International Hearing Panel

International Federations, Anti-Doping Organisations or Regional Anti-Doping Organisations wishing to refer their first instance anti-doping matter to an Independent Organisation.

The cost of the arbitration is usually covered by the International Federation, Anti-Doping Organisations or Regional Anti-Doping Organisations. This includes the fees and expenses of the arbitrator(s), Sport Resolutions’ administration fees, and any additional costs associated with the hearing, such as venue hire, translation services and transcription. Fees vary depending on factors such as the number of arbitrators, length of the hearing and whether the matter proceeds on the papers or to a hearing.

Indicative costs, based on the fees agreed with the ITA, can be provided to paying parties in advance of a referral. These costs may vary depending on the circumstances of the matter.

The service is available to all respondents in proceedings before Sport Resolutions. Further information on the service can be found on the Pro Bono Services page. 

Sport Resolutions maintains an extensive list of international arbitrators with knowledge and experience of sport and anti-doping. It is from this panel that Sport Resolutions makes its appointments – with Sport Resolutions making the nominations rather than the parties. By taking this approach, the appointed tribunals are completely independent of the parties. A party may object to an appointment if it believes there might be a legitimate conflict of interest.

The IHP rules provide for the appointment of a sole arbitrator or a panel of three, which is determined on a case-by-case basis. The chair of tribunal will always be legally qualified and wing members come from a broader range of professional backgrounds, such as medical professionals, scientists, psychologists and ex-professional athletes.

The timetable for proceedings is set out in the IHP Procedural Rules. The Hearing Panel, in consultation with the parties, will agree a hearing date, if required.

The Athlete or other Person being charged with the anti-doping rule violation has the right to request a public hearing. The anti-doping organisation may also request a public hearing, provided that the other party consents to the same.

The tribunal may deny the request for a public hearing for the grounds outlined in the IHP rules.

The Decision will be given in writing, with detailed reasons, typically within three (3) weeks of the conclusion of the hearing or the closing of the evidentiary phase, when the dispute is decided based on written submissions. The decisions are distributed by e-mail to the parties, and to those with a right of appeal to the Decision.

The parties may request an operative award to be issued, with written reasons to follow if the matter is urgent. E.g. Provisional Suspension application of an Athlete wishing to participate in an imminent event.

Where an ADRV has been found, the Anti-Doping Organisation will publish the decision in accordance with its anti-doping rules.

Any right to appeal an IHP Decision is outlined in the Procedural Rules and in the decision, once issued.