Afl Drugs

Objectives of the Action Plan

The objective of the action plan is to analyse drugs in AFL, explain the different consequences of using drugs, the problems around the use of both performance enhancing drugs and illicit drugs and how these players can be helped if they are caught with the use of illicit drugs.

Proposed actions

The AFL Anti-Doping Code enforces the code to continue the AFL’s integrity and helps make sure that there is a fair level of play for all the players. The AFL’s Anti-Doping Code has a list of all the substances and methods that are banned because of there are a violation of the spirit of the sport, a health risk and performance enhancing. The players agree to obey the Anti-Doping Code which is a part of the Standard Playing Contract and also provide samples for drug testing (AFL, 2013). The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) have partnered with AFL to enforce the AFL Anti-Doping Code (AFL 2016)

The AFL does not accept the use of illicit drugs but does however understand the complicated issues with those who may have abuse issues. To protect the AFL players’ health and welfare, the AFL Illicit Drug Policy was created which is based off the medical principles of educations, counselling, treatment and ongoing support. The IDP was created with the leading Australian medical and drug experts to prevent drugs use. The Department of Health has been funding the AFL to help develop and deliver the message of the dangers of the use of illicit drugs. The Illicit Drugs Policy plans to reduce and prevent the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy in the sport by both the players and officials.  The AFL has also linked up with the Australian Government Illicit Drugs in Sport (IDIS) and have spread the awareness and have educated people on the dangers and problems of the use of illicit drugs (AFL 2016).

Anticipate outcomes

Club players and officials that breach the AFL anti-doping code can be banned from performing under any role at any club for up to four years. The Anti-Doping code was created to ensure that the competition in the AFL is fair, to protect the players from using drugs that may cause harm to their bodies, to educate the players to understand the risks and consequences of using performance enhancing drugs and to set an example for everyone else (AFL 2016)

The use of illicit drugs have extremely long and short term health problems which may affect the players overall wellbeing. The AFL Illicit Drugs Policy aims to educate the players about the risks and dangers of the use of illicit drugs, identify any players who have decided to use drugs and assist the players or official to the appropriate counselling and treatment programs indefinitely and to supply the appropriate support to help assist the player or official to change their behaviour.  The AFL will penalise any player a fine of $5000 and a will be suspended up to 18 matches for those who has failed a test for the third time, does not accept to counselling and treatment programs (AFL 2013).