What are the consequences?
Violating the anti-doping rules can have many and varied consequences. From a legal perspective there are bans; these are four years as standard but can be longer if the offence committed is particularly serious or is recurring. Surprisingly, a ban from sport is unlikely to be the most severe consequence of doping!
It has been found that the financial consequences are significant, as doping can lead to fines, terminated contract/job loss, loss of sponsorship and prize money. This may mean that an athlete loses their livelihood.
In addition, there are often devastating social consequences, as athletes who have been found to dope are regularly cast out of their sport and can experience a negative response from their family, friends and community.
Beyond all of this, doping can have an incredibly negative impact on an athlete’s mental health and well-being. They can be left with feelings of guilt, shame and even a significant sense of loss.
Which anti-doping rules apply to coaches?
Let’s consider why it is important for you, as a coach, to be familiar with anti-doping rules.
The World Anti-Doping Code specifically identifies you as having a role to play in anti-doping efforts. You are one of several groups who are considered to be ‘athlete support personnel’. Athlete Support Personnel refers to any individuals working with, treating or assisting an athlete participating in or preparing for sport. So, along with coaches, it can include team managers, medical professionals and parents.
As a key member of athlete support personnel, the anti-doping rules apply to you, meaning you could be banned from sport (and unable to do your job!) if you engaged in behaviours that were considered a ‘violation’.