Results Process - Proceedings

On completion of the doping control procedure, the A and B sample bottles and doping control paperwork will be sent via a secure chain of custody to a WADA Accredited Laboratory.

The A-sample is then analysed, while the B-sample is securely stored, in case of an Adverse Analytical Finding in the A-sample.

There are two possible scenarios that will follow sample analysis; a negative result may be reported or an Adverse Analytical Finding may be reported.

A negative result is reported

The negative test result will be reported by FIG on the FIG website. 

An Adverse Analytical Finding is reported

The process for dealing with an Adverse Analytical Finding is conducted in three stages:

1. Review
2. Hearing
3. Appeal

1. Review
   If an Adverse Analytical Finding is reported, FIG will undertake an initial review to determine whether an applicable TUE has been granted or if there was any apparent departure from the International Standards for Testing and the International Standard for Laboratories that may have undermined the validity of the result.
   
   If it is determined from this review that there is a ‘Case to Answer’, the gymnast will be notified of the result by the FIG and, depending on the substance found, a gymnast may then be provisionally suspended.
   
   A gymnast has the right to request the analysis of the B-Sample and to witness, or nominate a representative to witness, the B-Sample opening and analysis. The B-sample should be analysed within 7 working days of the notification of the A-sample result being reported to the gymnast.
   The sample will be analysed at the same laboratory as the A sample.
   If a gymnast does not request the B-sample analysis within the deadline set by FIG, this right will be deemed waived.
   
   
2. Hearing
   A gymnast has the right to a fair hearing. The hearing provides a gymnast with the opportunity to present their case to the Disciplinary Commission with the aim of providing a rationale for the Adverse Analytical Finding.
   
   More information about the hearing and the reduction or elimination of sanctions can be found in FIG Anti-Doping Rules.
   
   
3. Appeal
   A decision from the FIG Disciplinary Commission may be appealed to the FIG Appeal Tribunal within 21 days from the notification of the decision. The gymnast needs therefore to lodge his/her appeal in writing to the address of FIG headquarters within the set deadline, indicate whether he/she requests a hearing and pay the amount of CHF 5’000.- for the expenses to FIG.
   
   A decision from the FIG Appeal Tribunal may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), based in Lausanne, within 21 days from the notification of the decision. The gymnast needs therefore to pay a minimum Court Office fee of CHF 500.-.
   
   As with the hearing process, the appeals must be conducted fairly and on a timely basis. 
   
   For more information on the process, please consult the FIG Code of Discipline and the Code of Sports-related Arbitration - Mediation Rules.