Bahrain Olympic Committee Regulation No. (6) of 2022 promulgating the Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports
Bahrain Olympic Committee Regulation No. (6) of 2022 promulgating the Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports
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Published on the website on May 2024
Regulation No. (6) of 2022 promulgating the Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports
Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee:
Having reviewed the Law of the Associations, Social and Cultural Clubs, Private Bodies Working in the Field of Youth and Sports and the Private Institutions promulgated by the Legislative Decree No. (21) of 1989, as amended;
Law No.(13) of 2008 ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Doping in Sports;
Unified Statute of Sports Federations promulgated by Decision No. (15) of 2014, as amended;
And Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports promulgated by Decision No. (15) of 2021;
And upon the submission of the Secretary-General;
And after the approval of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Olympic Committee;
Hereby Decides:
Article One
The provisions of the Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports attached to this Decision shall apply.
Article Two
The Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports promulgated by Decision No. (15) of 2021 shall be repealed.
Article Three
This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall come into force three months after the date of its circulation to sports federations, clubs, sports authorities, and other relevant authorities.
Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee
Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Issued on: 24 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1443 A.H.
Corresponding to: 23 June 2022
Bahraini Regulation Against Doping in Sports
Chapter One
General Provisions
Article (1)
Definitions
In applying the provisions of this Regulation, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them below, unless the context requires otherwise:
1- Kingdom: kingdom of Bahrain.
2- Committee: The Bahrain National Anti-Doping Committee (BNADO), responsible for overseeing the implementation of anti-doping laws and regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and the Code.
3- Board of Directors: The Committee's Board of Directors.
4- Chairman of the Board of Directors: Chairman of the Committee's Board of Directors.
5- Code: The World Anti-Doping Code.
6- Testing Committee: The committee responsible for executing programs related to conducting necessary tests and examinations to detect prohibited substances, metabolites, or markers in athletes' samples.
7- Disciplinary Committee for Anti-Doping: The Bahrain Disciplinary Committee for Anti-Doping, established by the Committee to review and adjudicate violations of anti-doping rules.
8- Anti-Doping Appeals Committee: The Bahraini committee that decides on appeals against decisions of the Disciplinary Committee for Anti-Doping in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.
9- Olympic Committee: Bahrain Olympic Committee.
10- Sports Organizations: National sports authorities, clubs and associations.
11- Olympic Committee Team: Any Olympic or other national team selected by the Olympic Committee.
12- Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee: A committee formed by decision of the Committee to consider requests for therapeutic use exemptions.
All definitions in the Code and international standards shall be automatically applied and considered an integral part of this Regulation.
Article (2)
Scope of Application
The provisions of this Regulation apply to all members of the sports community in the Kingdom, across all sports organizations, as well as to all athletes and supporting sports personnel.
Article (3)
Proof of Doping
The proof of doping shall be subject to the anti-doping rules of the Committee, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
Article (4)
Prohibited List
The Committee shall publish the approved Prohibited List from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and any amendments thereto to sports organizations within three months from the date of publication by (WADA).
Chapter Two
Bahrain National Anti-Doping Committee (BNADO)
Article (5)
Nature of the Committee
The Committee is an independent executive entity, equipped with the necessary financial, human and technical resources to carry out its tasks under this Regulation. It serves as the competent authority for implementing the provisions of the Code and international standards, in addition to matters related to anti-doping in sports at the national level.
Article (6)
Committee Guarantees
The Committee shall operate with full independence, free from interference in its decisions and executive activities.
All individuals engaged in the operational activities of the Committee shall adhere to the necessary independence standards as outlined in the Code and they shall be prohibited from participating in the management or operation of any sports organization, entity or government administration related to sports or anti-doping.
Article (7)
Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee
The main objective of the Committee shall be to take all necessary measures to preserve sports in the Kingdom, by making it a field for excellence and competition free from the scourge of the use of prohibited doping in sports, which harms the health of athletes and undermines the inherent values of sport. This shall be done through the following:
1- Adopting the Committee's anti-doping rules.
2- Formulating, implementing and supervising the general policy related to anti-doping in sports, concerning the following aspects:
- a) Planning, executing, evaluating, and promoting education programs in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
- b) Developing training programs for medical and technical personnel to qualify them in the field of sample collection for testing, according to the required standards under the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
- c) Developing and implementing anti-doping plans and programs in accordance with the Code and international standards.
- d) Collaborating with relevant entities organizing various sports events internally and externally regarding anti-doping in sports.
3- Supervising and monitoring the activities of doping control in all sports organizations in the Kingdom.
4- Organizing stations for doping control in various sports facilities in the Kingdom, supervising them, and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the relevant international testing and investigation standards.
5- Cooperating with local bodies and authorities related to anti-doping outside the sports field.
6- Cooperation with similar authorities in the countries of The Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab World, the countries of the world, and (WADA).
7- Establishing the Disciplinary Committee for Anti-Doping and appointing an independent Appeals Committee for Anti-Doping, both structurally and operationally, in accordance with the requirements of the Code and the international standards for results management and the provisions of this Regulation.
8- Monitoring the implementation of the Code and the International Convention for Doping in Sport ratified by Law No. (13) of 2008.
Article (8)
The Activities and Programmes of the Committee
The Committee shall practise the following activities and programmes:
1- Activation of national anti-doping programmes in sports, including the determination of the time and place of doping control, surprise tests without prior notification, and tests within or outside the framework of national sports events.
2- Working to monitor doping for athletes in cooperation with national and international organisations, other regulatory committees, and sports bodies and authorities such as clubs, youth centres and hostels, and private health clubs, as well as for all sports activities and events held on the territory of the Kingdom.
3- Reviewing detailed clauses for planning, managing, and executing doping control operations and adopting the Prohibited List issued and published by (WADA).
4- Conducting prosecution activities, hearing sessions, and imposing sanctions through the independent operational Disciplinary Committee for Anti-Doping and the independently structured and operational Appeals Committee for Anti-Doping. Also, monitoring the implementation of their decisions by sports organizations.
5- Working to promote values, information, and preventive actions in anti-doping through planning, execution, evaluation, and promotion of education programs aligned with the requirements of the Code and international education standards.
6- Contributing to research activities related to anti-doping in the sports field, and creating a database and a special website with the aim of educating athletes, researchers, and those interested in this field.
7- Explaining the Committee's working strategy, activities, and implementation mechanisms to relevant public authorities responsible for youth and sports affairs, sports federations, and various other relevant authorities.
8- Establishing the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee to grant necessary exemptions in accordance with the Code and international standards for medical exemptions.
9- Training, authorizing, and re-authorizing local personnel in the category of doping control officers, and providing educational training to all committee members involved in any part of the doping control process.
10- Any activities related to the Code and international standards.
Article (9)
The Financial Affairs of the Committee
The Committee shall have an independent annual budget whose resources shall be as follows:
1- Government support provided to the Committee.
2- The allocated support from the Olympic Committee and the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.
3- Donations and other funds accepted by the Committee in accordance with the applicable regulations in the Kingdom.
4- Revenues generated from providing its services and various activities.
The budget shall be used to cover expenses such as the preparation of the Committee’s and its affiliated committees’ headquarters, remunerations for the Chairman and members of its Board of Directors, salaries of employees, compensations for lecturers, volunteers, and other individuals working and collaborating with the Committee. It shall also cover the costs of the Committee’s programmes and different activities, all in accordance with the provisions of the financial regulations issued by the Board of Directors and approved by the Olympic Committee.
Article (10)
Audit of the Committee’s Accounts
The accounts of the Committee shall be audited by an auditor appointed by its Board of Directors, and a copy of the audited accounts report along with the annual report of the first quarter of the year following the financial year shall be submitted to the Olympic Committee.
Article (11)
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the highest authority within the Committee and is responsible for managing and overseeing its affairs in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation. It shall be composed of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and seven members, appointed by a decision of the Chairman of the Olympic Committee, for a term of four years. None of them shall be a member of the Board of Directors of another sports authority. Among them, there shall be individuals with experience in medical, legal, administrative, sports and anti-doping fields. Upon their appointment to the Committee, members shall sign a conflict of interest declaration, committing not to represent the interests of any other entity, and to act in the best interest of the Committee, safeguard clean sports, and maintain confidentiality.
The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly, and emergency meetings of the Board can be convened upon the request of its Chairman, Vice Chairman, or one-third of its members.
The meetings of the Board of Directors shall be valid if attended by at least five members, provided that they include the Chairman or his Vice-Chairman. The decisions and recommendations of the Board shall be issued by a majority votes of those present, and in case of a tie, the side of the Chairman of the meeting shall prevail.
Article (12)
The Competences of the Board of Directors
In addition to the provisions outlined in Articles (7) and (8) of this Regulation, the Board of Directors shall assume the following competences:
1- Developing the organizational structure of the Committee.
2- Appointing the Executive Director of the Committee and specifying their job description and responsibilities.
3- Proposing amendments to this Regulation to align it with the Code.
4- Ensuring the continuity of financial funding, support, and assistance from governmental and non-governmental authorities, in a manner that doesn't affect the independence and transparency of the Committee's work.
Article (13)
The Competences of the Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall have the following duties:
1- Presiding the meetings of the Board of Directors.
2- Approving the minutes of the Board of Directors' meetings after obtaining the approval of the majority of the members present regarding the topics and decisions contained therein, and sending copies of them to the members of the Board.
3- Discussing the annual financial budget report of the Committee with the members of the Board of Directors, and submitting the final report to the Olympic Committee and the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.
Article (14)
The Competences of the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors shall undertake all the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the Chairman of the Board in case of his absence or an impediment.
Article (15)
The Competences of the Members of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board of Directors shall practice the following duties:
1- Participating in the periodic and emergency meetings of the Board of Directors.
2- Submitting requests for emergency meetings.
3- Actively participating in the Board of Directors and contributing to the development of the Committee's general strategy.
4- Carrying out other duties assigned to them by the Board of Directors.
Article (16)
Executive Director of the Committee
The Committee shall have an Executive Director, provided that he holds a university qualification, and has sufficient knowledge in administration and the anti-doping field.
The Executive Director shall be independent and responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of the Committee's operations and activities. In particular, the following shall be carried out:
1- Managing the Executive Bureau, and the financial, technical, and service affairs of the Committee.
2- Assisting the Board of Directors in developing and monitoring the Committee's work, evaluating multi-year strategic plans for programs and initiatives that meet the mandatory requirements of the Regulation and international standards. This shall include, for example, the following programs:
- a) Doping control programs: Including testing, investigations, whereabouts, therapeutic use exemptions, sample collection and processing, laboratory analysis, result management and investigations.
- b) Developing an educational program that aligns with educational programs as per the Code.
- c) Researching internationally recognized ethical practices in anti-doping.
- d) International collaboration and alignment in the field of anti-doping.
3- Developing, implementing, and evaluating annual operations plans and linking budgets to achieve strategic plans.
4- Proposing administrative and executive policies, submitting them to the Board of Directors for approval, and then starting their implementation.
5- Proposing the formation of various committees stipulated in this Regulation, along with suggesting their working mechanisms, tasks, and responsibilities as per the provisions of this Regulation.
6- Working on enhancing the quality and efficiency of the Committee's activities in light of the available financial resources.
7- Providing quarterly reports to the Chairman and the Board of Directors on the progress of the Committee's work.
8- Developing and maintaining communication and cooperation means with national and international anti-doping units and organizations.
9- Representing the Committee, when necessary, alongside the Chairman or Vice Chairman, in media appearances, meetings, conferences and relevant national and international events.
10- Obtaining the latest information on issues and developments related to the Committee's activities and operations and their implementation.
Article (17)
Executive Bureau of the Committee
The Executive Bureau of the Committee shall consist of a sufficient number of staff, volunteers or collaborators who have the necessary expertise, especially in executive secretariat, all appointed by a decision of the Board of Directors to carry out all administrative work of the Committee.
Article (18)
Lecturers
The lecturers are individuals who deliver lessons and lectures in seminars, training courses, and public workshops related to anti-doping in the Kingdom for athletes, club leaders, private health institutes, youth centres, sports clubs, sports federations, and other relevant authorities. The following minimum requirements are stipulated for them:
1- Good knowledge of the anti-doping laws, related international standards, and the ability to communicate information.
2- At least five years of previous and approved anti-doping work experience.
Chapter Three
Testing Committee
Article (19)
Formation and Responsibilities of the Testing Committee
The Testing Committee shall be formed by a decision of the Committee, consisting of a sufficient number of medical personnel of both genders. The formation includes the appointment of a General Coordinator and a Deputy General Coordinator. Individuals for sample collection shall be designated from the following categories:
1- Doping Control Officers.
2- Chaperones and Blood Control Officers.
The Testing Committee shall be responsible for implementing programs related to conducting necessary tests to detect doping according to local and international standards and regulations. The committee shall carry out tests on all national athletes affiliated with sports organizations, as well as on all other athletes falling within the scope of this Regulation according to Article Two thereof. Additionally, this Committee, under the guidance of the (BNADO) Committee, shall manage the planning and distribution of tests, sample collection, processing and sending them to the approved or (WADA)-accredited laboratories for analysis.
Article (20)
Responsibilities of the Testing Committee
The Testing Committee assumes the following responsibilities:
1- Establishing a doping control station during various sports events inside or outside the Kingdom, if necessary.
2- Developing specific templates for testing procedures that are in line with the requirements of the Code and international standards, including:
- a) Doping Control Form.
- b) Supplementary Report Form.
- c) Chain of Custody Form.
- d) Doping Control Officer Report Form.
3- Providing the necessary equipment and devices to conduct the sample collection process, such as: Containers for collecting "blood or urine" samples, pH and specific gravity measuring device, sample storage refrigerator, and a cooled box for transporting samples from the station to approved or (WADA)-accredited laboratories.
4- Compiling the proposed annual budget for purchases and needs of the testing station and submitting it to the Executive Director of the Committee.
5- Working to provide office supplies, photocopier, fax, computers, and internet service.
6- Identifying the names of approved or (WADA)-accredited laboratories for the purpose of sample analysis, drafting contracts with them, and submitting them to the Executive Director of the Committee.
7- Conducting sample collection sessions for all athletes in the Kingdom from all levels and across all sports organizations, as well as athletes in private health clubs.
8- Maintaining all registers and documents related to the sample collection sessions.
Article (21)
General Coordinator for Doping Control
The General Coordinator for Doping Control shall have a minimum of documented practical experience as a Doping Control Officer and to be proficient in spoken and written English. He shall not have any conflicts of interest in any process he carries out. The General Coordinator shall be responsible for the following tasks:
1- Developing strategic and general plans for planning and implementing testing programmes and preparing annual budgets.
2- Supervising and managing sample collection sessions at the doping control station, including delivering samples to the accredited or (WADA)-approved laboratory.
3- Detailing and explaining the plan, and distributing duties and responsibilities to the members of the sample collection team of athletes.
4- Preparing daily, monthly, and annual reports and recommendations related to the testing programme, and submitting them to the Executive Director of the Committee.
5- Developing a protocol for procedures and methods of sample collection for international recognition and obtaining ISO 9001/2000 Quality Management System certification.
Article (22)
Department for Monitoring the Location of Athletes
The regulations of the Committee on Anti-Doping delineate the responsibilities of the Monitoring Athletes' Location Department, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
Article (23)
Doping Control Staff
Doping Control Staff are a team of employees, volunteers or collaborators whose responsibilities are confined to the process of collecting samples “urine or blood” from athletes. They shall possess an accredited certificate that authorizes them to collect such samples from the athletes' bodies.
Article (24)
Plans and Programs of the Testing Committee
The Testing Committee shall be responsible for implementing the testing plans and programs in accordance with the plans approved by the Committee.
Chapter Four
Therapeutic Use Exemption
Article (25)
Therapeutic Use Exemption
The Committee shall be responsible for executing all activities related to therapeutic use exemptions.
The organization of the activities stipulated in the preceding paragraph and cases of therapeutic use exemption shall be subject to the provisions of the Committee's anti-doping rules, provided that it does not conflict with the Code and international standards.
Article (26)
Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee
The Committee shall form a committee to consider therapeutic use exemption requests. The specific rules of this committee, including its procedures, shall be aligned with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules and related internal regulations.
Chapter Five
Doping Tests
Article (27)
Testing Activities
Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (28)
Sample Analysis
Samples for detecting doping shall be analysed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
The Committee shall send the collected samples, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, to any of the accredited or (WADA)-approved laboratories.
Chapter Six
Results Management
Article (29)
Results Management Committee
The Results Management Committee shall be formed by a decision of the Board of Directors and shall be responsible for conducting preliminary results management activities in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards for results management.
Article (30)
Confidentiality of the Athletes’ Information and Identity
The Committee shall retain the Doping Control Form and other relevant documents for all athletes whose samples showed positive analytical results or indicated the possibility of an anti-doping rule violation, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
The identity of the athlete and their support personnel shall remain confidential during the results management phase.
The athlete, the International Federation, (WADA) and all relevant authorities shall be notified about the athlete's initial review by the Committee, following the rules specified in the Code as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules. This information shall also be reported in the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS).
Article (31)
Temporary Suspension
The imposition of temporary suspension on an athlete shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (32)
Anti-Doping Rules Violation
The Committee's anti-doping rules shall define cases of anti-doping rule violations in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code.
Chapter Seven
Disciplinary Procedures
Article (33)
Anti-Doping Disciplinary Committee
The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Committee shall be formed by decision of the Committee, and the Committee's anti-doping rules and internal regulations define its composition and procedures in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
Article (34)
Sanctions
The system of sanctions applied for anti-doping rule violations shall be subject to the Committee's anti-doping rules, which shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards.
Article (35)
Sanctions Imposed on Sports Federations
The Olympic Committee may take any action or measure against non-compliant sports federations to ensure their activities align with the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Chapter Eight
Appeal
Article (36)
Appealing the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Committee Decisions
Decisions issued by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Committee shall be subject to appeal before the Anti-Doping Appeals Committee designated by the Olympic Committee, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as outlined in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (37)
Appealing the Penalties Imposed on Sports Federations
The decisions made in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation to impose sanctions on sports federations may be appealed before the Anti-Doping Appeals Committee, and subsequently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), by the relevant national sports federation within one month from the date they become aware of the decision.
Chapter Nine
Final Provisions
Article (38)
Notification Requirements
The Committee shall commit to all notification requirements outlined in the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as specified in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (39)
Confidentiality and Annual Reports
The Committee shall undertake to prepare and publish an annual report on its anti-doping activities and shall provide a copy to (WADA).
Principles of cooperation in the field of anti-doping results, public transparency, responsibility, and respect for the privacy of all athletes or individuals shall align with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as indicated in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Information exchange and management shall be carried out in accordance with international standards.
Article (40)
Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions of Signatory Organizations to the Code
The automatic binding effect of decisions made by organizations signatory to the Code must be in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Code and international standards, as detailed in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (41)
Recognition of Decisions of Non-Signatory Organizations to the Code
The Committee recognizes decisions taken by non-signatory organizations to the Code if it finds that these decisions were made within the authority of that organization and that the anti-doping rules of that organization are consistent with the Code.
Article (42)
Limitation of Violation
Procedures for a violation of anti-doping rules against an athlete or any other person shall commence within the specified time frame outlined in the Code and international standards, as detailed in the Committee's anti-doping rules.
Article (43)
Anti-Doping Rules Updates
The Committee shall commit to applying all amendments and updates received on anti-doping rules, considering them an integral part of this Regulation once those updates have been implemented in the Code and international standards by (WADA).
Article (44)
Amendment and Interpretation of the Regulation
The Committee shall be responsible for implementing, interpreting, and amending the provisions outlined in this Regulation, with the approval of the Olympic Committee. It shall be permitted to invite representatives from sports federations to participate in discussions concerning these matters.
This Regulation and any amendments made thereto shall be disseminated to sports organizations and other concerned authorities.
The provisions of this Regulation shall not be applied retrospectively to matters pending before their entry into force, and these matters shall be completed in accordance with the controls in force at the time their cases arise, and their results shall be recognised.
Article (45)
Reorganisation of the Committee and Transfer of Assets
The dissolution, termination or reorganization of the Committee for any legal reason is to be executed through a decision issued by the Olympic Committee. Any remaining assets of the Committee shall be allocated towards fulfilling all its outstanding obligations and commitments. The decision shall specify the methods for disposing of the remaining assets.
Content last updated: 22 Dec, 2025