Minister welcomes new anti-doping rules
Minister welcomes new anti-doping rules
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes new sports anti-doping rules designed to be tougher on real cheats which come into effect in the new year.
“New Zealand is committed to the global fight against doping in sport and we are pleased to see that the anti-doping rules have been strengthened to be tougher on those who intentionally cheat,” says Dr Coleman.
“There is no place in sport for drug cheats and I am confident that these new rules will help to better protect our clean athletes. These changes also provide a better framework for Drug Free Sport New Zealand to target and catch those who dope and those who assist and help them to dope.
“These new rules will mean changes for many involved in sport so it is important athletes and those who support them take the time to familiarise themselves with the new rules and what they need to do to comply.”
Changes have been made to New Zealand’s Sports Anti-Doping Rules to reflect the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. The new rules take effect on January 1, 2015.
Key changes include:
• longer bans of up to four years for a first offence for those who dope intentionally
• penalties for athletes who associate with anyone who has previously committed a doping offence
• sanctions for those who help to cover-up doping
• an extension of the anti-doping rules to cover athlete support personnel.
More information on
the new rules and the World Anti-Doping Code 2015 can be
found on the Drug Free Sport NZ website www.drugfreesport.org.nz.
ends