TonyK
CibbuanoAFL to trial new drug test
June 26th 2008 01:03
AFL Players have agreed to a revolutionary drug-testing regime as part of the AFL's push to crackdown on out-of-season illicit drug use
Footballers will allow drug-testers to take hair samples in a bid to gauge drug use during their 2008 end-of-season break.
The hair-testing procedure will be trialled in October and November. Medical advice obtained by the AFL said hair retains evidence of the use of cocaine and other drugs for up to two months.
AFLPA boss Brendan Gale said the prodecure had initially been rejected by the players but the association has now backed it following an AFL assurance no players would receive a strike against them under the AFL's three-strikes drugs policy through the trial.
The customary urine and blood-testing for illegal drugs will resume at the start of preseason training.
Should the hair testing reveal high numbers of positive results, the AFL will push to continue holiday testing.
The AFL is also expected to unveil its toughened drug-testing regime early next month, along with the results of its dramatically increased 2007 test results.
Footballers will allow drug-testers to take hair samples in a bid to gauge drug use during their 2008 end-of-season break.
The hair-testing procedure will be trialled in October and November. Medical advice obtained by the AFL said hair retains evidence of the use of cocaine and other drugs for up to two months.
AFLPA boss Brendan Gale said the prodecure had initially been rejected by the players but the association has now backed it following an AFL assurance no players would receive a strike against them under the AFL's three-strikes drugs policy through the trial.
The customary urine and blood-testing for illegal drugs will resume at the start of preseason training.
Should the hair testing reveal high numbers of positive results, the AFL will push to continue holiday testing.
The AFL is also expected to unveil its toughened drug-testing regime early next month, along with the results of its dramatically increased 2007 test results.
| 53 |
| Vote |
