Rules & Sanctions
The Irish Anti-Doping Rules, effective 1 January 2021, implement the World Anti-Doping Code across all recognised sports in Ireland, including tenpin bowling.
Anti-Doping Rule Violations
There are eleven categories of anti-doping rule violation under the World Anti-Doping Code. Athletes, support personnel, and other persons can all commit violations.
Presence
A prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers found in an athlete's sample.
Use or Attempted Use
Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method.
Evading or Refusing
Evading sample collection, or refusing or failing to submit to sample collection after notification.
Whereabouts Failures
Three missed tests and/or filing failures within a 12-month period.
Tampering
Tampering or attempted tampering with any part of doping control.
Possession
Possession of a prohibited substance or method.
Trafficking
Trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or method.
Administration
Administration or attempted administration of a prohibited substance or method to any athlete.
Complicity
Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up, or any other type of intentional complicity.
Prohibited Association
Associating with a person serving a period of ineligibility or who has been convicted of a doping offence.
Retaliation
Discouraging or retaliating against reporting to authorities.
Strict Liability Principle
Athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body. It does not matter how it got there — even if it was through contaminated food, a supplement, or a medication prescribed by a doctor. Ignorance is not a defence. This is why it is crucial to check every substance you consume.
Published Sanctions
Sport Ireland publishes the outcomes of anti-doping disciplinary panels across all sports. Below is a summary of recent sanctions across Irish sport.
2026
| Sport | Substance | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Motorsports | Cocaine | 3 months |
| Motorcycling | Drostanolone & Cocaine | 4 years |
2025
| Sport | Substance | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycling | — | 3 months |
| Weightlifting | Drostanolone | 3 years |
| Canoeing | Ostarine | 3 years |
| Motorcycling | Cannabis | 3 months |
2024
| Sport | Substance | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Judo | — | 4 years |
| Tug of War | Cocaine | 4 years |
Tenpin Ireland's Responsibilities
As a recognised National Governing Body, Tenpin Ireland has a duty to promote clean sport, regardless of the perceived risk level in our discipline. Our responsibilities include:
Promoting clean sport values across all levels
Educating athletes, coaches, and support personnel
Maintaining an anti-doping officer role
Cooperating with Sport Ireland on testing and investigations
Ensuring international competitors are informed of their obligations
Integrating anti-doping with broader ethics and safeguarding