SANFL's New Illicit Drugs Policy
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:34 amSANFL MEDIA RELEASE
Forums are being held across all ten clubs in the SANFL Macca’s League to educate players and officials about the SANFL’s new illicit drugs policy.
The policy – developed by SANFL Integrity Officer Sean Toohey with funding support provided by the South Australian Office of Recreation and Sport and the AFL – is an ‘out of competition’ approach that will complement the existing game-day testing regime currently administered under the AFL Anti-Doping Code, with random testing conducted across club-organised training sessions throughout the year.
“We see this very much as a well-being policy, designed to aid SANFL clubs in providing the safest and most supportive environment for young people,” Sean said.
“Illicit drugs are a societal issue and, as the organisation responsible for growing and protecting football across the State, we see it as our role to take the lead in this area.
“This is just part of the overall approach we’re taking to illicit drugs along with education and support programs to ensure young people across SANFL are the best athletes they can be.”
SANFL’s policy has a focus on support and counselling, though sanctions will apply through a three-stage approach.
For a first adverse test result, a player will be given a two-game suspended penalty and their details will be provided on a confidential basis to the club’s doctor and Club Liaison Officer for counselling purposes.
For a second adverse test result returned any time over the next four years, the player will be suspended from playing for six weeks (four weeks on top of the two weeks already accrued) with the player again provided medical advice and counselling.
A third adverse test will result in the player being referred directly to the SANFL Tribunal which has the power to apply any penalty it deems appropriate in the circumstances.
The testing, which will be conducted by an independent agency contracted by SANFL, will apply to all senior SANFL grades between February to December.
Further to this, SANFL will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the trafficking of illicit drugs by persons involved in SANFL Clubs and competitions. Any person reasonably believed to be involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs will be reported to Police for investigation and also referred directly to the SANFL Tribunal. In addition, any person found guilty of trafficking in a court of law will also be referred to the Tribunal.
Forums are being held across all ten clubs in the SANFL Macca’s League to educate players and officials about the SANFL’s new illicit drugs policy.
The policy – developed by SANFL Integrity Officer Sean Toohey with funding support provided by the South Australian Office of Recreation and Sport and the AFL – is an ‘out of competition’ approach that will complement the existing game-day testing regime currently administered under the AFL Anti-Doping Code, with random testing conducted across club-organised training sessions throughout the year.
“We see this very much as a well-being policy, designed to aid SANFL clubs in providing the safest and most supportive environment for young people,” Sean said.
“Illicit drugs are a societal issue and, as the organisation responsible for growing and protecting football across the State, we see it as our role to take the lead in this area.
“This is just part of the overall approach we’re taking to illicit drugs along with education and support programs to ensure young people across SANFL are the best athletes they can be.”
SANFL’s policy has a focus on support and counselling, though sanctions will apply through a three-stage approach.
For a first adverse test result, a player will be given a two-game suspended penalty and their details will be provided on a confidential basis to the club’s doctor and Club Liaison Officer for counselling purposes.
For a second adverse test result returned any time over the next four years, the player will be suspended from playing for six weeks (four weeks on top of the two weeks already accrued) with the player again provided medical advice and counselling.
A third adverse test will result in the player being referred directly to the SANFL Tribunal which has the power to apply any penalty it deems appropriate in the circumstances.
The testing, which will be conducted by an independent agency contracted by SANFL, will apply to all senior SANFL grades between February to December.
Further to this, SANFL will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the trafficking of illicit drugs by persons involved in SANFL Clubs and competitions. Any person reasonably believed to be involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs will be reported to Police for investigation and also referred directly to the SANFL Tribunal. In addition, any person found guilty of trafficking in a court of law will also be referred to the Tribunal.