AFL clubs doing own Drug Testing

[Sojourner]

This is mentioned in todays paper although I havent read the article as it is written by Rucci,

A caller on 5AA stated the other day that he is a truck driver and the firm that he contracts for has regular drug testing of employees and contractors, anyone found with any level of drugs loses their contract immedantly. BHP are another firm that do random drug testing and as I am aware the number of companies having this done is on the increase.

So why cant the Crows / Power drug test their employees under the same legislation that permits it in S.A workplaces? Are football players employees in the same sense?

[Hondo]

Worsfold's interview left me querying, as he was, the system for drug testing. It sounds like only the player and the club doctor get notified of a positive test (at least the first two positive tests anyway). Worsfold, as coach, hears rumours about players with positive tests but can't confirm it with the players directly.

Leaving drug testing to the clubs may not be the best option (like getting the Chinese to self-test their women's swimming team 10 years ago - independence could be questioned), but I think an overhaul is needed. The AFL seem to treat it like a personal issue for the player best dealt with behind closed doors. I am not so sure it's being managed in the best way right now.

As for what goes on in the other companies, I think drug testing is done where the employees use heavy or dangerous machinery and so being under the influence becomes an OHS hazard. Not sure if drug testing is that common outside of those cases.

[Snaggletooth Tiger]

Leaving drug testing to the clubs may not be the best option (like getting the Chinese to self-test their women's swimming team 10 years ago - independence could be questioned), but I think an overhaul is needed.

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