With Olympics approaching, it’s time to recognize children as a protected class in sport

Enshrining and enforcing the status of a 'protected class' for children engaged in athletic work would be a major step toward achieving children's rights in sport. (Shutterstock)

Imagine this scenario: a 15-year-old child is caught consuming cannabis in public and is charged with an offence. If the child is found guilty, the court has discretion to order an absolute discharge to avoid convicting the child, or to convict the child but excuse the payment of a fine under certain conditions. There would be a publication ban to protect the identity of the child.

But what if the child is an athlete caught consuming cannabis for social purposes at a sport competition, in violation of anti-doping rules?