What anti-doping disputes are
Under the World Anti-Doping Code there are 11 possible anti-doping rule violations, or ADRVs. These include things like possessing, trafficking or using prohibited substances; refusing to submit samples; and more.
How we handle anti-doping disputes
Our Anti-Doping Division will handle first-instance anti-doping disputes – that is, where the dispute has not been heard by another tribunal already.
If you are appealing against an anti-doping decision made by the NST or another sporting tribunal, our Appeals Division will handle it.
Our Anti-Doping Division or Appeals Division can deal with anti-doping disputes if the relevant sport’s anti-doping policy allows it. If the policy does not yet allow it, the NST can still hear the matter as long as all of the parties (the athlete or support person, the sporting body and the Sport Integrity Australia CEO) agree in writing for the NST to deal with it. The Sport Integrity Australia CEO has formally recognised the NST as an approved hearing body to resolve anti-doping disputes for sports.
Who can apply to resolve a dispute
Any person who has received an ‘assertion’ that they have committed a possible ADRV can apply to have their matter heard by the NST.
When you can apply
If you are applying to the Anti-Doping Division, you must apply within the time period specified in your sporting body's anti-doping policy or within 21 days of receiving an assertion.
If you are appealing an anti-doping dispute decision to our Appeals Division, you must appeal within the time period specified in your sporting body's anti-doping policy or within 21 days of the date of the original decision.
Who is involved
The athlete or support person (for example, doctor or coach), the sporting body, the Sport Integrity Australia CEO are the ‘involved parties’ in an anti-doping dispute. Any other person that is permitted under the sports anti-doping policy to be involved in the dispute as an ‘interested party’ can also apply to join the dispute.
Costs and Support
There is no application fee payable by athletes, their sporting body, or Sport Integrity Australia for referring a case to be dealt with by the NST in the Anti-Doping Division. However, parties appearing in the Anti-Doping Division are responsible for service fees and the costs of any legal advice and representation they may seek to assist them with their case.
Services fees are determined by the CEO as set out in the Service Fees section above.
The NST has available to parties, upon request, the NST Legal Assistance Panel (NSTLAP). NSTLAP members provide parties to NST disputes with assistance for free or at a significantly reduced rate, where feasible.
This support ensures the NST is able to provide athletes with the right to access legal aid for hearings and appeal processes in doping cases in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act (2020).
Dispute resolution processes you can use
All anti-doping cases are heard as arbitrations. Mediation, conciliation or case appraisal options are not available for anti-doping cases.
Apply to resolve a dispute
See Our process and Apply for details of how to apply to resolve an anti-doping dispute.
Contact
For more help, contact us.
For additional information relating to anti-doping, please check the Sport Integrity Australia website.