Sanctions Faced by Athletes for Participating in Events Not Authorized by Their International Sports Federation

Background material: sanctions faced by athletes for participating in events not authorized by their international sports federation

This overview categorizes the international sports federations in two groups: (1) those who have clearly defined sanctions (i.e. limited in time and scope) and (2) those who do not have clearly defined sanctions (i.e. open-ended) for athlete participation in events not approved by the respective federation and/or its member associations.

1. Category 1: clearly defined sanctions (limited in time and/or scope)

Aquatics / swimming

Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)

The FINA General Rules 2013-2017,1 which apply to all FINA competitions in all kinds of swimming, open water swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming, and Masters Competitions, contains the following Rule on “Unauthorized Relations” (GR 4):

“GR 4.1 No affiliated Member shall have any kind of relationship with a non-affiliated or suspended body.

GR 4.2 The exchange of competitors, administrators, directors, judges, officials, trainers, coaches, etc., with non-affiliated or suspended bodies is not permissible.

GR 4.3 The holding of demonstrations and/or exhibitions, clinics, training, competitions, etc., with non-affiliated or suspended bodies is not permissible.

GR 4.4 The Bureau may authorise relations with non-affiliated or suspended bodies as in Rules GR 4.1 through GR 4.3 above.

GR 4.5 Any individual or group violating this Rule shall be suspended by the affiliated Member for a minimum period of one year, up to a maximum period of two years. FINA retains the right to review the suspension made by the affiliated Member and to increase it up to the maximum of two years in accordance with the circumstances involved. The affiliated Member shall abide by any such increase made on review. In the event that such individual or group has resigned its membership with the affiliated Member or is not a Member, it shall not be allowed to affiliate with that Member for a minimum period of three months up to a maximum period of two years. FINA retains the right to review any such sanction imposed by the affiliated Member and to increase it up to the maximum of two years in accordance with the circumstances involved. The affiliated Member shall abide by any such increase made on review.

GR 4.6 Each Member that conducts a competition shall strictly enforce the FINA Rules governing eligibility.”

1 FINA, General Rules, http://www.fina.org/H2O/docs/rules/generalrules_20132017_formatted.pdf Badminton

Badminton World Federation (BWF)

According to the BWF General Competition Regulations,2 Rule 10.2 provides that:

“10.2.2 No player shall participate in a tournament or exhibition matches which are promoted or organised by an individual or company (or other organisation) unless it has been sanctioned by the Member Association concerned or the BWF. Any infringement of this regulation shall make each player involved liable for a penalty as stipulated in Table of Offences and Penalties (Part III Section 1 B - Appendix 11).”

An infringement of this rule (i.e. participation by a player in an unsanctioned tournament or exhibition matches) shall be sanctioned with a penalty of USD 500 for every default.

Cycling

Union Cycliste Federation (UCI)

The UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 1 General Organisation of Cycling as a Sport,3 stipulate in Rule 1.2.019:

“No licence holder may participate in an event that has not been included on a national, continental or world calendar or that has not been recognized by a national federation, a continental federation or the UCI.”

An infringement of this rule “shall render the licence holder liable to one month’s suspension and a fine of CHF 50 to 100” (Rule 1.2.021).

Darts

World Darts Federation (WDF)

According to the WDF Bye-laws (2013),4 Rule 7.05 (Definition on Players’ Eligibility):

“In the course of the twelve months prior to the scheduled date of a WDF World Cup or Area Cup a WDF Playing Member must have played at least 65% of their International Singles Events in tournaments which are recognised in the WDF World Ranking Systems as well as International singles events promoted/organized between Member Darts Bodies and also recognised by the World Darts Federation.

IE: Events such as, but not limited to, the 6 Nations Cup, Baltic Cup, Celtic Cup, Nordic Cup, Mediterranean Cup, and the Spring Cup. NOTE: This rule shall not apply to Youth players.

CLARIFICATION: … It is not a requirement that a player must play in International events in order to be eligible to play in a WDF World Cup or WDF Area Cup. Players who do participate in international events must meet the following requirement to be eligible to play in a WDF Cup.

2 BWF, General Competition Regulations, http://www.bwfbadminton.org/file.aspx?id=464370&dl=1 3 UCI, Cycling Regulations, http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=OTU4ODc&LangId=1 4 WDF, Bye-Laws, http://www.dartswdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/WDF-Bye-Laws.pdf During the twelve months prior to the scheduled date of a WDF Cup the WDF requires that a player must have played in at least twice as many international single events which are sanctioned by the WDF (e.g. events recognised in the WDF Ranking System and International singles events between Member Darts Bodies which are recognised by the World Darts Federation [i.e. events such as, but not limited to, the 6 Nations Cup, Baltic Cup, Celtic Cup, Mediterranean Cup, Nordic Cup, the Spring Cup etc.]) when compared with international events organised, sanctioned or promoted by darts bodies which are not affiliated to the WDF.”

Equestrian Sports

Federation Equestre International (FEI)

On 8 November 2012, the FEI General Assembly decide that athletes and officials should no longer be permitted to participate in both sanctioned and unsanctioned events.5

Since 2013, the FEI General Regulations,6 Chapter II Participation of Athletes and Horses, Article 113 contains the following provisions:

“4. An Athlete and/or Horse, even if registered with the FEI, is not eligible to participate in an International Event or National Event (and so may not be invited by an OC to such Event or entered by an NF in such Event) if that Athlete and/or Horse has participated, in the six (6) months prior to the first day of the International Event or National Event in question, in an Unsanctioned Event.

5. For purposes of Article 113.4, an ‘Unsanctioned Event’ is an event and/or a competition that is neither published in the official Calendar nor authorised by an NF.

6. An Athlete, Chef d’Equipe, Owner, or NF may challenge the application of Article 113.4, or seek a waiver thereof in exceptional circumstances, by application to the Secretary General. A denial of that application may be appealed to the FEI Tribunal, such appeal to be heard on the papers without a live hearing unless the FEI Tribunal orders otherwise.”

The same applies to officials (Article 156.9):

“An Official is not eligible to participate in an International Event or National Event (and so may not be invited or nominated to participate in such event) if he has participated, in the six (6) months prior to the first day of the International Event or National Event in question, in an Unsanctioned Event. An Official or his National Federation may challenge the application of this Article 156.9, or seek a waiver thereof in exceptional circumstances, by application to the Secretary General. A denial of that application may be appealed to the FEI Tribunal, such appeal to be heard on the papers without a live hearing unless the FEI Tribunal orders otherwise.”

Figure and Speed Skating

International Skating Union

According to the ISU General Regulations,7 Rule 102(2):

5 http://www.equestrian.org.au/site/equestrian/national/downloads/2005/fei/GA12-wrap%20up%20report-8Nov2012.pdf 6 FEI, General Regulations, http://www.fei.org/sites/default/files/GENERAL%20REGULATIONS_New%20Format_CLEAN_15Jan14.pdf 7 ISU, General Regulations, http://static.isu.org/media/165642/constitution-and-general-regulations-version-july-31-2014.pdf

“A person becomes ineligible to participate in ISU activities and competitions by:

a) skating or officiating without the prior express authorization of the respective Member, in any capacity in a Skating competition, exhibition or tour in any of the sport disciplines of the ISU; b) skating or officiating in a competition conducted by Officials (Referees, Technical Controllers, Technical Specialists, Judges, Starters, Competitors Stewards, etc.) not on the approved list of the respective Member or on the ISU approved list; c) skating or officiating in an event not sanctioned by a Member and/or the ISU; or d) otherwise violating this Rule 102.

In addition to the consequences and status of ineligibility described in Rule 102, paragraph 7 and Rule 103, paragraph 1, a person specifically declared ineligible by the Council, if the Council so states in its decision, may be also declared to be persona non grata within the ISU and such person may not take part in ISU activities, stand for or hold any ISU Office, be a delegate to any Congress, be an ISU Official, be granted credentials to any ISU Event, seminar or meeting in any capacity, or otherwise occupy any position, appointed or otherwise, identified in the ISU Statutes as a position of service or responsibility on behalf of the ISU.”

Rule 102(7) of the General Regulations provides that: “(t)he consequence of a breach of the eligibility Rules shall be the loss of eligibility”.

The ineligibility sanction for participating in non-sanctioned events is a lifelong ban from all ISU competitions and activities. Pursuant to Rule 103(1), a person who is or has been ineligible might in principle be reinstated as an eligible person. This, however, does not apply to skaters: “A person who is or has been ineligible may apply for reinstatement as a Skater only if such person had not violated Rule 102, paragraph 2. (b) and (c)” ((Article 103(2)).

Powerlifting

International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)

The IPF Constitution provides that:

“14.9 Participating in Non-IPF Competition

Any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international Powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.” 8

Volleyball

Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)

According to the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations (2014), the participation in international competitions in which non-eligible teams or players participate constitutes an offence (Article 15.2):

“Subject to the provisions of Article 14 regarding transfers of players, participation even in friendly matches of teams or players of non-FIVB recognized organizations or one or more non-eligible players under FIVB Regulations shall be sanctioned with disqualification of the player(s) from the competition, forfeiture of the match(es) where the player(s) participated, a fine on the NF/club involved of CHF 30,000 for each ineligible player and

8 IPF, Constitution, http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/20.html suspension of the NF, leagues, clubs, teams, players and officials involved for a period of up to two (2) years.” 9

Furthermore, the FIVB Sports Regulations stipulate that:

“46.6.4 If an NF (National Federation) learns that an international match will take place in its country without its authorization, it will immediately inform the NF and the Confederation to which the opponent club belongs and the FIVB and will warn its local players of one year suspension and disqualification subject to further penalties by the FIVB and the respective Confederation.

46.6.5 If a Confederation learns that an international tournament will take place in one of its affiliated countries without its authorization it will immediately: a) inform the FIVB; b) compel the NF to obtain the required authorization; c) warn potential participants of the consequences for the players taking part in non-authorized competitions; and d) suspend the players and National Federation who neglect the Warning and still participate in the banned competition.” 10

2. Category 2: no clearly defined sanctions (open-ended)

Beach Volleyball

Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)

To enter any FIVB beach volleyball event “as well as any other beach volleyball event currently sanctioned by the FIVB (i.e. exhibitions, country vs. country etc.) or to be sanctioned or created in the future by the FIVB”, an athlete must sign an “athlete’s commitment” form, which provides:

“The ATHLETE taking part in beach volleyball tournaments not sanctioned by the FIVB without the required authorisations … or playing in a foreign country without a previous written invitation from the local National Federation and authorisation from his/her respective National Federation commits a serious breach of the FIVB Regulatory Framework and may be subject to fines, suspension, and expulsion as detailed in the annual Beach Volleyball Handbook and in the Disciplinary Regulations”.11

The annual FIVB Beach Volleyball Handbook stipulates the eligibility criteria for athletes to participate in FIVB beach volleyball events:

“Following the decision of the 2009 Executive Committee meeting (Tokyo, 25th November), all athletes that have taken part to unauthorized events will have their FIVB membership withdrawn for all FIVB Intercontinental, Continental and National, Volleyball and Beach Volleyball tournaments/events”.12

The ineligibility sanction for participating in unauthorized events (as per FIVB Constitution, Disciplinary Regulations, and decisions) can be a “period of ineligibility up to a life ban from any and all FIVB competitions … including the Olympic Games, the World Championships, World Tour Grand Slam, and Open”. In addition, a fine for a major offence may be imposed.13

9 FIVB, Disciplinary Regulations, http://www.fivb.org/En/FIVB/Document/Legal/FIVB_Disciplinary_Regulations_en_20130404.pdf 10 FIVB, Sports Regulations Volleyball, http://www.fivb.org/EN/fivb/Document/Legal/FIVB_Sports_Regulations_en_20140516_v2.pdf 11 FIVB, 2013-2014 NF Athlete’s Commitment, para. 1.2, http://www.fivb.org/EN/Beachvolleyball/Forms/Athletes/BVB- 01AthletesCommitment.pdf 12 FIVB, Beach Volleyball Handbook 2013, Chapter 9 (Competition Regulations) 9.1. http://www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Competitions/worldtour/2013/Handbook_2013/FIVB-BVB-Handbook2013-CH09-pdf15_web.pdf 13 FIVB, Beach Volleyball Handbook 2013, Chapter 11 (Specific Regulations and Sanctions) 11.3 http://www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Competitions/worldtour/2013/Handbook_2013/FIVB-BVB-Handbook2013-CH11-pdf06_web.pdf Boxing

International Boxing Association (AIBA)

All AIBA National Member Federations, boxing members, clubs, and boxing family must follow, in all of their competitions, the AIBA Technical Rules.14 Rule 1 (Membership and Eligibility) of the AIBA Technical Rules provides:

“(3) Except in cases where Rule 1.2.1 of the AIBA Pro Boxing Competition Rules applies, any Boxer who has participated in any Bout or Event organized or promoted by any professional boxing organization or promoter (other than any AIBA, World Series of Boxing, Boxing Marketing Arm Bout or Event) will not be permitted to compete in any AIBA Competition at any level. (4) If a Boxer, having competed in AIBA Open Boxing, AIBA Pro Boxing, World Series of Boxing, competes in any Bout or Event organized or promoted by any professional boxing organization or promoter (other than any AIBA, World Series of Boxing, Boxing Marketing Arm Bout or Event), then such Boxer will not be eligible to compete in any AIBA Competition at any level ever again.”

Cricket

International Cricket Council (ICC)

As from 1 June 2009, Section 32 of the ICC Operating Manuel (Unofficial Cricket Events) was replaced with a new, revised Section 352 (Disapproved Cricket) that clarifies the process for official approval of a cricket event and the consequences of participating in a cricket event that has not been approved.15 The need for a change of the rules emerged with the emergence of matches and events funded by private entrepreneurs outside the regulatory framework of the ICC.

The rules stipulate that:

“32.4 A Member shall, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law (as determined in the reasonable opinion of the Member): 32.4.1 not participate in any way in any form of Disapproved Cricket; 32.4.2 not release or permit any players, match officials, coaching or management staff contracted to the Member to participate in any way in any form of Disapproved Cricket; 32.4.3 prohibit the participation by organisations and individuals under its jurisdiction in any form of Disapproved Cricket; 32.4.4 prohibit organisations under its jurisdiction from releasing or permitting any players, match officials, coaching or management staff contracted to them to participate in any form of Disapproved Cricket; 32.4.5 impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on any organisation or individual under its jurisdiction who breaches the foregoing prohibitions; 32.4.6 recognise and enforce within its own jurisdiction any sanction, restriction or exclusion imposed on a player or organisation by another Member for breach(es) of the foregoing prohibitions; and 32.4.7 make it a condition of eligibility to participate in cricket matches/events played under its jurisdiction that the individual or organisation in question has not participated in any form of Disapproved Cricket for a specified period.”

The explanatory note to Section 32.4 stresses that:

14 AIBA Technical Rules http://www.aiba.org/documents/site1/docs/Rules/AIBA%20Technical%20Rules%20- %20August%2023,%202013%20-%20OK.pdf 15 ICC, Regulations for Approved/Disapproved Cricket and Domestic Cricket Events, http://icc- live.s3.amazonaws.com/cms/media/about_docs/518a6c6bd8c6e- Regulations%20for%20Approved_Disapproved%20Cricket%20and%20Domestic%20Cricket%20Events.pdf “It is not possible to specify fixed or minimum periods of exclusion or ineligibility that must be imposed in cases where section 32.4 prohibitions are breached. The facts and circumstances of each particular case will have to be taken into account, as well as the constraints of applicable law. However, considering the importance of solidarity among the ICC Members and their stakeholders and their Members to the long-term future of the sport, the need to protect the strength of their collective effort for the benefit of the sport as a whole, and the need to deter free-riding on their development efforts and other contributions, it is the view of the ICC and its Members that, other than in exceptional circumstances, a person who participates in Disapproved Cricket should not be selected or permitted to participate in official matches or events for a minimum of twelve months thereafter.”

Dance Sport

World DanceSport Federation (WDSF)

According to the WDSF Competition Rules (2014),16 Rule B.2 (Eligibility and Participation in Competitions):

“2.1 Athletes, couples, formation teams and teams may not participate in competitions which have not been previously approved in writing by the WDSF or a WDSF Member Federation or for which authorisation to compete has not been granted by the Presidium.

2.2 Subject to WDSF’s Statutes and Competition Rules, and subject to the policies established by the General Meeting and any agreements or policies made by the Presidium, the admission of competitors to international or other competitions (including all amateur competitions) is governed by the relevant WDSF Member body.

2.3 In order for athletes to be eligible to compete in the following major WDSF Competitions: • WDSF World Championships, • WDSF World Cups, • WDSF Continental Championships, • WDSF Continental Cups, • WDSF Grand Slams, • Asian Games, • Asian Indoor Games, • WDSF Games, • World Games, or • Any future Olympic level Games,

At the discretion of the WDSF National Member Body, athletes may be required to have only competed in the WDSF Competition System in the 12 months prior to the date of the respective event.”

The WDSF Athletes' Code of Conduct further clarifies that “participation by an athlete in a Non-WDSF Event without obtaining the requisite consent shall constitute a serious case”.17 The applicable sanction is not clearly defined:

“Any athlete, whose conduct is determined by the Presidium to be contrary to this Code, is subject to penalties, including but not limited to one or more of the following penalties: an order for compensation (if property is damaged or destroyed and the costs should be reimbursed); disqualification from a competition; a temporary suspension from the right to compete; and in case of recurrent or very serious misconduct a permanent suspension from the right to compete. The minimum penalty considered by the Presidium will usually be a 3-month suspension from the right to compete.”

16 WDSF, Competition Rules, https://www.worlddancesport.org/Rule/Competition/General 17 WDSF, Competition Rules, Appendix WDSF Athletes' Code of Conduct, https://www.worlddancesport.org/Rule/Competition/General Fencing

Federation Internationale d’Escrime (FIE)

According to the FIE Statutes, Chapter VIII – Eligibility for competitions, a fencer “may not … enter a competition organized only by a professional body, but he may take part in mixed competitions (with or against professionals) as long as this is authorized by the FIE”.18 The period of ineligibility in case of violation is not specified.

Gymnastics

Fédération International de Gymnastique (FIG)

Gymnasts, entered into competitions by their federations, must follow the Rules of Eligibility of the FIG set out in the Technical Regulations.19 According to the Technical Regulations, Appendix B (Rules of Eligibility for the International Gymnastics Federation):

“5. A Gymnast may not: … b) take part in any gymnastic competition or exhibition which is not sanctioned by the FIG or his/her National Federation.

… 8. Any Gymnast infringing these rules, after their enforcement, may not claim to be eligible to participate in the Olympic Games or qualifying tournaments for the Games.”

The period of ineligibility in case of violation is not specified.

Hockey

International Hockey Federation (FIH)

In 2011, the FIH introduced specific “Regulations on Sanctioned & Unsanctioned events”. A revised version of these Regulations entered into force in 2013, providing that:

“ARTICLE 2 – OBLIGATIONS

2.1 It is prohibited for any National Association, and for any organisation or individual (including Athletes, technical officials, umpires, coaching or management staff) under the jurisdiction of a National Association, to participate in any manner in an Unsanctioned Event.

2.2 Any Athlete or other individual who participates in any capacity in an Unsanctioned Event is automatically ineligible for twelve months thereafter to participate in any capacity in any International Event.

2.2.1 Such Athlete or other individual may apply to the Disciplinary Commissioner to avoid all or part of this period of ineligibility for good cause shown, provided that the circumstances will have to be exceptional to justify such avoidance. The Disciplinary Commissioner’s decision may be appealed by the Athlete/other individual or the FIH to the Judicial Commission. 2.2.2 During the period of ineligibility, the National Association may not select the Athlete/other individual to participate in any capacity in an International Event, and (without

18 FIE Statutes, http://www.fie.ch/download/status/en/FIE%20Statutes%20ang.pdf 19 FIG, Statutes, Article 37 https://www.fig-gymnastics.com/publicdir/rules/files/main/Statutes%202013%20(English).pdf prejudice to Article 2.5) any selection made despite this prohibition may be declined by the FIH or other event organiser.

2.3 A National Association must, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law:

2.3.1 not participate in any way in any Unsanctioned Event; 2.3.2 prohibit the participation by organisations, Athletes, technical officials, umpires, coaching or management staff, and other individuals under its jurisdiction in any Unsanctioned Event. 2.3.3 take prompt and effective disciplinary action against any organisation, Athlete, technical official, umpire, coaching or management staff, or other individual under its jurisdiction who fails to comply with the clause 2.3.2 prohibition; 2.3.4 recognise and give effect within its own jurisdiction to any restriction, exclusion or ineligibility imposed on an organisation or individual by another National Association for failure to comply with the clause 2.3.2 prohibition; and 2.3.5 make it a condition of eligibility for any organisation or individual from another National Association wishing to participate in any Event played under its jurisdiction that the organisation or individual in question has not participated in any Unsanctioned Event in the twelve months prior to the Event in question.”

The explanatory notes to this Rule clarify that the period of exclusion to be imposed “will depend upon the facts and circumstances of each particular case, as well as the constraints of applicable law”. However,

“it is the view of the FIH, the Continental Federations and National Associations that, other than in exceptional circumstances, a person who participates in an Unsanctioned Event should not be permitted to participate in Sanctioned Events for a minimum of twelve months thereafter.”

Netball

International Netball Federation (INF)

The INF General Regulations provide that:

“7.3.1 National Associations and all persons and entities under the jurisdiction of any National Association (including, without limitation, officers, officials, employees, appointees, representatives, contractors, agents, volunteers, members, players, coaches, trainers, managers, umpires, match officials and medical personnel) are prohibited from participating in any capacity in an Unsanctioned Event. It is the responsibility of each person and entity wishing to participate in a particular Event to establish that the Event is a Sanctioned Event and not an Unsanctioned Event.

7.3.2 Any person who participates in any capacity in an Unsanctioned Event is automatically ineligible for 12 months thereafter to participate in any capacity in any International Event. During the period of such ineligibility, a National Association or team may not select the person to participate in any capacity in an International Event, and any such selection may be declined by INF or the event organiser. Such person may apply to the Disciplinary Officer for a waiver of all or part of such period of ineligibility. Any such waiver may only be granted in exceptional circumstances. The Disciplinary Officer’s decision may be appealed by the relevant person or by INF to an Appeal Panel pursuant to the Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution Regulations.

7.3.3 Each National Association must:

(a) prohibit participation in Unsanctioned Events by all persons and entities under its jurisdiction;

(b) without prejudice to clause 7.3.2, take prompt and effective disciplinary action against any person or entity that participates in an Unsanctioned Event;

(c) recognise and enforce within its Country any restriction, exclusion or ineligibility imposed on a person or entity by INF or another National Association for a failure to comply with the prohibition referred to in clause 7.3.3(a); and

(d) make it a condition of eligibility for any person or entity from another National Association wishing to participate in any Event played under its jurisdiction that the person or entity has not participated in any capacity in an Unsanctioned Event in the 12 months prior to the Event in question.” 20

The Sanctioned and Unsanctioned Events: guidance note (2013),21 an appendix to the General Regulations, however, stresses that the period of exclusion can exceed 12 months:

“Those who benefit from the development activities of National Associations (for example, players and other persons who participate in, and gain experience, expertise and status from, those activities) owe commensurate duties of loyalty and solidarity to those National Associations. They breach those duties by taking steps that undermine the collective efforts of National Associations to promote the best interest of the sport as a whole, including by participating in Unsanctioned Events. In such circumstances, National Associations are entitled to deny such persons the opportunity to take further benefit from the collective (sanctioned) enterprise for a specified period, and their regulations must allow them to do so (see clause 7.3.3(b) of the regulations). The period of exclusion to be imposed in such cases will depend on the facts and circumstances of each particular case, as well as the constraints of applicable law. However, considering the importance of solidarity among the National Associations to the long-term future of the sport, the need to protect the strength of their collective effort for the benefit of the sport as a whole, and the need to deter free-riding by private entrepreneurs on the development efforts and other contributions of INF, Regional Federations and National Associations, in INF’s view a person who participates in an Unsanctioned Event should not, other than in exceptional circumstances, be permitted to participate in Sanctioned Events for a minimum of 12 months thereafter.”

Sailing

International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

The ISAF Regulations, Code 19 (Regulation 19 - the Eligibility Code),22 stipulate that:

“Suspension or revocation of Competitor Eligibility or ISAF Eligibility

19.14 Competition Eligibility or ISAF Eligibility (or both) may be suspended or revoked:

(a) by a National Authority (for events within its own jurisdiction) or by ISAF: (i) for a breach of RRS 69.1(a); or (ii) for competing, within the preceding two years, in an event that the competitor knew or should reasonably have known was a Prohibited Event; or (b) for a breach of RRS 5.

ISAF's powers in this Regulation are in addition to the provisions of RRS 69.

19.15 A ‘Prohibited Event’ means an event:

20 INF, General Regulations, http://www.netball.org/images/documents/corporate_governance/inf_general_regulations_august2013.pdf 21 INF, Sanctioned and Unsanctioned Events: guidance note, http://www.netball.org/images/documents/corporate_governance/appendix_to_inf_general_regulations-guidance_note_august2013.pdf 22 ISAF Regulations, Regulation 19 – the Eligibility Code, http://www.sailing.org/regulations

(b) permitting or requiring advertising beyond that permitted by the ISAF Advertising Code; (c) with prizes or other benefits referred to in Regulation 25.12.2 that is a national event not approved by the National Authority of the venue or an international event not approved by ISAF; (d) that is described as a world championship or uses the word "world", either in the title of the event or otherwise, and that is not approved by ISAF; (e) that does not conform to the requirements of RRS 89.1 and is not otherwise approved by ISAF; or (f) for which the Organizing Authority that has not paid the ISAF Event Fees, and (g) has been listed on the ISAF website on a list maintained for this purpose.”

A competitor may apply to the ISAF for his Competition Eligibility and/or ISAF Eligibility to be reinstated only if “a minimum of three years has passed since the original decision” (Rule 19.24).

Shooting sport

International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)

The ISSF Rulebook (2013), Part 4 (ISSF Eligibility, ISSF Commercial Rights and ISSF Sponsorship / Advertising Rules),23 stipulates that:

“4.1.5 An athlete who knowingly takes part in a competition vetoed by the ISSF may be excluded from ISSF Championships for a prescribed period by the Executive Committee.”

The period of ineligibility in case of violation is not specified.

Skiing

Federation International de Ski (FIS)

The FIS International Ski Competition Rules,24 Rule 204 (Qualification of Competitors) stipulates that:

“204.1 A National Ski Association shall not support or recognise within its structure, nor shall it issue a licence to participate in FIS or national races to any competitor who:

….

204.1.5 knowingly competes or has competed against any skier not eligible according to the FIS Rules, except if:

204.1.5.1 the competition is approved by the FIS Council, is directly controlled by the FIS or by a National Ski Association, and the competition is announced "open".”

The period of ineligibility in case of violation is not specified.

* * * * *

23 ISSF, Rulebook, http://www.issf-sports.org/theissf/rules/english_rulebook.ashx 24 FIS, International Ski Competition Rules, http://www.fis- ski.com/mm/Document/documentlibrary/AlpineSkiing/02/03/07/icr_16.07.13.clean_Neutral.pdf