On 28th March, at Coventry Pool, Sport England conducted a number of Doping Control tests on Open Division 1 players. These tests were carried out at the request of the BCU Canoe Polo Committee, to form part of an ongoing process of 'in competition' testing for the National Leagues and 'out of competition' testing for the Great Britain Squads.

We fully expected and hoped that these tests would confirm that there was no issue with the use of performance enhancing drugs within the sport of Canoe Polo.

Unfortunately on this occasion one of those tested returned a positive result. Peter Meakin of Friends of Allonby was randomly selected as a GB squad player and his 'A' sample was found to contain a banned substance.

Peter has admitted to the offence and declined to have his 'B' sample tested. Consequently he will, in accordance with World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) rules, serve a two year suspension from competition. The suspension (ban) will run from the date of imposition of the provisional suspension namely 9th April 2009 and will end midnight 8th April 2011. During the suspension Peter will not be permitted to participate in any capacity in a competition or other activity organised by the BCU or any body that is a member of or affiliated to or licensed by the BCU.

The BCU Canoe Polo Committee is currently considering whether it should take any action against the team that Peter has competed for in the domestic league season.

If you require any further information on doping control, please visit the BCU's website:

http://www.britishcanoeunion.org.uk/resources-and-policies/policies/anti-doping-policy-/

Or if you have a more specific query then, during normal office hours, you can call:
Andy Goodsell (BCU Competition Manager)

or in the alternative please email

Samantha Hosken (BCU Canoe Polo Chairman)
on chairman@canoepolo.org.uk