Introduction

The consensus document published in this issue of BJSM contributes significantly to the ongoing fight against doping which started some 50 years ago. Following its creation in the 1960s, the IOC Medical Commission developed antidoping rules to be applied at the Olympic Games; these rules were amended before each game. One international federation after the other adopted the IOC rules and modified them specifically for their sport. Also some national sports bodies adopted particular antidoping rules which were, however, country specific.