Topic: Something thats been bothering me for a while....

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Josh Moreau was disqualified for testing positive for marijuana at the 2006 American Open. But, why was the entire Team Houston disqualified as a result? I have read the USAW, USADA, and USOC rules a few times (understatement) and can't recall anything that says a whole team is supposed to be disqualified because one member tests positive. And, I don't see this happening on the international level. Can anyone cite the rule for me that mandates this team disqualification? It seems like Team Houston got screwed.

Here are the results: http://www.weightliftingexchange.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=85

Thanks

[Roger Sadecki]

See the top of page 9 of the Amer Open Entry blank
http://www.msbn.tv/mmsysFrontEnd/uploadedFiles/2007%20American%20Open%20Entry%20Form.doc
One of those BOD gems that has been around for some time now

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Roger,

Thanks very much for the information. But, your telling me that this new rule is found only in meet entry forms and is not supported in the USAW, USADA, or USOC bylaws?  This seems pretty bizarre to me and, if not supported by bylaws somewhere, would seem in contradiction to USOC policy and a violation of athlete's rights.

I appreciate more info if you have it.

[Roger Sadecki]

Chris,

Don't think there is any more information about that "rule" other than it was probably passed by the BOD at some meeting in the past. Does the IWF disqualify teams if individuals on the team are found positive? There are many, many, such rules and policies. The rule book in many places says to refer to USAW's Procedural Rules. But no one has been able to find any such document for several years. On national entry blanks alone there are several others: If you do not total the QT or more your team points do not count, green card non citizens can no longer lift although not supported by the by-laws, a lifter cannot go down a bodyweight category at the verification of final entries only up, a lifter can go up no matter what their QT if they adhere to a minimum starting attempt total, awards could possibly be given out after introductions of the next session in defiance of the rule book, and on and on. And all these are just additional "rules" that are listed on the national entry blanks. It is no doubt tricky to make policies that are completely common sense and for the good of USA Weightlifting.

Roger

[dominguezal]

Josh Moreau was disqualified for testing positive for marijuana at the 2006 American Open. But, why was the entire Team Houston disqualified as a result? I have read the USAW, USADA, and USOC rules a few times (understatement) and can't recall anything that says a whole team is supposed to be disqualified because one member tests positive. And, I don't see this happening on the international level. Can anyone cite the rule for me that mandates this team disqualification? It seems like Team Houston got screwed.

Here are the results: http://www.weightliftingexchange.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=85

Thanks

I agree with you entirely. If one is clean and gone by the rules, then he or she should be allowed. I actually remember watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics 105KG weightlifting competition on YouTube before it yanked off. If my memory serves me right and someone please correct me if I am wrong, the broadcasters noted that Alan Tsagaev, the silver medalist in that category, had to appeal to be allowed into the Olympics. Right before the Olympics, the whole Bulgarian team was banned because too many of their competitors tested positive for drugs. Alan and some other lifters appealed and were allowed to compete.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. After all, 2000 was a long time ago.