Shannon Hartnett test’s positive..!

Will,

  I think the young lady who lost first place to her at Pleasanton in September might care. There is both prize money and prestige involved.

Will,

  Rule #20 from the NASGA website (emphasis added by me):

"Drug testing of any competitors is left to the discretion and capabilities of each Games being competed in. If a competitor is banned/suspended as a result of a drug test he will not be allowed to compete until the ban/suspension is over. Bans/suspensions from other sports will be enforced. Competitors banned/suspended from another sport will not be allowed to compete in a Games. "

Craig,

  I don't see anywhere in this thread where anyone is making excuses. This is about a failed drug test. There is supposed to be a consequence for a failed drug test. Simple as that.

Borges wrote: Will,   I think the young lady who lost first place to her at Pleasanton in September might care. There is both prize money and prestige involved.

Well said Carlos, I don't think people fully realize the impact cheaters have on their sport.  If you have ever taken illegal performance enhancing drugs you have cheated.  The "2nd place lady" at Pleasanton actually won that comp but was deprived of the ability to enjoy her victory that day by someone who cheated.  It's a shame.

Ok, just for us running a Highland games and wont to know. How much is drug testing per athlete? What are the names of the approved labs, for field sports and how are they contacted

The Scottish Coalition is composed of eight national organizations serving the Scottish-American community, principally through research, long-term planning, and as a resource for information and guidance. Its shared vision is that fruitful and mutually supportive relationships can be forged between individuals and organizations in the United States and in Scotland, in order to assure that the unique Scottish identity and heritage shall become better known and more widely celebrated for the benefit of peoples throughout the world.

The Association of Scottish Games and Festivals, was founded in 1981 in a spirit of cooperation, the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals (ASGF) provides its member organizations with a clearinghouse of ideas, resources, and information to assist them in the production of Highland Games. Like the member organizations them selves, ASGF sprouted from the vision of a few and fed by the truly continental in scope. ASGF is committed to the fundamental purpose of cooperation for the betterment of each of its members through sharing experiences and providing counsel. Additionally, the ASGF provides a forum for representatives of other Scottish cultural societies. At each meeting, outside representatives from Scottish groups such as the Pipe Band Association, Scottish Clans Societies, Highland Dancing people, Tartan and Genealogy experts, Heavy Athletics, and others are invited to participate by exchanging information and cooperating to solve problems or to create opportunities for improvement. Its annual meeting alternates from East to West for the convenience of its widespread membership. The Presidency of the ASGF likewise rotates biennially from East to West. Location and date of each annual meeting is set by the Executive Board. Every member Games is strongly encouraged to underwrite the cost of sending a representative to the annual meeting as a proven, worthwhile investment in the future of their event. All member organizations must have as their general purpose the furthering of the culture, heritage, and traditions of Scotland. To this end, they must present a Scottish games or festival that includes some aspects of Scottish culture, heritage, of traditions through offering competitions or demonstrations. Membership in the ASGF is necessary in order to qualify for the ASGF liability insurance program.

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That's rather unfortunate about Shannon.  I've been honored to meet her twice and both times she was a class act, even nicer than a lot of people in the games.  I had heard some bad things about her in the past, and I first had a negative vibe towards her in the beginning, but it all changed once I finally got to meet with her face to face.  Plus, I'd rather base my judgement on her from personal experinces. 

Sure I don't know her like some of the folks out west and others who have thrown with her a lot more, but I felt I would give my opinion(since everyone and their mother is now) cause I did get a chance to talk/hang/relax with her for a short while.  No, I'm not trying to kiss her a$$ cause she was a superior thrower than most, but I still think highly of her personally.  She was cool to be around with, the 4 days I was in the games with her.  Hell, everybodies got some sort of "dirty laundry".  Sometimes though, it gets out into the public.  It sucks, it really does.

As for her athletic endeavors...

I know people are going to use this as a vehicle for a stronger alliance between the many different organizations in the games and drug testing.  Everyone knows my thoughts on those two subjects, so I won't waste their time again.