At the International Sumo Federation Executive Board meeting held on 6th December 2008 in Tokyo, Japan, International Sumo Federation (hereafter referred to as IFS) accepted the revised (2009) World Anti-Doping Code (the "Code"). These Anti-Doping Rules are adopted and implemented in conformance with IF's responsibilities under the Code, and are in furtherance of IF's continuing efforts to eradicate doping in the sport of sumo.

Anti-Doping Rules, like Competition rules, are sport rules governing the conditions under which sport is played. Athletes and other Persons accept these rules as a condition of participation and shall be bound by them. These sport-specific rules and procedures, aimed at enforcing anti-doping principles in a global and harmonized manner, are distinct in nature and, therefore, not intended to be subject to, or limited by any national requirements and legal standards applicable to criminal proceedings or employment matters. When reviewing the facts and the law of a given case, all courts, arbitral tribunals and other adjudicating bodies should be aware of and respect the distinct nature of the anti-doping rules in the Code and the fact that these rules represent the consensus of a broad spectrum of stakeholders around the world with an interest in fair sport.

Anti-doping programs seek to preserve what is intrinsically valuable about sport. This intrinsic value is often referred to as "the spirit of sport"; it is the essence of Olympism; it is how we play true. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind, and is characterized by the following values:

• Ethics, fair play and honesty
• Health
• Excellence in performance
• Character and education
• Fun and joy
• Teamwork
• Dedication and commitment
• Respect for rules and laws
• Respect for self and other participants
• Courage
• Community and solidarity

Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport. To remain Fair-play and non-violence in sumo athletes, IFS fully endorses the Olympic Movement Anti-Doing Code (OMADC) and has fully adopted the WADA anti-doping regulations since competition in 2001.

These Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to IFS, each National Sumo Federation of IFS, and each Participant in the activities of IFS or any of its National Sumo Federations by virtue of the Participant's membership, accreditation, or participation in IFS, its National Sumo Federations, or their activities or Events. Any Person who is not a member of a National Sumo Federation and who fulfills the requirements to be part of the IFS Registered Testing Pool, must become a member of the Person's National Sumo Federation, and must make himself or herself available for Testing, at least six months before participating in International Events or events of his/her National Federation.

To be eligible for participation in IFS events, a competitor must have an IFS licence issued by his or her National Sumo Federation. The IFS licence will only be issued to competitors who have personally signed the Appendix 1 consent form, in the actual form approved by the IFS Executive. All forms from under-age applicants must be counter-signed by their legal guardians.

The National Federation must guarantee that all athletes registered for a IFS Licence accept the Rules of the IFS, including these IFS Anti-Doping Rules. It is the responsibility of each National Sumo Federation to ensure that all national-level Testing on the National Sumo Federation's Athletes complies with these Anti-Doping Rules. In some countries, the National Sumo Federation itself will be conducting the Doping Control described in these Anti-Doping Rules. In other countries, many of the Doping Control responsibilities of the National Sumo Federation have been delegated or assigned by statute or agreement to a National Anti-Doping Organization. In those countries, references in these Anti-Doping Rules to the National Sumo Federation shall apply, as appropriate, to the National Anti-Doping Organization.

These Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to all Doping Controls over which IFS and its National Sumo Federations have jurisdiction.