Counselling for netballers following positive dope test
JAMAICA Netball Association (JNA) president Marva Bernard said members of the senior squad have received counselling and are looking forward to next week’s three-test series against England.
This follows the news that goal attack and part-time captain Simone Forbes returned an adverse analytical finding following a drugs test.
“… They were upset that this happened to their teammate, so we dealt with it,” Bernard told the Observer.
“Our team doctor Mr Pramainand Singh did the counselling… and now we move forward because the business of England coming is what is at hand now.”
News broke two days ago that Forbes had tested positive for a substance on the World Anti-doping Association (WADA) banned susbstances list.
“It’s a team sport and they love each other. They were very upset when they heard. The doctor came and said this is it; the initial disappopintment has to be set aside,” Bernard said.
A hesitant Bernard told the Observer there is a process that must be followed and she was not at liberty to speak freely on the matter.
“Simone’s privacy is in our hands, but the result is out of our hands,” she said.
Under WADA rules, Forbes has 10 days from the date of notification — which is said to have been last Friday, April 15 — to respond.
In the meantime, Forbes has been provisionally suspended and has not been allowed to train with the squad which is preparing for next week’s series against England.
Meanwhile, coach Connie Francis said Forbes would be sorely missed as it would be very difficult to beat England without her.
The visitors arrive tomorrow.
