Anti-doping education
& ADEL Training
Horse Sport Ireland is committed to protecting athletes, supporting fair competition, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in equestrian sport. As part of our 2027 Clean Sport Programme, mandatory Anti-Doping education will be introduced for athletes, coaches, and athlete support personnel.
Why is this important?
Horse Sport Ireland is committed to protecting athletes, supporting fair competition, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in equestrian sport. As part of our 2027 Clean Sport Programme, mandatory Anti-Doping education will be introduced for athletes, coaches, and athlete support personnel.
What is ADEL?
ADEL (Anti-Doping Education and Learning) is the World Anti-Doping Agency’s free online education platform.
Participants will learn about:
✅ Athlete rights and responsibilities
✅ The Prohibited List
✅ Doping Control procedures
✅ Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
✅ Medication and supplement risks
✅ Consequences of Anti-Doping rule violations
✅ How to compete safely and confidently
Who Must Complete Training?
| Stakeholder Group | Requirement |
| High-Performance Athletes | Mandatory |
| Youth Programme Athletes | Mandatory |
| Coaches | Mandatory |
| Team Managers & Chefs d’Équipe | Mandatory |
| Athlete Support Personnel | Mandatory |
| Parents & Guardians | Strongly encouraged to attend awareness sessions |
Horse Sport Ireland is required to deliver education programmes consistent with the International Standard for Education issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency and implemented nationally by Sport Ireland.
Persons Required to Complete Mandatory Education
Anti-Doping education is mandatory for individuals participating in High-Performance programmes administered by Horse Sport Ireland.
The requirement currently applies to following groups for the 2027 and beyond:
- Athletes listed in an international Registered Test Pool
- Athletes returning from sanction
- International Athletes requiring and FEI Licence
- Athlete Support Personnel, including coaches and team officials
Completion of approved education modules forms part of eligibility for national representation and certain competitions.
Mandatory ADEL courses for certain categories of Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel
| Category of Athlete | Mandatory Courses for 2026 Season & beyond |
| Existing Registered Testing Pool (RTP) Athletes | WADA ADEL for RTP Athletes |
| New Registered Testing Pool (RTP) Athletes | WADA ADEL for RTP Athletes |
| Athletes Returning from Sanction | WADA ADEL for RTP Athletes |
| International Athletes (FEI Licence holders) (non-RTP) an athlete 19 years old or older | WADA ADEL International Level Athletes Education Programme |
| Youth Athletes (an athlete 18 years old or younger) and Parents/ Guardians | In person Clean Sport Education Workshop with Sport Ireland Educators, to be organised by Sport Ireland. Separate requirement for Parents / Guardians to attend in person Clean Sport Education Workshop also, jointly, or separately at Sporting Ireland’s discretion Clean Sport Education Certificate to be issued by Sport Ireland and valid for FEI competition for 1 year. |
| Athlete Support Personnel – Coaches | The certification requirement for coaches travelling to competitions with athletes will change to the following mandatory requirement. ADEL for Coaches of High-Performance Education Program; |
| Note: For Help logging on to your Wada Account | Guide to recovering your username on Wada ADEL Guide to recovering your password on WADA ADEL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anti-Doping education mandatory?
Yes. Athletes participating in national programmes or competitions administered by Horse Sport Ireland may be required to complete approved education modules. Please refer to the Mandatory ADEL courses table for certain categories of Athletes.
How long does ADEL training take?
Introductory courses generally require between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. Advanced modules may require additional time.
Do I need to repeat the course each year?
Athletes may be required to complete updated education modules periodically where content changes or where required by the Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland, or the World Anti-Doping Agency. Certificates are required to be updated on a bi-annual basis or as advised by Horse Sport Ireland. Youth Athlete Sport Education Certificate to be issued by Sport Ireland and valid for EFC competition for 1 year..
What happens if I do not complete the required education?
Failure to complete required education may affect eligibility for national team selection, competition participation, or accreditation