Section 3: Status of athletes

3. Status of athletes (1) Every athlete engaged in sports activities shall— (a) hold a licence issued by the National Sports Federation to which he belongs to; [Issue 9] S27 – 4 Revised Laws of Mauritius (b) prepare himself and compete according to the principles of fair play; (c) take part in such medical aptitude, anti-doping or screening tests in line with the nature of the particular sport, as may be prescribed; (d) comply with the national and international competition rules and other regulations applicable to the particular sport; and (e) have regard to the interests of the National Sports Federation and the person who or which selects him to be part of the national team. (2) An athlete who is not a licensee may be invited to take part in competitions organised by a National Sports Federation with a valid licence issued for that event. (3) Notwithstanding any other enactment, every professional athlete shall pursue sports activities under a written contract of employment. (4) An athlete may receive— (a) financial support within the framework of a sponsorship contract; (b) assistance, financial or otherwise, in relation to his preparation for, and participation in, a competition; (c) a financial reward in respect of his performance. (5) Notwithstanding any other enactment, any athlete in employment who has been selected to form part of the national team of a sport shall be granted release without any deduction in salary or allowance or leave entitlement during the period of training for, and participation in, a competition. (6) In this section— “sponsorship contract” means a contract entered into by an athlete and a sponsor under such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree, which may include the purpose of the sponsorship and support, financial or otherwise, to be provided to the athlete under the contract in order to enable him to prepare for, and participate in, a competition. PART III – ORGANISATION OF SPORT Sub-Part A – National Sports Federations