AFL Releases Facts on Illicit Drugs Policy

The AFL has recently provided a fact sheet to address misconceptions about its Illicit Drugs Policy. This policy aims to combat drug use and promote player health and safety. Here are the key points:

Key Facts about the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy

1. No Support for Drug Use:

• The AFL does not condone or support the use of illicit drugs. They believe all illicit drug use is harmful.

2. Prevalence of Drug Use:

• According to the National Drug Strategy's Household Survey, 47% of Australians over the age of 14 have used illicit drugs at some point in their lives. AFL players are not immune to this issue.

3. History of the Policy:

• In 2005, the AFL and the AFL Players Association developed the first illicit drugs policy in Australian sport. This policy aims to reduce substance use and related harms through education and intervention.

4. National Drug Strategy Alignment:

• The policy is based on the National Drug Strategy, which focuses on harm minimization. The current strategy, supported by all Australian governments, runs from 2017 to 2026.

5. Voluntary Testing:

• AFL players are the only Australian athletes who volunteer for out-of-competition testing for illicit drugs. Most other professional and Olympic athletes do not undergo such testing outside of competition.

6. Mental Health Considerations:

• The AFL acknowledges that drug use issues often co-occur with mental health conditions. Players who test positive receive education, counseling, and clinical support.

7. Two Drug Policies:

• The AFL has two drug policies:

1. Australian Football Anti-Doping Code: Mirrors the World Anti-Doping Code, testing for performance-enhancing drugs 24/7. Illicit drugs are considered performance-enhancing only "in competition."

2. AFL Illicit Drugs Policy: Involves voluntary out-of-competition testing for illicit drugs. Tests include urine and hair samples, conducted by AFL-appointed clinicians or as part of treatment programs.

8. Legal Compliance:

• AFL players are subject to the same drug laws as other Australians. The Illicit Drugs Policy complements the Anti-Doping Code and does not replace it.

9. Harm Minimization Focus:

• The policy's primary goal is to help players change their behavior and minimize harm, aligned with the National Drug Strategy framework.

10. Confidentiality and Monitoring:

• Player medical information is confidential. Doctors and healthcare professionals cannot disclose details without the player's consent.

11. Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) Findings:

• SIA found no breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code by AFL players or support personnel.

• SIA supports the AFL’s adherence to anti-doping education and found no evidence of a secret policy to subvert the WADA code.

12. Improving the Policy:

• The AFL is working with the AFLPA and players to enhance the policy and better address player behavior.

13. National Approach to Drug Use:

• The AFL supports bringing together all professional and Olympic sports, government, law enforcement, medical, and integrity experts to discuss a national approach to illicit drugs in sport.

The AFL remains committed to providing factual, evidence-based education on the harms of illicit drugs and improving their policies to ensure player health and safety.