Consequences of Doping

Types of Anti-Doping Rule Violations 

Doping can be defined as committing one or more of the following anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs):

1. Testing positive for a prohibited substance.
2. Using or attempting to use a prohibited substance or method.
3. Evading testing or refusing to provide a sample for testing.
4. Committing three (3) Whereabouts failures (filing failures or missed tests) within a 12-month period (this applies to Registered Test Pool athletes only).
5. Tampering with any part of the doping control process.
6. Possessing prohibited substances or methods.
7. Trafficking or attempting to traffick a prohibited substance or method.
8. Administering a prohibited substance or method.
9. Helping someone to dope or helping them conceal it.
10. Associating with someone (in a sport-related capacity) who is serving a ban for an ADRV.
11. Committing an act to discourage or retaliate against reporting doping to the authorities.

Note:  All eleven (11) ADRVs apply to athletes while seven (7) apply to athlete support personnel (or other person).

Consequences of Doping

There are many risks associated with doping.  From sanctions that can be imposed under the Anti-Doping Rules through to negatively impacting on mental and physical health, reputational damage and the loss of income.  It is important to understand and consider the potential consequences of doping.  Here are some of the common consequences of not competing clean.

Sanctions that can be imposed under the Anti-Doping Rules

The Anti-Doping Rules provide for the following sanctions where an ADRV has been committed:

• A period of ineligibility ranging from a warning to a lifetime ban - from all sport.
• The loss of medals and disqualification of results in the competition where the ADRV occurred (and any competition results subsequent to the sample collection).
• Public disclosure of the athlete's name and the details of the ADRV.

There may a be further consequences if the athlete is part of a team, including the loss of medals or competition points, disqualification from an event or other sanctions imposed by the sport.

Physical & Mental Health

Using prohibited substances or methods to enhance performance is highly likely to put both an athlete's physical and mental health at risk.   Depending on the type of substance and how it is used, the athlete could experience severe side effects, which can lead to chronic illness and/or irreversible physiological damage.   

Furthermore, research has shown a link between the use of performance enhancing drugs and mental health issues, such as anxiety, psychosis and depression.

Reputational & Social Consequences

The Anti-Doping Rules require that ADRVs are made public (unless there are exceptional circumstances).  This can lead to embarrassment and shame, social isolation and loss of the athlete's heroine/hero status.  Family members and others who have supported the athlete throughout their sporting career will be disappointed.  Friendships could be damaged beyond repair. 

Financial

An ADRV can also have financial impacts, for example:

• Loss of prize money and/or financial penalties. 
• Loss of sponsorship, endorsements and other contracts.
• Loss of funding support from the sports organisation and/or the government.

List of Sanctioned Athletes

Click here for a list of athletes currently serving a period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.