organization that granted the TUE has already made the TUE and supporting materials available via ADAMS or other system approved by WADA, in accordance with Article 5.4)

All other Athletes are entitled to apply for a retroactive TUE, should they be tested by WBF.

Players are advised that the WBF may select samples following testing for long term storage for analysis in future years.

Players are strongly advised to download and read the following document:  Guidelines for Players.

ADDITIONAL ANTI-DOPING INFORMATION

The WADA prohibited list is updated annually and can be accessed through their website as well as using other mobile devices via a mobile site.

Medical & Prevention Commission and Anti-Doping /TUE Sub-Committee