THE WESTERN Bulldogs have been fined $10,000 for failing to notify the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority of their players' whereabouts.
The Bulldogs failed to notify ASADA that 12 of their players would be part of a training camp in the USA between November 5-19.
Under the requirements of the anti-doping code, all clubs in the AFL are required to keep ASADA notified at all times of the location of listed players, for testing purposes.
AFL players may be tested 365 days of the year for banned performance-enhancing drugs.
AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said the Western Bulldogs had notified the AFL in advance of their decision to conduct an overseas training camp, but not ASADA.
"The club has a strong history of compliance with all the paperwork requirements of the anti-doping code to ensure that ASADA is fully informed at all times and can perform its duties," Dillon said.
"In this instance, while the AFL had been notified of the club's activities, ASADA was not separately notified. While this was an administrative error, it is important that the rules are fully complied with."
Bulldogs football manager Graham Lowe was understanding of the sanction.
"While we acknowledge this as an isolated administrative error, we are fully aware of the importance of reporting requirements and accept the sanction handed to us by the AFL," Lowe said.
"The matter has been reviewed internally, and we have reinforced internal processes to ensure future administrative oversights are avoided."
Half the sanction has been suspended until December 31, 2015 on the basis of the club's continued co-operation.
