Spain in great pain

SHORT-LIVED JOY? Spanish women celebrate after beating Azerbaijan 3-2 in the final of the women's Olympic Qualifiers.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) wish to inform about the outcome of the B-samples from anti-doping tests of two Spanish players which took place during the Women’s World Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Baku, Azerbaijan, in April 2008.
The FIH informed the athletes that the B-samples from both players have shown the same adverse analytical findings as the A-samples.
In accordance with the provisions in the FIH Anti-Doping Policy, which is in line with the World Anti-Doping Code, both players requested a hearing before the FIH Judicial Commission. These hearings, which will take place before the end of June 2008, will determine whether or not an anti-doping rule violation has been committed and, if so, what the sanction should be. -- FIH

Rich Women Warriors

WATERLOO, Ont. - The Warriors Women's Field Hockey program has established an enrichment program with the Bonner THV Club, in Bonn Germany.

The club has offered to accommodate Waterloo players in the homes of club members and allow them to practice with the First and Second teams. They will play in league games (German 3rd Division) and participate in the coaching of young children in the club. In addition, they will be provided with opportunities to see the area of the Rhine Valley and enjoy the usual tourist attractions.

The club is 105 years old, having been established in 1903. It has more than 20 coaches contributing to dozens of groups in training, indoor and out, from age four to senior men and women. The main coach for the field hockey program is Rudiger Hanel, who led Germany to a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics.

Current Warrior captain Vicky Lounder (5th Yr. Engineering, Halifax, NS) arrived in Germany on April 22 and stayed through most of the spring field hockey season, and returned to Canada on June 5th. Vicky has been training with the club three days a week and playing on the weekends. She is also taking advantage of her trip by taking language classes five afternoons a week. "I'm learning a lot from some incredibly talented and experienced players," Vicky mentioned from Germany. "I hope I can bring some experiences back for the Waterloo squad this fall, and that some of our new recruits can get the chance to benefit from an opportunity like this n the future."

Katherine Olsen, (3rd Yr. Engineering, Calgary, AB), also took part in the program for a shorter stay, from May 1st through May 13th.

The Waterloo coaching staff is now in discussions with the Bonner Club about the possibility of hosting the entire Warriors squad in Bonn, for a special development camp, in the spring of 2009.

Source:

Chris Gilbert
Communications
Department of Athletics
University of Waterloo

FIH keep doping secret

"Representative of International Field Hockey Federation: "It is not true that Azerbaijani side demanded to take doping tests from Spanish hockey team"
Though the results of B-doping test for two players of Spanish hockey team were opened on May 30, the results have not yet been made public.

Day.Az has appealed to Arien Meyer, manager of the committee of the International Firld Hockey Federation) on public relations. Unfortunately, he refused to answer most questions, but commented on some of them.

- Unfortunately, I can not announce the results of B-doping tests. Be sure that I will inform you immediately after official statement on this issue is made.

- Spanish side states that the doping-test from their players was taken by demand of Azerbaijan's Field Hockey Federation. Is it true?

- It is impossible. All doping tests are held in line with the charger of FIH and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

- Will the Spanish team be disqualified in case B doping test is positive?

- In case it is positive the Spanish side may demand additional hearing in the FIH legal committee. The said committee will consider this issue and take its decision.

- The charter of FIH states that in case doping tests are positive for over than one sportsmen, the team may be either disqualified or applied any other measures. What is implied under "any other measures"?

- It implies any sanctions, except for banning.

- Which team will get an olympic license if Spain is banned?

- Now too much is spoken about it. Let's have the decision on the issue and then speak who will replaced the Spanish team, if necessary.

As is seen from Mr.Meyer's brief statements, it is not true that Azerbaijan has demanded to hold doping tests among Spanish players.

It should be noted that two Spanish sportsmen underwent doping test during the Olympic qualification finals, held in Baku in April. Spain defeated Azerbaijani team (3:2), winning the contest and the Olympic license.