The AFL and AFLPA have officially reached an agreement on the Illicit Drug Policy (IDP) that will be implemented across both men's and women's competitions, and will be finalised in the coming months with a view to be operational later this year.

The policy will introduce a suspension range of two to four matches for public use of illicit drugs (pro rata for AFLW players) as well as an extensive management plan that undergoes multiple steps before a player can resume playing once a positive test to use is confirmed.

Confidentiality obligations will continue in the new agreement with a sanction of up to $250,000 if these are found to be breached.

The landmark policy, set to last until the end of 2029, goes above and beyond the requirements set by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of all players in the competition, while also committing to increased accountability.

AFL and AFLW players will undergo drug education as well as bi-annual hair testing.

In the event of a positive hair test to illicit drug use, a stepped process will be introduced under the new policy following annual education and routine hair testing:  

  1. A Behaviour Change Program (BCP) and individualised assessment will follow a positive hair test; this may include healthcare interventions for players from the outset.
  2. If there is a second-consecutive positive test a player will progress to an individual Management Plan overseen by an AFL IDP Manager. A Management Plan includes ongoing clinical assessments, treatment and routine testing with a co-funding model in place ($5000 for AFL and $900 for AFLW).
  3. If a player continues to use and all attempts to engage them in the IDP framework have failed, they will be referred at this point to a Fitness to Play assessment by an independent panel, at which point the club President, CEO, and GM of Football (amongst others) are informed.
  4. As a result of a Fitness to Play Assessment, a player is determined to be fit to play, fit to play or train on stipulated terms, or unfit to play or train for a specified period and supported with intensive treatment. 
  5. A player will progress from the framework when they have fully and successfully participated in their Management Plan.

Amid increased levels of accountability, the agreement also states a list of measures that will be put in place, including a suspension range for public use of illicit drugs as well as support two years after retirement or delisting.

The measures include:

  • Support for players for up to two years after retirement or delisting. 
  • A newly established Joint IDP Committee, comprising representatives from the AFL, AFLPA, AFL Doctors' Association and experts in addiction and drug policy to oversee implementation of the revised policy. 
  • A dedicated Illicit Drugs Policy Manager at the AFL, jointly appointed by the AFLPA to support the operation of the framework. 
  • A suspension range of two to four matches for AFL players for public use of illicit drugs once the revised policy takes effect (pro rata for AFLW players).
  • Confidentiality obligations will continue, including a sanction of up to $250,000 on a club and individual de-registration if these are found to have been breached.

 

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