editorial comment Striked are a baseball concept. Another proof that Australia remains keen to be the USA's "deputy" in Asia....

PLAYERS could be suspended for as many as 12 matches if they test positive three times for illegal social drugs.

The AFL announced its Illicit Drugs Policy yesterday, covering substances such as marijuana and ecstasy.

The Australian Sports Drug Agency tested AFL players for non-performance-enhancing drugs for statistical reasons only in 2004 and recorded several positive tests.

"It was a small incidence, but we think it's important we act on this issue even with that small incidence," AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said yesterday.

Under the policy, players would receive counselling and rehabilitation after the first two positive tests, with the club's medical officer being informed on the second occasion.

Their identities would not be revealed publicly. In the event of a third positive test, a player would be found to have breached the rule covering unbecoming conduct, with the case referred to the tribunal.

They would be suspended for up to 12 weeks if found guilty. Any further positive tests would result in a minimum ban of six weeks.

The AFL has a separate policy involving stricter sanctions for performance-enhancing drugs.

"We think this policy strikes a very sensible balance between privacy of the players and the welfare of the players, looking after the players and making sure we're setting a positive example on a key social issue," Anderson said.

"The vast majority of players at some time over every two- or three-year period will be tested."

Anderson said the AFL had received advice from drug and medical experts that the most effective way of treating a drug issue was on a confidential, counselling basis.

"If that doesn't work we proceed to a system that includes sanctions and suspensions," Anderson said.

AAP

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