Given below are the statements in assertion and reason. Choose the correct options:
Assertion (A): An athlete found with banned substances in their system, even unintentionally, can still face penalties.
Reason(R): Under WADA rules, athletes are strictly liable for any prohibited substance found in their body.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation
Assertion (A) is correct because in professional sports, an athlete can be penalized if a prohibited substance is detected in their sample, regardless of whether they ingested it intentionally, accidentally, or through contaminated food or supplements. Ignorance or lack of intent does not automatically absolve the athlete from a doping violation.
Reason (R) is also correct and directly explains why Assertion (A) is true. This is due to the 'Strict Liability' principle enforced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Under this rule, it is each athlete's personal duty to ensure that no prohibited substance enters their body. They are held fully responsible for whatever is found in their specimens, meaning a violation occurs whenever a banned substance is present, making R the exact explanation for A.
Key Points
The Strict Liability principle means intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use is not necessary to establish an anti-doping rule violation.
While lack of intent cannot prevent a violation from being declared, it can sometimes be used as a factor to reduce the length of the suspension or penalty during the disciplinary hearings.
WADA updates its Prohibited List annually, and athletes are required to keep track of all banned substances and methods.
Additional Facts
WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
The primary objective of WADA is to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against doping in sports globally.
If an athlete needs to take a banned substance for legitimate medical reasons, they must apply for and be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) before participating in competitions.
Important Questions
Question: Where is the headquarters of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) located?
Answer: Montreal, Canada.
Question: What is the legal principle called under which an athlete is held responsible for any banned substance found in their body, regardless of intent?
Answer: Principle of Strict Liability.