Why checking Global DRO matters

Every athlete wants to compete clean and protect their sporting career.

One of the most important and sometimes overlooked steps in doing this is checking the status of medications before use.

Each year, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC) work closely with athletes, coaches and health professionals to support informed decision-making around medication and supplements.

One key message remains constant:

Global DRO should always be the first stop when checking medications for anti-doping compliance.

Keeping pace with the WADA Prohibited List

On 1 January every year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) releases its updated Prohibited List. 

This list sets the global standard for substances and methods that athletes are not permitted to use In- and Out-of-Competition.

Updates can include:

• new substances being added
• changes to in competition and out of competition status
• amendments to permitted routes of administration
• adjustments to Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements.
   

These updates are critical. 

Substances that were permitted one year may become prohibited the next and vice-versa.
 

Understanding the limitations of prescribing software

SIA and the ASDMAC recently reviewed electronic medical record software commonly used by General Practitioners across Australia.

This review highlighted an important issue for athletes and clinicians alike: some prescribing systems are not updated in line with the annual WADA Prohibited List.

Electronic prescribing software is designed to support general clinical decision-making.

However, these systems:

• new substances being added
• are not built specifically for anti doping compliance
• may not reflect the most recent Prohibited List
• cannot account for competition status, formulation differences or sport specific rules
• do not provide guidance on TUE requirements.
   

In addition, some systems only generate alerts if a patient is identified as an “elite athlete” in their medical records.

Many athletes – including juniors, developing athletes, semi professionals, and masters competitors – may not be captured by this definition, despite still being subject to anti doping rules.
 

Why this matters for athletes

Anti doping rules operate according to strict liability.

This means athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their system, regardless of how it got there or who prescribed it.

An unintentional mistake can still have serious consequences, including:

• periods of ineligibility
• missed selection or competition opportunities
• reputational impact
• financial and emotional stress.
   

The good news is that these risks can be significantly reduced through consistent, reliable checking.
 

Global DRO: the gold standard

Global DRO is an internationally recognised medication checker developed specifically for sport.

It allows athletes and healthcare providers to check whether a medication is prohibited – quickly, accurately and in real time.

For Australian athletes and support staff:

• Global DRO (globaldro.com) provides up-to-date information aligned with the current WADA Prohibited List
• Global DRO is available via Sport Integrity Australia’s “Check Your Substances” tool on the SIA website
• The Sport Integrity App includes Global DRO access, plus Australia specific guidance and TUE information.
   

These tools are updated every year in line with WADA changes and are designed to support informed, confident decisions.
 

What athletes can do

Athletes at all levels are encouraged to:

• never assume a medication is permitted just because it was prescribed
• always check medications using Global DRO or the Sport Integrity App
• tell healthcare providers that you are subject to anti doping rules – even if you don’t consider yourself ‘elite’
• ask questions before starting any new medication.
   

Taking these steps helps protect your eligibility and your peace of mind.
 

A message for coaches and support staff

Coaches and support personnel play a vital role in reinforcing safe behaviours. 

Encouraging routine medication checks and conversations about anti doping responsibilities helps create a culture where clean sport is the norm.

Embedding these checks into everyday practice ensures athletes are supported to make informed choices.
 

Guidance for Medical Practitioners

SIA and ASDMAC encourage prescribing clinicians to:

• avoid relying on electronic prescribing alerts for anti doping compliance
• integrate Global DRO or SIA tools into regular prescribing workflows
• document medication checks as part of clinical practice
• seek advice when unsure – support is always available.
   

Using dedicated anti doping resources alongside clinical expertise ensures athletes receive appropriate treatment while remaining compliant.
 

Clean sport starts with informed decisions

Technology plays an important role in healthcare and sport, but it cannot replace up to date, sport specific checks.

Ensuring medications are verified using trusted anti doping resources like Global DRO is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect athletes.

Until all prescribing platforms are aligned with annual WADA updates, the safest approach remains clear: check every medication through Global DRO or Sport Integrity Australia’s tools.

Clean sport is a shared responsibility and informed decisions keep athletes safe to compete.