ANADO Legal Note #14

ANADO Legal Note 14
How to Improve the Impact of WADA Independent Observer Teams
The WADA Independent Observer (IO) program has been one of WADA’s most useful and successful. Born from the need to provide independent oversight and confirmation of the integrity and effectiveness of anti-doping at the Olympic Games, the program has evolved to provide “audit-style” missions which give on-the-spot feedback and recommendations. The IO program will continue to have important political significance within sport to enhance the profile of clean sport and to reassure participants, spectators and the media. IO teams will continue to be sent to certain major games even if not technically required (because of the competency of the organizing committee and the experience of its anti-doping personnel, for example). But to me, the potential for lasting operational improvement to the efficacy and efficiency of games-time anti-doping programs is the real promise of the program.