Oceania Triathlon

The revised World Anti-doping Code (WADAC) came into effect on January 1st, 2009.  The WADAC was always meant to be a living document which would change to meet the needs of an effective global anti-doping program.  Over the next few weeks, we will cover the major changes to the Code that everyone needs to be aware of.  One of these items is Increased Sanctions in doping cases involving aggravating circumstances.  The following is from Issue 3 2008 of the Play True magazine, the official publication of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The revised Code provides for an increase of sanctions in doping cases involving aggravating circumstances.  These circumstances can include, but are not limited to, being part of a large doping scheme, an athlete having used multiple prohibited substances or a prohibited substance on multiple occasions, or an athlete engaging in deceptive or obstructing conduct to avoid the detection or adjudication of an anti-doping rule violation (Article 10.6).  Aggravating circumstances also include situations in which a normal individual would be likely to benefit from the performance-enhancing effects of the anti-doping rule violation(s) beyond the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility.

While the original Code allowed for a 4-year ban for a first serious anti-doping rule violation only in cases of trafficking or administration of a prohibited substance or method, the revised Code thus broadens the spectrum of anti-doping rule violations that can lead to a 4-year ban for a first serious doping offence.

It further clarifies the range of sanctions that can be applied in the case of a second infraction, based on the type of violation, as outlined in Article 10.7.

If you have any questions about Anti-Doping, please contact Leslie Buchanan at leslie.buchanan@triathlon.org

Click here for the Anti-Doping page on triathlon.org