Is caffeine a banned substance for athletes?

Q: Is caffeine a banned substance for athletes?

Caffeine is a “ monitored ” substance — i.e. WADA continues to monitor caffeine to detect patterns of misuse in sport — but it is not currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list for in or out-of-competition use. However, athletes should check the yearly updates to WADA’s prohibited list as well as the specific rules published by the governing body of their sport (e.g., the NCAA).

Question

Accepted Answer

Caffeine is a “monitored” substance — i.e. WADA continues to monitor caffeine to detect patterns of misuse in sport — but it is not currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list for in or out-of-competition use. However, athletes should check the yearly updates to WADA’s prohibited list as well as the specific rules published by the governing body of their sport (e.g., the NCAA).