Sanctions (Period of Ineligibility)

Sanctions and Periods of Ineligibility

In accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Results Management (ISRM), the period of Ineligibility for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) is determined under the applicable Anti-Doping Rules. The category of the prohibited substance (Specified or Non-Specified) and whether the violation is established as intentional are key considerations under the Code.

Scope note: The standard periods below refer to ADRVs under Article 10.2 (Presence / Use / Attempted Use). Other ADRVs (e.g., Trafficking, Administration, Complicity) may carry different sanction ranges under the Code.

Cases Involving Non-Specified Substances

For ADRVs involving Non-Specified Substances under Article 10.2, the Code provides standard periods that depend on whether the violation is established as intentional.

Four (4) years may apply where the ADRV is established as intentional.
Two (2) years may apply where the athlete establishes that the ADRV was not intentional.

What does “establishes not intentional” generally involve?

Typically, the athlete provides an explanation of how the prohibited substance entered the body and demonstrates the absence of intent to enhance sport performance or to mask the use of a prohibited substance, in line with the Code.

Cases Involving Specified Substances

For ADRVs involving Specified Substances under Article 10.2, the Code recognises that circumstances may vary. The standard period differs depending on whether the ADRV is established as intentional.

Two (2) years is the standard period unless the ADRV is established as intentional.
Four (4) years may apply where the Anti-Doping Organisation establishes that the ADRV was intentional.

Can the standard period be reduced?

The Code provides for possible reductions in certain circumstances (for example, where an athlete establishes No Significant Fault or Negligence), subject to the applicable provisions and case-specific facts.

Important: The standard periods above do not mean outcomes are automatic. Under the Code, the period of Ineligibility may be increased or reduced in specific situations (for example, aggravating circumstances, applicable reduction provisions, or repeat violations), and decisions are issued through a results management process conducted in accordance with the ISRM.

How “Intent” May Be Assessed

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, whether an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) is established as intentional is assessed based on the available evidence and the circumstances of the case. No single factor is decisive on its own.

Key point: Knowledge, behaviour, and context may be considered. The assessment is case-specific and evidence-based.

Clear warnings or label information

For example, the product label or materials clearly indicate a prohibited substance or method.

Nature and purpose of the substance/method

Whether the substance/method is commonly used to enhance performance or mask prohibited use may be relevant.

Timing and pattern of use

The timing (e.g., close to competition) and pattern of use may be considered as part of the overall evidence.

Steps taken (or not taken) to verify risk

Whether the athlete sought appropriate advice or checks (and whether warnings were ignored) may be relevant.

Education and prior awareness (context)

Participation in anti-doping education may be considered as background context, but is not decisive on its own.

Consistency of explanation and supporting records

The consistency of statements, documentation, and supporting evidence may be assessed during results management.

Ways to determine intentions ?

If the athlete knows the risk of taking the substance involved will violate the anti-doping rules, but he completely ignores the risk, the athlete is considered to have committed doping on purpose. Some benchmarks to consider whether a prohibited substance/method is taken with intent:

The athlete is an experienced
person

Athletes have been tested several times before this

The athlete have competed in many
tournament

The substance can improve the performance of athletes

The athlete have participated/attended anti-doping seminars

The material clearly contains prohibited substances