AFL Players Ass. drugs

President Peter Bell
AFL Players ASS.
Level 12 545 King St.
West Melbourne 3003 18th March 2006

Dear President, Peter Bell.

We write regarding the ALF Players social welfare and the influence of the Australia Sports Drug Agency has over them. The World Anti-Doping Agency, (WADA ) instigated in USA has control over Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) Intern, oversees nearly all sport in Australia, and are committed to the International Standard. Prohibited List 2006. The ASDA is not required to do its own research into the affects of drugs in Australian sport.

WADA, Prohibited List 2006, has included Cannabis, The Australian Government Department of Health, "National Drug Strategy" states "Cannabis has been erroneously classified as a narcotic," Now to include cannabis in the list, must cast a shadow doubt over the ability of WADA, and ASDA to distinguish the difference between the two.

Considering all the prohibited substances listed under the WADA code, Cannabis is the only substance that can be transmitted to another person, resulting in that person showing a positive test to Marijuana. Passive smoking has been proven to display a positive drug test.
We don't wish to appear as being vindictive towards the ASDA, However we are deeply concerned that they may have overlooked the social well-being of many AFL players. (i.e.)

Young .Natham (1) living at home with his Parents whom consume cannabis while watching T.V ,(2) at his friends place that also use cannabis, (3) driving his mate's to the footy, whom also smoke cannabis. Natham is required to give a saliva swap, which showed a positive test on three different occasions to Marijuana. Although the evidence is very strong, Natham, non user of cannabis, takes legal action to clear his name and reputation, engages a solicitor, who instructs a Barrister, that consult a highly respected, QC. to act on Nathham's behalf. After several time consuming and costly court appearances, Natham, (may be) cleared, as the cause of the positive test was due to inhaling passive (cannabis) smoke. Natham only used 90% of his total AFL player income over two season, to pay for his legal defence team. His only regret being wrongly disqualified from playing in his teams Grand Final win, every AFL players dream/goal.

The AFL its self, has a roll in protecting the rights and welfare of the youthful recruits, in making sure they fully understand the detailed issues of the agreement, the consequences of being a roll mode, the curtailing of their lawful civil rights. The AFL must also assure that the players code, has not and does not place an unnecessary burden on the players welfare.

We feel it would be in the best interest and welfare of all AFL players and clubs, if the WADA Prohibited list 2006, was amend and as in part prohibited in-competition S8. Cannabinoids be deleted completely. As you may not be aware cannabis is not a performances enhancing drug..... Accountability for all

Yours in good faith

Les McDonald
Founder