A two-year suspension in elite sport is more than a penalty. It can cost an athlete their career, a spot on the national team, medals, and sponsorship deals.
Ganna Gnizdovska, Managing Partner at Juris Ferrum, and Yana Kovalova, Attorney at Juris Ferrum, have prepared an article for the firm’s corporate blog, explaining what athletes should do when accused of failing to properly report their whereabouts.
In the article, we examine:
- What the ADAMS system is and how to correctly submit whereabouts information.
- How the “three breaches within a 12-month period” rule works — and why these 12 months doesn’t always align with the calendar year.
- Why even a technical error can count as an anti-doping violation.
- How to avoid Whereabouts pitfalls.
- Real-life CAS case precedents where the third missed test did not result in suspension.
We've also compiled a quick “anti-checklist” for athletes who want to protect their careers:
- Verify the accuracy of the 12-month counting period.
- Do not admit any violation without thoroughly reviewing the circumstances.
- Collect evidence: ADAMS logs, medical records, attestations of being in a conflict zone, or proof of technical system errors.
- Use the right to administrative review and disciplinary hearing — even as far as the CAS in Lausanne.
Our practice shows that most such cases are not intentional violations, but a combination of technical failures, human factors, and a bit of sporting chaos. But even then, you can protect your rights and avoid suspension.
📖 Read the full article on the Juris Ferrum blog.