The Effect of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Consumption by Sportspersons and its Legal Upshots in Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17450267

Abstract

The present study is conducted to probe Anabolic Androgenic Steroids consumption by sportspersons. Steroids among other banned drugs, substances, and derivatives pairing are a core problem in the field of sports. Drugs necessitate in the field of sports to grant punishments, irrespective of one’s voluntary participation in the sports. The study is initiated with the historical evolution of the notion, Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, then the same extended towards the dilemma of present-day sports, legal recognition, and legislative measures of sports federations nationally and internationally in developed and underdeveloped countries.  The need to study about reviving rules of ethics, morality, equality, fair play, and the true spirit of sports. The article further explores how the legal structures of developing countries are attempting to battle this new form of a banned substance and the efforts of developing and underdeveloped countries in framing rules and regulations for the control of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids at national and international forums. The Anabolic Androgenic Steroids consumed by sportspersons at the national level are not tested properly and are taken for granted while sportspersons repeat same practice at international events and competitions. This act not only is harmful and risky to their health but also brings a bad name and reputation to respective nations as well as defeating the spirit of sport.  Later in the paper critical analysis of developed countries’ legislations and international measures in the field of doping and banned drugs control is evaluated to identify the lacuna in developing countries’ measures in the control of banned substances nationally and internationally. The paper also evaluates the efficacy of penalties for doping with the magnitude of danger and risk involved in the consumption of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids.   In developed countries, the example of Canada is taken to examine their modus operandi, for combating this emerging problem in sports, regulating principles of justice, and reviving the moral and ethical values of sports. Moreover, it is illuminating the efforts of developing countries by citing the example of Pakistan’s anti-doping agency for controlling this ill practice in sports. Lastly, it is concluded that problem of doping is a global problem that may be resolved effectively through the formation of strict penalties including heavy fines that are to be imposed not only on the sportspersons but on everyone who is either directly or indirectly involved in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids consumption by the sportsperson. Independent commission or bureau to inspect the compatibility and effectiveness of said laws to bring reforms in the prevailing legal system for controlling the use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and to promote education, ethic, and morals through the adoption of changing international trends in reviving the real spirit of sports.

Key Words: Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, Sports, Doping, Legislations, and Legal Reforms.