CADP (Canadian Anti-Doping Program)

The Canadian Anti-Doping Program

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is the custodian of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), the set of rules that govern anti-doping in Canada. The CADP consists of several components such as in- and out-of-competition testing, education, medical exemptions and the consequences of doping violations. The CADP is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and all of its associated International Standards. The 2021 CADP is currently in effect.

Football Canada has adopted the CADP, which means you are part of a world-class anti-doping program that is designed to protect athletes’ rights and ensure a level playing field. Football Canada’s anti-doping policy and code of conduct reflect and support the CADP.

As a member of Football Canada, the CADP applies to you, and by participating in Football Canada sanctioned activities, you may be selected for doping control.

You may also be subject to the rules of your international federation. Learn more about IFAF’s anti-doping policies and procedures.

COVID-19 Procedures

The CCES is currently implementing supplemental doping control procedures to enable urine and blood sample collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the procedures and access other COVID-19 resources. (link to: https://cces.ca/covid-19-procedures)

While athletes and support personnel should be familiar with the rules of the CADP and the Code, they should also know how to practice clean sport, which can be achieved by following these guidelines:

Check your medications

• Check your medications and products to ensure they do not contain banned substances or ingredients.
• Global DRO provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific substances based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Access medication data from seven countries.
• If you need assistance checking the status of a medication, email [email protected].

Know your exemption requirements

• If your medication is prohibited in sport, verify your medical exemption requirements using the Medical Exemption Wizard.
• If you still have questions about your exemption requirements, email [email protected].

Question supplements

While some supplements can correct nutritional deficiencies, promote recovery, or help achieve peak performance, supplements present a significant risk of inadvertent doping. Avoid supplements if you can.

If you and your medical support personnel agree that you have a need for a supplement:

• Learn about and minimize your risks.
• Make sure any supplements you use are batch-tested by a reliable third-party testing program like NSF Certified for Sport.

Be cannabis smart

Be mindful of cannabis’ prohibited status in sport, including the possibility of positive tests as a result of using CBD medications which contain THC and special protocols for some athletes. Be cannabis smart.

Complete your education

Athletes in the national athlete pool (NAP) and athlete support personnel must complete online education annually. To access courses, log into the CCES online education portal. If you have questions about your education requirements, refer to https://cces.ca/course-access or email [email protected].

Live your values

The CCES is a proud and active member of True Sport – Canada’s commitment to values-based sport. True Sport gives people, communities and organizations the means by which to leverage the many benefits of good sport from a platform of shared values and principles. Learn more at truesport.ca.

Report Doping

You can help eliminate doping! To report doping activity through the CCES’s confidential and secure Report Doping system – call the hotline at 1-800-710-CCES, download the app for Android or iOS, or complete the online form.

Know the rules

• The 2021 CADP came into effect on January 1, 2021. Read more about the Canadian Anti-Doping Program.
• Know your rights and responsibilities as an athlete with regards to anti-doping.
• If you are notified for doping control, always comply with the testing request and procedures.
• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) works towards a vision of a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.
• Get the latest news through CCES media releases and advisory notes. Subscribe now.

Contact the CCES

For additional resources and more about anti-doping, please contact the CCES:

• Email: [email protected] 
• Call toll-free: 1-800-672-7775
• CCES website