NFL Clubs, Players, Officials, Volunteers and Supporters
Yesterday, the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) released its findings from a 12 month investigation which has rocked the professional sporting codes of Australia. Reports of widespread prohibited drug use, links to organised crime and suggestions of match and spot fixing have led to the common response of “wake-up call”. Major sporting codes are taking swift and decisive action and investigation findings from a number of agencies are eagerly awaited.
The ACC report identified a number of areas of concern and one, which is very relevant to the Northern Football League, is the sub-elite level. The report indentified sub-elite athletes as “considered a high-risk group for doping”. The report stated the fact that prohibited substance use is occurring at sub-elite level means there is a direct threat to the integrity of professional sport in Australia – not to mention the health and safety of the athlete.
It is timely to remind all NFL stakeholders that club players and officials of any Australian Football competition that is operated and managed under the Laws of Australian Football are bound by the AFL Anti-Doping Code (Clause 21 of the Laws of Australian Football). Therefore, this code applies to ALL NFL players and officials and sanctions of up to a four year ban can apply.
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has the power to test NFL players on training and match days. They also have the power to investigate any NFL player suspected of purchasing, trafficking or using prohibited substances under the WADA prohibited substances list. ASADA work closely with Australian Customs and Police to identify the importation and distribution of banned substances and the ordering, purchasing or delivery acceptance of such substances constitutes a breach.
The NFL will continue to work closely with AFL Victoria and the AFL on a raft of new measures to ensure community football is not impacted by the infiltration of organised crime or prohibited substances. Testing has shown not to be the answer in curbing breaches and it is now clear that investigation, collaboration and diligence are our greatest weapon in the fight.
The ethical fences that protected our sporting backyard, those that we held with such pride, have been breached. It is now incumbent on every stakeholder to repair the damage and strengthen the fortress.
Jeremy Bourke
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Football League
Further Information
The ASADA website has education resources including video clips that provide more information. ASADA online education can be assessed via the ASADA website 
www.asada.gov.au. In addition, the ASADA hotline can be contacted on 1300 027 232 – they can advise if a substance is on the prohibited list or not.
