Retiring Athlete

An athlete who has retired from Sport and removed him or herself from the Registered Testing Pool whilst serving a Period of Ineligibility (a Ban) may return to Sport. However, the athlete cannot compete in any competition until he or she has been in the Registered Test Pool for the Period of Ineligibility remaining at the date he or she retired.  For example, if an athlete retires after serving 3-months of a two-year Period of Ineligibility then later advises that he or she wishes to return to sport, the athlete must serve the remaining 21-month period of ineligibility before he or she can compete in any competition.  During that period of time, the athlete must go on the Registered Testing Pool and submit Whereabouts to enable DFSNZ to test him or her anywhere, anytime.

Should an athlete who has retired from representing New Zealand in their sport and removed him or herself from the RTP or NTP wish to return to sport, the athlete cannot represent New Zealand for a period of six (6) months from the date he or she has been re-entered into the Registered Testing Pool.
NOTE: The Rules of your International Federation (IF) may require a longer stand down period than DFSNZ has instituted. Please check your IF’s Rules which should be available on their website.