Topic: News: Chris LeRoux Ruled Ineligible

[Shaun Le Conte]

Chris, if you do enroll in out of competition testing for 6 months, can you then become eligible to compete? Seems like this ruling will force you miss out on the American Open for sure, which stinks because it's in Alabama (reasonably close driving distance I assume).

Good luck, I am with you

[Dave Hartnett]

Chris...

Good luck, sounds like a bum deal to me ?

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Shaun,

Yes, if I enroll in out of competition testing for six months, I could then compete again. But, this was not what I was told when I retired nor what was written on the retirement statement I signed agreeing to. I would not have retired if I had known it would mean this insanity. I do not want to be in the out of competition testing program anymore. The paperwork - computerwork and invasion of your life whenever they decide to show up is too much to deal with on a permanent basis. Apparently, something special about me means I can't ever compete again at any level unless I join the out of competition testing program for six months first and then I'm in it until they say I'm not or I retire. I guess they don't accept that lifting is a hobby for me now because they think I'm too good to be doing it as a hobby. I don't want to make squads and teams, and don't want benefits. I don't want my whole life revolving around lifting anymore and I can't help it that I can still lift big weights even without training like an elite lifter .

[Dane Hussey]

Chris,

You may want to consider entering Master's competitions. A good time is had by all, and it is about friendship and doing your best, not necessarily your total. The Master's leadership is also outstanding.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Dane,

I am ineligible for all USAW sanctioned events, which I would assume includes master's meets. I am effectively banned for life unless I am willing to be in the out of competition testing program as long as they want me in it.

[Dane Hussey]

Chris,

That doesn't make sense as there are many masters who "hung it up" many years ago, and didn't have be in the out of competition testing program upon their return. Currently, testing is done at the Pan Am and World Masters Championships.

[Paul LaDuke]

...must enroll in the USADA Registered Testing Pool program at least 6 months in advance of regaining eligible status and, for purposes of participating on a USOC Team in the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, 12 months before the start of those Games.

I interpret this rule to mean that you must enroll in the testing pool ONLY IF you are trying to make a US National Team of some sort when coming out of retirement.   The rules says nothing of local competitions, masters competitions or even our national championships/American open.  They have set precendent by not testing master's level athletes who were in the testing pool at a younger age but retired from Sr. level competitions.

It seems to me that they have nothing to rule you ineligible as you have not violated any of their rules.   Good luck with the fight, we are behind you all the way!

[John Donahue]

Doesn't this make the USAW in violation of the Amature Sports Act of 1978 ?  I 'm not a Lawyer, but i do know that this Act, also known as the "Athletes Bill of Rights", allows any amature athlete to compete in any "unsanctioned" contest without penalty.  

 Also, if i'm not mistaken, this Act specifically names the USOC and all of it's NGB's as being covered by this "Bill of Rights".  

 Anyone out there have more insight to this than i do?  If so, fill us in on the facts.