The use of substances or any other stimulants to enhance sports performance may have both short-term and long-term impacts on both physical and mental health of athletes, depending on the type of substance, quantity, and duration of use. The utilization of such substances for the purpose of improving athletic performance has been demonstrated to entail severe side effects and the potential for enduring physiological consequences. Beyond the physical repercussions, scientific research also underscores a strong correlation between the prohibited use of substances or other enhancers for sports performance and mental health issues. Generally, it has been observed that the use of substances can trigger heightened anxiety, depression, or psychological disorders.

Involvement in substance use must be prohibited, and violations related to substance use are likely to have negative repercussions on the reputation and social relationships of the individual. From a public perspective, athletes or supporter who are found guilty of using prohibited substances are often perceived as ‘cheaters’ and may face various forms of social stigma. Prohibited substances have significant adverse impacts on the personal lives and social interactions of individuals. This is because people around them may feel that they do not want to interact with individuals who tarnish the image of sports, causing damage and degradation to their reputation. This can also lead to a negative attitude towards sports. The consequences of being banned due to Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) have substantial financial implications for the individuals involved. This holds true for athletes and athlete support personnel. This includes the requirement to return prize money or financial penalties. Other consequences stemming from the use of prohibited substances in sports include the termination of contracts and sponsorships deals. This entails the loss of government funding, grants, and other forms of financial support.

An Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRVs) will have an impact on an athlete’s ability to train and compete. For coaches and other Athlete Support Personnel, a ban may mean that they are no longer able to practice their profession and work with athletes. A sanction resulting from an ADRVs can range from a warning to a lifetime ban from all sport. It is important to note that individuals banned in one sport will also be prohibited from playing, coaching or working with athletes in any other capacity in a different sport. That doesn’t only within the country, but also includes in the international aspects. It is also against the Code to work with Athlete Support Personnel (coaches, trainers, physicians or other) who are ineligible on account of an ADRVs, or those who have been criminally convicted or professionally disciplined in relation to doping. Beyond the legal consequences, an increasing number of public authorities and governments have adopted legislations that treat doping as a criminal act. Consequently, in addition to being ineligible to coach or compete, you may face criminal charges in your country. Depending on the national legislation and the degree of the violation, charges can lead to fines, social service requirements and even incarceration. For the list of athletes and athletes support personal that have been sanctioned and involved in anti-doping rule violations, please click here.