Syntax Error In RAISERROR

I have a basic StoredProcedure that I want to raise a custom error if the inserted data is already in the table. However, I'm getting a Syntax error "User has already been entered".





Code Snippet

ALTER PROCEDURE dbo.sp_AddParticipant
(
@pLanID as varchar(20),
@pName as varchar(75),
@pTeamID as numeric,
@pDept as varchar(35),
@pEmail as varchar(75),
@pUpdater varchar(20),
@pParticipantID numeric OUTPUT
)
AS
SET NOCOUNT ON

if exists (SELECT LANID FROM Participant WHERE LANID = @pLanID)
raiserror("User has already been entered",16,1)
else
begin
INSERT INTO Participant
(LANID,Name,TeamID,Department,eMailAdd,LastUpdatedBy)
VALUES
(@pLanID,@pName,@pTeamID,@pDept,@pEmail,@pUpdater);

SELECT @pParticipantID = @@Identity;
end
RETURN
As far as I can see, I have the raiserror correct but I don't see what's wrong with the previous line.

Does anyone see what I'm missing?

Thanks, Bill N

P.s. What is the better method, passing an Out parameter or saying "RETURN @@Identity"?