WORLD SQUASH NEWS

WADA Endorses World Squash Anti-Doping Code

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has emphatically endorsed the initiative by the three international organisations of Squash to establish a joint World Squash Anti-Doping Code.

The three bodies, the World Squash Federation (WSF), the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA), signed a unique agreement last week to implement the new code with immediate effect.

David Howman, Director General of WADA, commented: "Squash has set an example of how professional organisations and leagues can work hand-in-hand with an international federation to use the Code as the basis for the fight against doping in sport.  It is an example we at WADA would encourage all professional organisations and leagues around the world to follow."

The agreement was signed at a Press Conference in London, hosted jointly by WSF Chief Executive Ted Wallbutton, PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars, WISPA Executive Director Andrew Shelley, and Dr Geraldine Barniville, Director of the WSF Medical Committee.

The three bodies identified the fact that, to implement the World Anti-Doping Code formulated by WADA and authorised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), there would have to be close cooperation between the organisations. 

Ted Wallbutton said at the launch:  "It is vital for the sport of Squash to be united in the fight against doping.  We know from our past testing programmes that Squash has a clean record in the doping arena, but we must be constantly vigilant to ensure that we protect the integrity of the sport and the health and rights of all players. 

"The WSF is leading the campaign for Squash to be on the programme of the Olympic Games in 2012 and this formal adoption of the Wada Anti-Doping Code by the three Squash bodies will put us at the forefront of sports being considered by the IOC."

There was further backing of the Squash initiative given by John Scott, Acting Director of Drug-Free Sport at UK Sport:  "UK Sport warmly welcomes the announcement from the WSF, PSA and WISPA.  The adoption of this anti-doping code is a clear statement of the commitment that exists within squash to the fight for drug-free sport."