Anti-Doping
ANTI-DOPING: THE RULES
BF follows the UK Anti-Doping Rules as published and updated by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
ANTI-DOPING: THE BIG PICTURE
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) leads the global movement for clean sport. Established in 1999 and jointly funded by sport and governments, it oversees the World Anti-Doping Code, scientific research, and education programmes. Updated Code rules came into effect on 1 January 2026.
WADA Vision: A world where all athletes can participate in a doping-free sporting environment.
WADA Mission: To lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.
In the UK, BF works with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to prevent doping. UKAD delivers education, testing, intelligence gathering, and prosecutions for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). It ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code through the UK’s National Anti-Doping Policy.
Parents’ Guide to Supporting Clean Sport
100% ME – SUPPORTING ATHLETES TO BE CLEAN
100% me is UKAD’s athlete education programme, providing resources, guidance, and sessions to help athletes maintain clean careers.
All fencers selected for any international events at Cadet or older must have evidence of relevant clean sport education on their membership record on Sport:80. The best version of this is the UK Anti-Doping online course Compete Clean+, available on the Clean Sport Hub linked from every page on the UKAD web site at https://www.ukad.org.uk/
Please see here for instructions on how to upload a certificate on Sport:80: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz95SfDIVrk
Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)
Managing Inadvertent Doping Risks
THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS (TUEs)
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) allow athletes to use prohibited substances when medically necessary.
TUE APPLICATIONS
- International Level Fencers Defined as those in the top 64 of the FIE senior world rankings at the start of the international season. Apply to the ITA on behalf of the FIE.
- National Level Fencers Those selected for GBR Senior or U23 teams for European Championships, World Championships, or Olympic Games. Cannot apply to UKAD unless they are a World Class Programme Athlete (Podium and Confirmation). All others must use the Retroactive TUE process.
- All Other Fencers If tested, they may use the Retroactive TUE process.
COACHES
Any coach accompanying a GBR athlete to an FIE or EFC event must complete UKAD’s Coach Clean course and upload the certificate to their Sport:80 membership record. This must be done every 2 years.
Coaches working with competing athletes at any level are strongly encouraged to complete the training.
Global DRO (Check medications)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- All BF compete memberships bind members to comply with all anti-doping rules for 12 months from the start of membership.
- All members, including those under 18, agree to the anti-doping rules. See: Testing Process for Minors.
- From 1 September 2026, all fencers selected for any international event (including Commonwealth Championships) must have clean sport education recorded on Sport:80. Accepted courses include UKAD Compete Clean+ or a relevant WADA course. The courses are available on the Clean Sport Hub at https://www.cleansporthub.co.uk/login and linked from every page on the UKAD web site
- Parents of internationally selected athletes must complete clean sport education. The recommended course is Clean Sport Essentials+.
- International Level Fencers must confirm retirement either by allowing membership to expire or by emailing BF.
CONTACTS
- UK Anti-Doping: ukad@ukad.org.uk or +44 (0)207 842 3450
- BF Medical Officer – Dr Clare Halsted: clarehalsted@gmail.com
BF Anti-Doping Lead – Neil Brown: neil.brown@britishfencing.com
Click the links below to go to your GBR Zone:
Para Fencing | Under 14 | Cadet | Junior | U23 & Senior
Last updated 1 Aug 2026