or descriptions)
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in International Sports Arbitration course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) #
** A process used to resolve disputes without litigation, such as arbitration or mediation. In the context of sports, ADR is often used to resolve disputes between athletes, teams, and organizations.
**Arbitration #
** A form of ADR in which a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision. In sports arbitration, the decision is often final and cannot be appealed.
**Arbitrator #
** A neutral third party who hears evidence and arguments from both sides in an arbitration and makes a binding decision.
**Athletes' Commission #
** A group of current or former athletes who serve as representatives for athletes within a sports organization. The Athletes' Commission may be involved in decision-making processes and may also have a role in resolving disputes involving athletes.
**Challenge Tribunals #
** A panel of experts who review challenges to decisions made by anti-doping organizations. Challenge tribunals are typically used to review decisions related to the interpretation and application of anti-doping rules.
**Code of Ethics #
** A set of principles and guidelines that govern the behavior of individuals within a specific profession or organization. In sports, a code of ethics may include provisions related to fair play, sportsmanship, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
**Confidentiality #
** The principle that certain information, including evidence and arguments presented during arbitration, should be kept private and not disclosed to outside parties.
**Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) #
** An independent organization that provides ADR services for the resolution of sports-related disputes. CAS is often the final stop for athletes, teams, and organizations seeking to resolve disputes through arbitration.
**Doping #
** The use of performance-enhancing drugs or other substances in violation of anti-doping rules.
**Doping Control Officer (DCO) #
** An individual who is responsible for overseeing the doping control process, including the collection of samples and the administration of tests.
**Doping Control Station (DCS) #
** A designated location where doping control procedures are carried out.
**Doping Violation #
** A breach of anti-doping rules, such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs or refusing to submit to a doping test.
**Draft Doping Control Form (DDCF) #
** A standardized form used to document the doping control process and the results of doping tests.
**Evidence #
** Information or materials presented during arbitration to support a party's case.
**Independent Observer (IO) #
** An individual or group who observes the doping control process to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with established procedures and rules.
**International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) #
** A set of requirements that govern the operation of laboratories that conduct doping tests.
**International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) #
** A set of requirements that govern the collection and analysis of doping samples.
**Jurisdiction #
** The authority of a court or other body to hear and decide a case. In the context of sports arbitration, jurisdiction refers to the authority of CAS or another arbitration body to resolve a particular dispute.
**Mediation #
** A form of ADR in which a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps the parties in a dispute to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
**Mediator #
** A neutral third party who facilitates the mediation process and helps the parties in a dispute to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
**National Anti #
Doping Organization (NADO):** An organization that is responsible for implementing and enforcing anti-doping rules within a specific country.
**Neutrality #
** The principle that arbitrators and other decision-makers in sports arbitration should be impartial and unbiased.
**Procedural Rules #
** A set of rules that govern the conduct of arbitration proceedings, including the submission of evidence, the scheduling of hearings, and the issuance of decisions.
**Result Management Authority (RMA) #
** An organization or individual who is responsible for managing the results of doping tests and determining whether a doping violation has occurred.
**Sanction #
** A penalty imposed on an individual or organization for a doping violation.
**Standard for Laboratories (SL) #
** A set of requirements that govern the operation of laboratories that conduct doping tests.
**Test Distribution Plan (TDP) #
** A plan that outlines the schedule and locations for doping tests.
**Third #
Party Rights:** The rights of individuals or organizations who are not parties to a dispute but who may be affected by the outcome of the arbitration.
**Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) #
** An exception to anti-doping rules that allows an athlete to use a prohibited substance or method for medical reasons.
**WADA Code #
** The World Anti-Doping Agency's code of anti-doping rules and regulations. The WADA Code is binding on all signatories, including National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, and Major Event Organizers.
**World Anti #
Doping Agency (WADA):** An independent organization that is responsible for coordinating the global fight against doping in sports. WADA develops and enforces the WADA Code, and also conducts research and education on anti-doping issues.