ANSSACC DRUG POLICY - Version 2016
The Organising Committee of the Australian Sikh Games condemns the use of classified substances for the purposes of performance enhancement. These substances are not only dangerous to the well-being of the concerned person, the act of consuming such substances is also unfair on other competitors and is contrary to the ethics of sport and incompatible with the Sikh philosophy. Any individual who is caught taking or handling such substances risks a LIFE time ban from participating in the Australian Sikh Games. Such individuals and any such events will be reported to the National Games Committee for further disciplinary action as well as to the relevant police and legal authorities. This ban also applies to any officiates and players who do not cooperate with the Drug Policy, as it is against the rules of the Australian Sikh Games and unsportsmanlike behaviour. Participating clubs and players must be aware of the following protocols regarding the Drug Policy of ANSSACC.
- Overview
1.1 As with any other sports organisation, the Australian Sikh Games are run as drug free games. All team members who enter the Australian Sikh Games are automatically subject to drug testing at any time during the tournament.
1.1(a). Random tests can be conducted during half-time breaks of any given sport.
1.2. It is the club’s responsibility to educate their players regarding the zero Drug Policy. Any player who does not cooperate with the drug testing team, is automatically suspended from playing and participating in the tournament. This also applies to any player who refuses to be tested or attempts to evade being tested.
1.3. The Drug Policy Co-ordinators selected by the Organizing Committee and ANNSACC can select any player for drug testing on a random basis.
1.4. Tests for certain drugs can be added to the list with 24 hour notice. The full list of prohibited drugs can be found on the ANSSACC website or Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) website. Possession of illicit drugs will be reported to the police immediately.
- Drug Tests for 30th Annual Sikh Games:
2.1. Tests will be conducted for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cocaine, Methamphetamines, Amphetamine, Opiods, Benzo (valium type of drugs). Tests will also be conducted for K2 (synthetic cannabis). Additional drugs may be added prior to the Australian Sikh Games with 24 hour notice given by the Organising committee or ANSSACC.
2.2. Urine, saliva or breath tests will be taken. If the need arises blood samples may also be taken.
2.3. Urine tests take approximately three minutes (provided the player can produce a sample) to produce a result. Saliva tests take approximately ten minutes to produce a result. If the test needs to be sent to the laboratory, the procedure can take approximately three working days to produce a result. Samples will not be sent to the laboratory without prior approval.
2.4. Paper work will be filled out as each player takes their test. The player will receive a copy of the test.
2.5. A United front from management is vitally important. Placing a positive aspect and image on drug and alcohol screening is key to ensuring drug free participation at the Australia Sikh Games.
- Procedure:
3.1 Choosing Player, Official or Team representative for Test:
3.1.1 If a player is chosen at random by the local committee or ANSSACC, the cost of the test will be paid by the local committee. If however, the test result is positive, the player’s club will pay $200 per test as well as a $500 fine. The player will be banned for 15 months (effective immediately) which means the player will miss the next Australian Sikh Games. In cases of serious breaches of the Drug Policy determined by ANSSACC, the player may receive a life time ban.
3.1.2 The player or club cannot refuse the test. Only five minutes will be given to the player to comply to taking the test. Failing this compliance, a $500 fine will apply. The player will be banned for a period of 15 months (effective immediately) which means the player will miss the next Australian Sikh Games.
3.1.3 If more than three players of the same club test positive to banned substances, their respective club will be put on notice and it will be compulsory to immediately test all of the players participating from the respective club and the club will be liable to pay the cost for all of the tests conducted on their players.
3.1.4 In cases of serious or high dosage of banned substances being detected, blood samples will be taken and sent to the laboratory and the player’s club shall bear the cost of all tests undertaken.
3.1.5 The names of the players found positive may be disclosed to the public and media upon written request.
3.1.6 Team officials, managers, referees, ANSSACC committee, Local committee, commentators and players are subject to the tests.
3.1.7 The legal limit for alcohol is 0.05. Any persons found to be above this limit, will be immediately expelled and ejected from the venue.
3.2 Third Party Notifications
3.2.1 If a player under the age of 18 is selected for testing, a guardian or coach of that player will be notified of the player’s selection.
3.2.2 In the case of a player with an intellectual disability being selected for testing, a guardian or coach of that player will be notified of the player’s selection.
3.2.3 If a third party attempts to hinder the notification process or testing process, this may be considered a violation of the Drug Policy, and may result in a sanction for the third party at the discretion of ANSSACC.
3.3 Objectionary Tests:
3.3.1 Testing of a player may be initiated by other teams
3.3.2 Objectors must deposit a $200 testing fee per test and lodge an objection form
3.3.3 If a player tests positive to a banned substance, the $200 testing fee will be refunded to the objector and fines will apply to the player
3.3.4 Objectors will bear the cost of the test if found negative.
3.3.5 Objections cannot be filed during the match.
3.3.6 Objections can be filed up to 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the match the player is participating in, or five minutes after the match ceasing or at any other time when the player’s team is not playing.