Disciplinary and anti doping
Support from the charge letter to the hearing
A misconduct charge, a citing or an anti doping case can cost you matches, money and your reputation. The steps taken in the first few days matter most.
What we do
We read the charge and the rule it relies on, tell you the deadline for your reply and what each possible answer leads to, and gather the evidence and statements that support your account.
We then prepare your written response. If the case goes to a hearing we get you ready for it and can represent you in front of the panel, in person or by video. Where a decision goes against you, we look at the grounds and the time limit for an appeal.
Panels we prepare for
- FA disciplinary commissions and appeal boards
- League and competition disciplinary panels
- The ECB Cricket Discipline Commission
- RFU disciplinary and citing panels
- The National Anti-Doping Panel
- Appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with specialist counsel where needed
Anti doping cases
UK Anti-Doping investigates and brings anti doping cases in British sport, and the National Anti-Doping Panel hears them. The panel is independent of UKAD and is run by Sport Resolutions.
Strict liability applies: a prohibited substance in a sample is a violation whatever the reason it is there. The case usually turns on how it got there and how much fault lies with the athlete, which decides the length of any ban. Supplements, prescribed medication and missed tests each raise different arguments, and we work through them with you.
Hearing questions
Should I reply to the charge myself first?
Speak to us before you send anything. What you write in a first reply can be used at the hearing, and some charges carry a lower sanction for an early admission, which needs weighing carefully.
Can I bring someone with me to the hearing?
Most sports allow a player to be represented or accompanied. We check the rules of your panel and tell you who can attend and speak.
What if the charge is about a social media post?
Online posts are one of the most common reasons for a misconduct charge across all three sports. We look at the post, the context and the rule relied on, and prepare your explanation.
Enquiries
Tell us about the charge
Include the date on the charge letter and the deadline for your reply. If a hearing date has been set, tell us that too.