A comparative look at local sports associations’ approach to doping vis-à-vis their athletes

Abstract

Legal notice 17 of 2015 expressly states that it is the athlete’s responsibility to be aware of any substance, which enters his or her body. This dissertation aims to shift the spotlight from athletes onto the national associations approach, who are usually kept out of the picture, whilst most, if not all the burden, is placed on the athlete. Research was aimed at 5 local associations, being: The Malta Football Association, Malta Boxing Federation, Malta Rowing Association (Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali u Qdif Iehor), Malta Basketball Association and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta. These associations were selected due to their popularity and high number of registered athletes, as well as having a high number of positive doping tests, especially in the case of rowing, which faced nine positive tests since 2012 and boxing, which faced four positive doping tests as well as two evaded tests. Primarily, the aim is to explain the main anti-doping regulations and procedures, which must be adhered to the association as well as the athlete as set out by the legal notice and international legislation such as the World Anti-Doping Code, before moving on to the process known as the Anti-doping result management procedure. Local and international case law and sources were utilized in comparing the different approaches such associations have in place. Thereafter, Primary Research in the form of questionnaires was gathered, and a comparative analysis was given on the level of knowledge each sports association has on anti-doping, whilst examining case law, both in the local as well as in the international spectrum, which in turn, shows how these associations approach doping rules and procedures and how each association performs in keeping athletes informed on such regulations and procedures. In conclusion, this dissertation aims to provide a broader outlook and more than one perspective on the factors that go into anti-doping while also showing future recommendations to improve the level of knowledge on doping, both for associations and athletes.