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Newer regulations may be introduced to punish dope-tainted New Zealand athletes

New Zealand has agreed to changes that include longer bans and new rules in order to keep their anti-doping rules in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency's updated code for 2015.

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New punishments await New Zealand sportspersons who are found doping from New Year, as the country has agreed to changes that include longer bans and new rules, in order to keep their anti-doping rules in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) updated code for 2015.

The key changes to the doping rules include longer bans of up to four years for a first offence for those who dope intentionally, penalties for athletes who associate with anyone who has previously committed a doping offence, sanctions for those who help cover-up doping and an extension of the anti-doping rules to cover support personnel, such as coaches.

Graeme Steel, chief executive of Crown entity Drug Free Sport, New Zealand, welcomed the rules and regulations tightening, saying that these new rules are 'powerful and far-reaching' and would ensure that those who 'set out to cheat' are removed from participating in sport for longer periods, Stuff.co.nz reported. 

Also Read: IAAF responds to latest doping claims

Steel added that New Zealand has a proud tradition of clean sport and Drug Free Sport NZ works hard to ensure that tradition is 'maintained and continued'. He also said that they believe these new rules are a 'significant step forward' in the fight against doping in sport. 

He stated that the introduction of longer bans sends a clear message to athletes that intentional doping would not be tolerated, adding that bans of this length could effectively end an athlete's sporting career, so they would take a huge risk if they choose to dope.

Steel also said that those who support athletes would also need to be aware of rule changes as they can face harsh penalties if found gulity.

He concluded that it is 'vital' that everyone involved in sport is committed to being drug free and added that there's no 'level playing field' if they don't have everyone on board and following the rules.

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