ABSTRACT VIEW
LEGAL AND EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES TO ANTI-DOPING: INTEGRATING COMPLIANCE AND ETHICAL AWARENESS
B. Di Pietro1, F. Verdi1, A. Di Gianfrancesco1, E. Isidori2
1 Committee for Anti-Doping Education, Training, and Research (CEFAR Nado) (ITALY)
2 University of Rome Foro Italico and CEFAR Nado (ITALY)
This paper examines the relationship between legal frameworks and educational strategies in the context of anti-doping efforts in sports, focusing on how these two areas can be more effectively integrated to promote long-term compliance and ethical awareness among athletes. The study argues that anti-doping education and legal enforcement should not be treated as separate spheres but as complementary components of a comprehensive anti-doping strategy. A critical examination of existing approaches reveals that while legal measures such as sanctions and regulations play a central role in deterring doping, they are often limited in fostering a deeper understanding of the ethical implications and long-term consequences of such practices.

This paper proposes the incorporation of legal literacy programs into anti-doping education. These programs are intended to provide athletes with a comprehensive understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities under international anti-doping regulations, such as those established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as the potential legal consequences of any violations. By fostering legal awareness, the goal is to create a more informed athlete population that can make better decisions regarding doping.

Another contribution is the exploration of restorative justice principles within the framework of anti-doping law. The current punitive focus of anti-doping regulations often leaves little room for rehabilitation or educational interventions. This paper proposes that athletes found in violation of anti-doping rules should be offered the opportunity to participate in structured educational programs as part of their sanction. Such programs would not only address the immediate infraction but also promote a more sustainable understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of athletes in competitive sports.

In addition, this paper addresses the need for more localized adaptations of international anti-doping policies through education. While global frameworks like WADA set essential standards, the implementation of these rules can benefit from being integrated into national and local educational systems, particularly in youth sports and schools. This approach would help embed anti-doping values early in an athlete's career, fostering a culture of integrity that goes beyond regulatory compliance. The paper argues that such integration of legal principles into educational curricula is critical to developing a more robust anti-doping culture across different levels of sport.

Finally, this paper proposes a collaborative framework involving legal institutions, educational bodies, and sports organizations. By working together, these stakeholders can create and implement programs that combine legal deterrence with educational interventions. The paper outlines potential models for such collaboration, emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue between the legal and educational sectors to adapt to evolving challenges in anti-doping efforts. The proposed framework aims to address not only the immediate enforcement of anti-doping laws but also the longer-term development of ethical sportsmanship and informed decision-making among athletes

Keywords: Anti-doping education, legal literacy, restorative justice, ethical awareness.

Event: INTED2025
Track: Educational Stages & Life-Long Learning
Session: Non-Formal and Informal Learning
Session type: VIRTUAL