NORCECA Medical Commission Highlights Progress

in Anti-Doping Testing and Medical Safety

October 9, 2026.– The Medical Commission of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA), chaired by Dr. Víctor Figueroa, held its annual meeting virtually, reviewing progress in its anti-doping testing program, medical care at competitions, and measures to strengthen the protection of athletes and referees.

One of the main topics was NORCECA’s investment in ensuring anti-doping testing at its international events. The initial report presented 73 tests, a figure expected to increase with the inclusion of additional tests conducted at indoor and beach volleyball competitions.

During the review, 16 tests conducted at two events in Canada, nine at the U23 competition in El Salvador, and eight carried out by the national anti-doping agency in the Dominican Republic were identified. The Commission also discussed testing conducted at the Central American and Caribbean Games in both indoor and beach volleyball.

Dr. Figueroa highlighted the growth of the anti-doping program and the importance of maintaining an updated record of all tests conducted. Commission members acknowledged the increase in testing throughout the year and agreed to update the figures for inclusion in the report to be presented at the NORCECA Congress.

The Commission also recognized the support of the Medical Department of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), whose collaboration has facilitated the coordination and implementation of anti-doping testing at NORCECA competitions.

Another important topic was the need to strengthen medical requirements at tournaments, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, ambulances, defibrillators, and emergency response procedures.

Participants discussed the presence of medical delegates at events and the importance of clearly defining their responsibilities, while considering the necessary resources and additional costs for organizers.

Referees’ health was also an important part of the discussions. The Commission addressed the possibility of establishing medical evaluation and monitoring procedures, with particular attention to health conditions that could compromise referees’ safety during competitions.

In this regard, members discussed the use of medical certificates and evaluation forms, as well as the need to protect the confidentiality of referees’ personal medical information.

Regarding beach volleyball, the Commission reviewed procedures applicable when an athlete must withdraw from a competition for medical reasons and the conditions that must be met before being cleared to return to play.

The importance of proper medical documentation, certificates supporting medical decisions, and assessments by authorized healthcare professionals to determine whether an athlete is fit to resume competition was emphasized.

Under the leadership of Dr. Víctor Figueroa, the Medical Commission reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close coordination with event organizers and NORCECA’s other technical bodies to strengthen the implementation of medical protocols and ensure safe conditions throughout competitions.

The meeting concluded with recognition of the Commission members’ work and their continued commitment to strengthening prevention, medical oversight, and healthcare procedures in volleyball throughout the region.