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29 August 2008 - ADCA calls on sporting clubs to follow AFL drug policy initiative |
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ADCA calls on all Australian sporting clubs to follow AFL drug policy initiative
The Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) welcomes the Australian Football League (AFL) new illicit drug policy and suggests it is a sound benchmark for all sporting clubs to develop similar drug, as well as alcohol, policies for their codes.
The Chief Executive Officer for ADCA, David Templeman, says the AFL's approach to drug testing sets a high standard for sport administration across Australia.
"Alcohol and drug misuse in Australia is a very serious issue and costs the Australian community around $24 billion every year. Its time for the community, the Government and all sporting organisations to be responsible with this issue," Mr Templeman said.
Alcohol and other drugs use is a national problem in Australia and high profile sporting players, like others in the community, experience social, psychological and personal pressures. The AFL is the first sporting code in Australia to operate a competition-wide out of season policy which tests for illicit drug use.
ADCA believes the new AFL policy, which focuses on education; counseling and treatment issues will significantly assist with addressing illicit drug use within the sporting code. Its emphasis on health and wellbeing is to be commended.
"The AFL's approach to addressing the critical health elements, and to provide rehabilitation pathways for players found to have tested positive is to be applauded, and a policy ADCA strongly supports," Mr Templeman added.
"If our top level Australian sporting codes are serious about addressing alcohol and illicit drug misuse, then it is imperative that they provide the necessary support and policies to assist their members.
"High level sports people have an enormous impact on all Australians. Administrators and members of all codes need to show leadership in addressing alcohol consumption and unfortunate illicit drug use."
ADCA is the national peak body for the alcohol and other drugs sector and provides a national voice for people working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
ADCA works collaboratively with the government, non-government, business and community sectors to promote evidence-based, socially just, approaches aimed at preventing or reducing the health, economic and social harm caused by alcohol and other drugs to individuals, families, communities and the nation.
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