The Principle of Strict Liability

As part of a competition, athletes are responsible for their performance. The athletes are also responsible for any prohibited substance that they use, attempt to use, or are found in their bodies, regardless of how the substance obtained there or whether they intended to cheat. Anti-doping is governed by strict liability. You cannot excuse not knowing. Not knowing is not an excuse when it comes to anti-doping rule violations.

There is no excuse for breaking the ICSD Anti-Doping Rules

• To say that you thought a medication was safe because a doctor gave it to you, or
• If you thought a supplement was okay to take because it says so on the label
• To say someone else advised you to take the substance, even if it was a fellow team member or your coach

So athletes need to know which substances and methods are prohibited in sport and how to protect themselves. Ignorance easily leads to substance misuse and anti-doping rule violations.

Useful tips for you Athlete

• Athletes must consider anti-doping education as essential knowledge in order to protect their sporting career and their health. Most of the online anti-doping education sessions are subtitled, so do not hesitate to attend
• Educate yourselfng today with ADEL International-Level Athletes Education Program
• You are expected to gain general knowledge on anti-doping before attending an ICSD international event
• Speak to other athletes and your support personnel about clean sport