Softball New Zealand (SNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent after he tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis.
After notification by SNZ the Respondent filed a statement in his defence and was not available to be heard for the Tribunal.
The Respondent admitted he had smoked Cannabis and provided an explanation to the Tribunal.
The Tribunal concludes that the Cannabis use was unrelated to the sport and the Respondent did not smoke cannabis for performance-enhancing purposes. Therefore the Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a reprimand and a warning on the Respondent.
The Tribunal directs Softball New Zealand to send a copy of this decision to the appropriate softball authorities in Canada, to ensure they are aware of it and can take such steps to notify the Respondent of it as may be appropriate.
