Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jan 2005
Source: Mercury, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 News Limited
Contact:  http://www.themercury.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/193
Author: Mark Robinson

NEW DRUG POLICY UNVEILED

REVELATIONS that a "small number of players" returned positive tests to 
cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana in 2004 has prompted the launch of a radical 
drug policy by the AFL.

 From the start of the Wizard Cup, players will be randomly tested at 
training and on match days for illicit drugs - and repeat offenders could 
face up to 12 weeks suspension.

Players will not be tested out of competition, except for rare compulsory 
fitness tests.

Performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids will continue to be tested 
all-year round.

Following testing in 2004, which revealed a "small number of players" had 
been found with illicit drugs in their system, the AFL yesterday announced 
up to 75 per cent of a club's list will be tested in 2005, with all players 
tested over a three-year period. The AFL, AFLPA, clubs and Australian 
Sports Drug Agency have agreed a four-step approach for players testing 
positive to illicit drugs.

* A FIRST offence will be kept confidential, but the player will be 
required to undergo education and rehabilitation.

* IF the player offends a second time, the club's medical officer will be 
told but sworn to a confidentiality agreement.

* A THIRD offence would see the player face the AFL tribunal, where he 
could face up to 12 weeks suspension.

* A FOURTH offence would be at the discretion of the tribunal, but the 
player would be suspended for no less than six weeks.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson would not say how many 
players tested positive last year.

"It was a very small portion [and] I don't think it's important [to reveal 
how many]," Anderson said.

"What is important is we had a small number of positive tests and we think 
that's enough for us, combined with what we've learned from player 
interviews and talking to drug experts, that there's a significant enough 
issue that we need to take action."

Carlton pair Laurence Angwin and Karl Norman returned positive tests to 
ecstasy last year, prompting the Blues to sack Angwin and enter Norman in a 
drug education program.

Despite Carlton's decision to go public with their decision, the new policy 
would try to protect the player on a first offence.

AFLPA executive Glenn Archer said confidentiality would help avoid a media 
frenzy.

"It has to be, especially the first test," he said.

"I know a couple of guys who had their drinks spiked, and then the clubs 
find out. It always gets out of clubs, as you guys [in the media] know, and 
next minute you know, the player is 'on drugs'. It's got to be confidential."

The drugs review, led by AFL medical officers Dr Harry Unglik and Dr Peter 
Harcourt, identified education, rehabilitation, the welfare of players and 
the image of the game as key components of the policy.

"The AFL and the AFLPA have determined to take a lead role in developing a 
socially responsible policy based around the health and welfare of our 
players," Anderson said.

"It is a first in Australia and, as joint initiative with our players, it's 
perhaps the first in the world. It's an emerging issue and it's extremely 
important for us to act."

AFLPA chief executive Brendon Gale said the policy was a "sensible balance 
between protecting the health and safety of players while respecting privacy".
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MAP posted-by: Beth