ABOUT WCBS

i) WCBS AND ANTI-DOPING

The World Confederation of Billiards Sports fully supports and adopts the World Anti-Doping Code. All governing bodies for the various affiliated disciplines undertake pre-competition inspections of all venues to ensure safety standards are met and are in line with local legislative requirements. Onsite medical staff is in place at all times during events. Guidance on prohibited substances is circulated to players.

The WCBS and its affiliated governing bodies have Anti-Doping Rules and regulations that are in force throughout all competitions.

Learn more about Anti-Doping
WCBS Anti-Doping Structure

ii) DOCUMENTS AND REGULATIONS

The WCBS Anti-Doping Rules are based on the World Anti-Doping Code and came into force on 1^st January 2021.

Here are some important WADA Documents:

World Anti-Doping Code (Code)
International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI)
International Standard for Laboratories (ISL)
International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)
International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI)
International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS)
International Standard for Education (ISE)
International Standard for Result Management (ISRM)
The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List)
Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act (Act)

iii) PROHIBITED LIST

The Prohibited List identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, at all times (i.e. in- and out-of-competition), and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.

Learn more about the Prohibited List
Refer to the 2024 International Standard Prohibited List
Refer to the 2025 International Standard Prohibited List

iv) RISK OF SUPPLEMENT USE

Extreme caution is recommended regarding supplement use. A number of positive tests have been attributed to the misuse of supplements, poor labeling, or contamination of dietary supplements.

Learn more about Supplement Use

v) THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS (TUE)

WCBS recognizes the decisions of the national TUE committees. Competitors having TUE decisions must inform about those facts to the organizers of international Billiards tournaments – at least 30 days before the world and continental championships and 20 days before the other events. In case of any doubts, the tournament organizer may request confirmation of the player’s status by contacting the WCBS Anti-Doping Committee at the information below.

Please write to James Leacy at james.leacy@billiards.sport.

Important note about International Level Athletes –

International-Level Athlete (ILA): The following Athletes shall be considered to be International-Level Athletes for the purposes of Anti-Doping Rules, and, therefore, the specific provisions in these Anti-Doping Rules applicable to International-Level Athletes (e.g., Testing, TUEs, Whereabouts, and Results Management) shall apply to such Athletes: (a) Athletes included in the WCBS Registered Testing Pool, Testing Pool, and any other pool if established by WCBS (b) Athletes who are ranked in the first 16 places of the final annual official rankings and World Championships of UMB, WPA, and IBSF; (c) Athletes who have won medals at the World Games., focusing on those pertinent internationally. WCBS has published a list of its International-Level Athletes.

TUEs At-A-Glance
TUE Application Process
TUE Application Form

All TUE application forms are to be sent to POLADA at tue@antydoping.pl.

vi) TESTING

The aim of testing is to protect clean athletes through the detection and deterrence of doping.

Learn more about Testing
2021 Anti-Doping Testing Figures

vii) WHEREABOUTS

Providing whereabouts is about protecting your right to clean sport. Whereabouts information gives the Anti-Doping Organization (ADO) the ability to locate athletes with no notice, which is vital to testing athletes who choose to cheat themselves by doping.

Learn more about Whereabouts
Learn more about ADAMS
2022 and 2023 WCBS International Level Athletes
2024 WCBS International Level Athletes

viii) REPORT DOPING

Every time someone steps forward with information on doping, we move closer to a clean and fair playing field for all. As an athlete, athlete support personnel or any person aware of doping practices has a duty to report their suspicions to WADA, their IF or NADO, even if you are not sure about what you witnessed.

Many ADOs, including WADA, have online, confidential tools to report suspicious behavior. Every piece of information is important.

ix) EDUCATION TOOLS

Effective and clean sport values-based education programs are important to create a strong doping-free culture. WADA has developed resources for athletes, coaches, doctors and any other person who wishes to know more about anti-doping.

ADEL (Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform) is a WADA Platform that supports the anti-doping community by providing educational solutions for athletes, their support personnel, and other stakeholders.

Learn more about ADEL
Take the Play True Quiz
ADEL Programs

x) SANCTIONS AND REPORTS

WCBS is unequivocally opposed on ethical and medical grounds to the practice of doping in sport and takes necessary steps against the use of banned substances and methods.

WCBS Anti-Doping Disciplinary Decisions
2023 WCBS Anti-Doping Report

xi) IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

International-Level Athlete (ILA): The following Athletes shall be considered to be International-Level Athletes for the purposes of Anti-Doping Rules, and, therefore, the specific provisions in these Anti-Doping Rules applicable to International-Level Athletes (e.g., Testing, TUEs, Whereabouts, and Results Management) shall apply to such Athletes: (a) Athletes included in the WCBS Registered Testing Pool, Testing Pool, and any other pool if established by WCBS (b) Athletes who are ranked in the first 16 places of the final annual official rankings and World Championships of UMB, WPA, and IBSF; (c) Athletes who have won medals at the World Games., focusing on those pertinent internationally. WCBS has published a list of its International-Level Athletes.

National-Level Athlete (NLA): Athletes who compete in sport at the national level, as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

Event Period: The Code states that the definition of event period is “The time between the beginning and end of an event, as established by the ruling body of the event.”

In-competition Period: The Code defines the in-competition period as “The period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a competition in which the athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such competition and the sample collection process related to such competition.”

Out-of-competition Period: The Code defines the out-of-competition period simply as “Any period which is not in-competition”.

xii) LINKS TO WADA AND OTHER MICROSITES

WADA
ADAMS
ADEL
Speak Up
Prohibited Association

xiii) WCBS ANTI-DOPING COMMITTEE

James Leacy (Ireland) – Chairman
Herbert Thuer (Austria) – Member
Professor Bengt Lind – Member

xiv) WCBS CONTACT

James Leacy – james.leacy@billiards.sport

Safeguarding Policy for the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) – 2024-25

Purpose

The World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) is committed to safeguarding the well-being, safety, and rights of all individuals involved in our activities. This policy establishes the principles and practices that ensure a safe and respectful environment, free from harm or abuse, for all participants, particularly children and adults at risk.

Scope

This policy applies to all WCBS-affiliated activities, including:
– International, regional, and local events sanctioned by WCBS
– Training sessions, workshops, and outreach programs
– Online and in-person interactions involving WCBS representatives

It is mandatory for all WCBS officials, staff, volunteers, coaches, players, and contractors to comply with this policy.

Key Principles

Zero Tolerance: Any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation will not be tolerated.

Duty of Care: WCBS acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard participants from harm and ensure their welfare.

Inclusivity and Respect: Safeguarding measures are inclusive, respect diversity, and promote equality.

Confidentiality: Safeguarding concerns will be managed sensitively and confidentially, respecting the rights of all individuals involved.

Accountability: Everyone has a role in safeguarding, and all concerns will be addressed promptly and transparently.

Responsibilities

WCBS Leadership: Ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding policies and practices.

Safeguarding Officer: Appoint a qualified officer to oversee safeguarding practices, provide guidance, and handle concerns.

Event Organizers: Incorporate safeguarding protocols into event planning and execution.

Participants and Staff: Adhere to safeguarding guidelines and report concerns immediately.

Implementation

Education and Training: Deliver safeguarding training to all WCBS representatives and participants working with vulnerable groups.

Safe Recruitment: Conduct background checks for roles involving direct interaction with vulnerable individuals.

Reporting Mechanisms: Provide clear and accessible procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.

Policy Awareness: Ensure all stakeholders are aware of and understand the safeguarding policy.

Review and Updates

The WCBS Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually and updated to align with evolving standards and legal requirements.