SteveLyric2

What is important is whether the testing machine was correctly calibrated and whether the reading was correct?!

Hope to see Garry as usual at the Poole fans Quiz Night at the Stadium on Wednesday evening!

Was it the 'Wiltshire/Midlands' hotline or the 'Wiltshire/Dorset' hotline thats been extra hot these past few days??!

I'd say there is just as much 'gate and go' in the GPs and SWC as there is in any EL meeting. Some of the GP tracks are worse than many British tracks with their preparation and shape.!

Not necessarily! It might or might not?! If the test was carried out wrongly and/or the testing equipment was wrongly calibrated, then it may have shown the wrong reading, which may have prompted Darcy's comments on TV that he was 'only slightly over'!!!

I thought that is exactly what he did do!! But was it based on a false test?

I don't believe many people doubted his Number 1 billing?! What they were doubting this time last year was whether he would get a visa!!

Well the first one is that's for sure!! When you are able to check the SKY TV schedules - you heard it here first!!

R.I.P. Eddie. Well remembered at Poole and Eastbourne. Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Nigel and Kelvin are busy polishing up their 'Karlsson Corridor' references as we speak!!

No matter what side of the argument you are on, surely it can be seen as possible that Ward 'admitted he was slightly over', based upon an incorrect reading if there was anything at all wrong with the tester and/or the test!?

I'm only saying whats in the article! Presumably the article wouldn't have mentioned it unless there was some sort of query?!

Don't shoot the messenger!!!

More allegations being made public over the 'Darcy testing' - this time from respected speedway journo Peter Oakes - breath test allegedly carried out by an off-duty police officer, which may bring into question any other part of the process?!

More allegations being made public over the 'Darcy testing' - this time from respected speedway journo Peter Oakes - breath test allegedly carried out by an off-duty police officer?!

Whatever people's opinions of comments etc on this topic, nevertheless the WADA (to which FIM are signatories) do make a difference between alcohol and (performance enhancing) drugs. Furthermore, they also differentiate between 'in-competion' and 'out of competition' usage. (Darcy's consumption was 'out of competition' but tested 'in competition') Some have compared Ward's case similarly to Stefan Danno's, but Danno was clearly very drunk at the track, insulted/assulted FIM officials and still had alcohol in his possession. Ward was clearly not 'very drunk' as was obvious as he went on TV to be interviewed. However he was apparently only 'slightly over' the accepted level. None of which is acceptable, but is likely to be argued by those supportive of Ward, in addition to any claims of irregularities in the testing and the lack of 'timely fashion' taken for the hearing to take place and may well be an influence on the eventual verdict/penalty?! The 'timely hearing' clause is included in the regs exactly so that not only the rider but particularly his support teams (not just UK-based) including mechanics etc etc are not unfairly inconvenienced!!

Not only about the Great North Air Ambulance as it also featured the Hampshire Air Ambulance too - the Red one!!!

Clearly not a successful one?!

I believe that day has been and gone!!

Chris Mills was it?

That was his situation in October as he intended to just do domestic (for him Swedish and Danish leagues) speedway involving less travelling and more time with his family. However it seems he does not have a lucrative Swedish league deal in place (unless Darcy Ward is further banned and cannot take up his Piraterna teamplace?), so is open to discussions for an EL spot. Presumably not in Poole's options, as Matt must have given other clubs permission to speak with Bjarne?!

Fair comment geejay although not seen SS yet this week. Despite what some fans may think, it may also be the BSPA/SCB (and Polish/Swedish federations) adding their weight to the argument over the prolonged delay, as they could argue that not having Ward in the league is damaging their business (from a bums on seats point of view), when the alleged offence did not take place in any domestic league competition. The Poles and Swedes might take the same view depending on his on-track popularity in those countries?! As I posted on the Darcy Ward thread, the WADA rules and regs say that any hearing should be held in a 'timely manner'! There are several examples of cases where a rider (athlete) can appeal any aspect of the procedure from the day of the testing through any suspension/penalty. This could run and run.....even if he is allowed to race again soon in 2015.

Another interesting segment from the WADA regs is that 'any hearing should be held in a timely manner'!!. Also whether guilty or not, there are several examples of the grounds that the accused can appeal on any aspect of the case either on or since the alleged offence was tested for! Yes I agree and made a similar point back in September, but just thought I would quote from the updated 2015 regs - which have been available to participating organisations eg FIM, since October 2014 - assuming the FIM are signatories to the document?!

Any penalty can be reduced by upto 75% of the 4 years if alcohol is demonstrated to only have been consumed 'out of competition' even though discovered when tested 'in-competition'! Time served in 'temporary suspension' would/could be credited against any remaining penalty!

I take it you are quoting from the 2014 regs or are the 2015 out already??