ACB Anti-Doping Policy

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Anti-Doping Policy was put in place in 1998 and is approved by the Australian Sports Commission

Australian Cricket Board

21-Feb-2002

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Anti-Doping Policy was put in place in 1998 and is approved by the Australian Sports Commission.

The independent testing procedure is undertaken by the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA).

When a positive test is received, the question of whether the player concerned has committed a doping offence under the Anti-Doping Policy is referred to the ACB Anti-Doping Committee. If a doping offence is found to have been committed, the committee will also determine the penalty that is to apply.

Penalties that may be imposed by the ACB Anti-Doping Committee include:

a two-year ban for a first offence involving anabolic agents, peptide hormones, mimetics and analogues, a prohibited method (such as a masking agent), refusal to provide a sample or trafficking;
a life ban for a repeated offence; and
a minimum three-month ban for a first offence that falls outside anabolic agents, peptide hormones, mimetics and analogues, a prohibited method, refusal to provide a sample or trafficking.

Any ban imposed will restrict the player from competing in any international or interstate cricket, as well as any other event or competition conducted under the auspices of the ACB or a state cricket association

The number of tests conducted is agreed with ASDA as an appropriate amount for first-class cricket, having regard to:

the history of the sport;
the sport's record in this area; and
the potential benefits available to cricketers from taking prohibited substances.

The ACB has an on-going education program detailing its Anti-Doping Policy. Ahead of each season, ASDA and ACB officials travel to each state and the ACT to explain the policy and the list of banned substances to all state squads and Australian players nominated at that time. Detailed education is also provided to Australian under-19 teams and players who enter state ranks after the beginning of the season.

Contracts signed by all state and ACB contracted players include a clause in which they agree to abide by the ACB Anti-Doping Policy and are advised to seek approval from their state or the ACB before consulting any medical practitioner about an illness or injury that could have an effect on their ability to play cricket.

Since last season, the ACB has increased its investment in drug testing and education by 44 per cent. This includes an 18 per cent increase in the number of tests - 66 in season 2001-02.

The ACB Anti-Doping Committee may vary the above penalties based on any report it may receive from the ACB Anti-Doping Medical Officer.

The ACB Anti-Doping Committee to hear Graeme Rummans' case comprises:

Justice William Gillard of the Supreme Court of Victoria (Chairman);
Dr Susan White, a member of the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee; and
former Australian fast bowler Alan Hurst.

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