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Softball New Zealand v Lance Abbot

Overview:

Anti-doping – cannabis – principles set out in Karaitiana decision (SDT 12/06) applied – admitted recreational cannabis use at stag party – elite athletes – level of knowledge and experience – Tribunal found with some reservations that no aggravating circumstances – defendant was former NZ softball representative – last represented NZ in 2001 and was then well informed by Softball NZ of its anti-doping policy – however cannabis only added to list in 2004 – Tribunal accepted with some reservations that defendant was not fully informed in 2005 when used cannabis that was at risk of breaching anti-doping policy – Tribunal warned defendant of his duty to adhere to WADA code and strict liability nature of offences – observations about defendant initially not participating in process and potential adverse consequences if he had not – warning and reprimand imposed.

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