Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substances D-Amphetamine and D-Methamphetamine.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. Respondent filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Tribunal.
Respondent initially argued that the substances were taken “out of competition” as he believed his season was over when he took the substances (he was called in at the last minute to play by the team coach) and that the substances had not been taken for performance enhancing purposes.
However, he subsequently withdrew these defences and indicated that he did not require a formal hearing, he would accept the violation infringement and would not challenge the mandatory penalty of two years set out under the Sports Anti-Doping Rules for a violation with these substances.
Respondent asked the Tribunal to note in its decision the circumstances surrounding the offence. The Tribunal notes that Respondent’s circumstances, whatever they may be, were not relevant to the decision which it was required to give in this case under the Rules.
Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Respondent starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 18 August 2011.
