Key ACB Anti-Doping Policy points

What is the ACB's position on doping?
The ACB condemns the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in sport. The use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices is contrary to the ethics of sport and potentially harmful to the health of athletes.

The ACB aims to prevent the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in cricket by:

1. imposing effective sanctions on persons who commit doping offences;
2. educating and informing persons about drugs in sport issues; and
3. supporting the drug testing programs and education initiatives of ASDA and other drug testing authorities.

Player education
The ACB Anti-Doping Policy is made available to all members, players, coaches, officials, and medical and health practitioners.

All ACB contracted players attend a yearly player briefing and training camp at which time they are made aware of the contents and processes of the ACB Anti-Doping program and policy.

They also receive intermittent briefings about doping-related matters.

The players sign approval of their understanding and obligations under the policy at this briefing session.

The last ACB player briefing on the ACB's Anti-Doping Players was provided to the one-day international squad on 3 November 2002 in Brisbane.

The last ASDA international player briefing was also provided on 3 November 2002.

Investigating a doping offence and referral to hearing
The ACB will refer the matter to a hearing if the Anti-Doping Committee Officer reasonably believes that a person may have committed a doping offence.

The ACB Anti-Doping Committee will determine

1. whether the person has committed a doping offence, and, if so;
2. what sanction will apply, and
3. for how long the sanction will apply.

How are hearings conducted?
The ACB Anti-Doping Committee will conduct the hearing in private and as quickly as is reasonably possible.

The person alleged to have committed a doping offence may be assisted by a legal representative or other person.

What sanctions apply? Where the ACB Anti-Doping Committee determines that a person has committee a doping offence, the Committee may impose a variety of sanctions including a two-year ban of the person from selection to represent Australia in international competition.

The penalty can be reduced based on evidence presented by the ACB's Anti-Doping Medical Advisor, Dr Peter Harcourt.

Can a person appeal a decision?
A person (including the ACB) aggrieved by a decision of the Anti-Doping Committee under the ACB Anti-Doping Policy may appeal to the Appeals Committee.