Government promotes modification to the Sports Law to protect the health of young athletes

Santo Domingo.- Benny Metz, the Vice Minister of Relations with Civil Society, has stated that the government is actively promoting the amendment of the Sports Law and the development of a legislative compendium aimed at safeguarding the health of children and young athletes.

Metz emphasized the need to update the Sports Law, which currently dates back to 2005 and is considered outdated. He asserted that the law should serve as the fundamental legal framework, providing general regulations that would subsequently lead to specific regulations for different sports and criminal offenses. The proposed amendments aim to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by athletes, particularly in relation to health and well-being.

These statements come in response to concerns raised by specialists regarding cases of acute renal failure in adolescents associated with the misuse of steroids. Metz characterized such behavior as voluntary homicide, stressing that the use of steroids without proper medical guidance or prescription is a serious offense.

To tackle this issue, the government is seeking to amend the existing Sports Law and establish a collaborative platform involving the Ministry of Public Health and the National Drug Council (CND). This platform aims to provide the necessary support to the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic, enabling them to effectively fulfill their role as legal prosecutors.

Metz further disclosed that several specific cases related to steroid misuse have already been reported to the Attorney General (Miriam Germán), and investigations are set to commence. The government is committed to addressing these cases and taking appropriate legal action to ensure accountability and protect the health and well-being of young athletes.

The proposed amendments to the Sports Law, along with the collaborative efforts of relevant institutions, reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of children and young athletes in the Dominican Republic.