WADA to ban first-time PED users for four years

The World Anti-Doping Authority, based out of Montreal, announced on Friday that it will increase suspensions of first-time performance enhancing drug users from two to four years. This announcement came at the organization’s annual meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The increased bans are part of the changes to the World Anti-Doping Code that over 600 sports organizations, from Canada Cycling to the International Olympic Committee, adheres to, and will come into effect January 1, 2015.

When the proposal to double the suspension came up last year, there were concerns that four year bans wouldn’t stand up in court, as they might be seen as too severe and represent a restraint of trade.

Other changes to the Code include more sanctions against coaches who held athletes dope, more flexibility with athletes who mistakenly use banned substances or who cooperate with anti-doping investigators, and doping tests customized for specific sports.

WADA, whose motto is Play True, also elected its next chair, IOC vice-president Sir Craig Reedie.