The International Handball Federation (IHF) has released the new IHF Anti-Doping Rules, coming into force on 1 January 2021.

The 2021 IHF Anti-Doping Rules will replace the 2015 IHF Anti-Doping Regulations, to be in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2021 World Anti-Doping Code. The new rules were approved by the IHF Council on 16 November.

For the first time, wheelchair handball is acknowledged in the IHF Player Eligibility Code and, thus, the discipline is included in the IHF Anti-Doping Rules as well. Additionally, the 2021 Rules outline new measures protecting individuals reporting anti-doping violations as persons violating Article 2.11 (Acts by a Player or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate against Reporting to Authorities) can be sanctioned with a period of ineligibility from a minimum of two years up to a lifetime, depending on the seriousness of the violation according to Article 10.3.6. 

Click here to view the 2021 IHF Anti-Doping Rules.

The 2021 World Anti-Doping Code was released by WADA earlier this year and comes into effect on 1 January 2021 as well. Changes to the current 2015 Code include among others:

• A new ‘Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act’ document;
• Less restrictions and more flexibility in sanctions for “protected persons” and “recreational athletes”;
• Reintroduction of ‘Aggravating Circumstances’;
• Whereabouts requirements for team sports and athletes in team sports;
• Stricter sanctions for tampering.

WADA has also introduced two new International Standards – the International Standard for Education and the International Standard for Results Management – bringing International Standards to a total of eight. Additionally, the definition for ‘In-competition’ has been revised.

Click here to view the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code.

As the new IHF Anti-Doping Rules take effect on 1 January 2021, these rules will be applied at the 27th IHF Men's World Championship, the postponed Tokyo 2020 Handball Qualification Tournaments and the Olympic Games.

For more information, visit the IHF Anti-Doping page.