International Sport Federations, or simply International Federations (IFs), are responsible for a given sport globally. Under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), IFs are required to carry out the following anti-doping activities:
- Conduct testing at their competitions and out-of-competition
- Provide education programs
- Sanction those who commit Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes IFs regrouped under the umbrella of three associations, namely the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the Winter Olympic Federations (WOF) and the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF).
The sports within the Paralympic Movement are governed either by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) serving as the IF, by an IF that also falls under the Olympic Movement (an IF that governs disciplines for both athletes with a disability and without) or an independent IF that governs the particular sport for athletes with a disability. The IPC also recognizes a number of IFs that are not part of the Paralympic Games but that are Code signatories.
Finally, there are a number of IFs that have not been formally recognized by the Olympic and Paralympic Movements but that are Code signatories.
In order to further promote independence and transparency of their anti-doping activities, several IFs have created anti-doping or integrity units that are governed independently of the IF.
- Athletics Integrity Unit – responsible for anti-doping on behalf of World Athletics
- International Tennis Integrity Agency – responsible for anti-doping on behalf of the International Tennis Federation (ITF)
- Biathlon Integrity Unit – responsible for anti-doping on behalf of the International Biathlon Union (IBU)
Other IFs have opted to have all or parts of their anti-doping programs managed by a third-party organization or service provider. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) created the International Testing Agency (ITA) to help IFs, as well as Major Event Organizations (MEOs), manage their anti-doping programs.
More information about other providers of anti-doping services
