The World Dodgeball Federation has launched the WDBF Clean Sport Program, a new athlete education initiative designed to strengthen understanding of clean competition, anti-doping responsibilities, and the choices athletes can make to protect themselves and the integrity of the sport.

Developed in alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s International Standard for Education, the program provides practical, accessible education for athletes and Athlete Support Personnel participating in international dodgeball.

The course has been developed with oversight from WDBF Medical Director Dr. Darko Sarovic, building on the Federation’s existing anti-doping policies, medical guidance, and commitment to athlete welfare and fair play.

Certificates will be issued following the completion of the course. There is no cost to enroll.

Education Before Enforcement

At the centre of the Clean Sport Program is a simple principle: athletes should have access to the information they need to make informed decisions before they enter competition.

The program introduces participants to six key areas of clean sport education:

• Clean Sport Values;
• Athlete Rights and Responsibilities;
• Understanding Anti-Doping Rules;
• Medications, Supplements and Prohibited Substances;
• Doping Control – What to Expect; and
• Speaking Up and Protecting Clean Sport.

Rather than focusing only on rules and sanctions, the program emphasizes prevention, personal responsibility and practical decision-making. Athletes learn about issues such as Strict Liability, checking medications, the risks associated with supplements, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and what happens when an athlete is selected for doping control.

A recurring message throughout the course is deliberately simple:

When in doubt, Ask First.

Preparing Athletes for Bangkok 2026

The launch is particularly important ahead of the 2026 WDBF World Championships, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 7–12.

As athletes from around the world prepare for the Championship, the Clean Sport Program will help participants understand their anti-doping responsibilities and prepare for the possibility of doping control during international competition.

Anti-doping testing is not new to WDBF competition. Testing was conducted at the 2024 World Championships in Graz, Austria, and clean sport education and anti-doping measures will continue to form part of the Federation’s approach to major international events.

The WDBF encourages athletes, coaches, team managers, medical personnel and other Athlete Support Personnel attending international competition to familiarize themselves with the program and with the anti-doping requirements that apply to them.

Building a Culture of Clean Sport

The Clean Sport Program represents a step in the development of the WDBF’s athlete welfare, education and sport integrity framework.

As dodgeball’s international footprint grows, the Federation believes that education must grow alongside competition. Clean sport is ultimately a shared responsibility, and one that depends on informed athletes, responsible support personnel, strong Member Federations and a culture in which success is earned through preparation, teamwork, skill and character.