The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after he refused to provide a sample for doping control. The Athlete has been tested 4 times previously and has a gym where he trained as coach young athletes. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete was heard for the Disciplinary Committee.
The Athlete admitted that he was guilty of the charge and gave extensive evidence as to the difficulties that he experienced in the sport, and specifically in relation to the South African Weightlifting Federation (SAWF). His actions were meant as a protest. In objecting the test he believed he was objecting/protesting against the SAWF. He was not aware that SAIDS was a body separate to SAWF. The Athlete regretted his actions and was remorseful and asked that he be allowed to coach.
The Committee concludes that the circumstances as set out by the Athlete are not truly exceptional. The Committee finds it regrettable that his actions will impact upon his work as a coach in the community as it is evident that he has been fulfilling an important social function.
Therefore the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the notification. Also the Athlete is ineligible to perform duties as a coach and his result of the competition is disqualified where he refused to provide a sample for doping control.
