Drug testing is part of modern football and players should be aware of the rules to avoid a lengthy ban from the game.
Having to go to the toilet in front of another man is one of the downsides of being a modern-day footballer but it is one of the necessary measures to keep the game free from drugs. The FA can test players for drugs at anytime and you may be selected at random or targeted for a specific reason. It is usually because you have not been tested for a while or have submitted inaccurate or no whereabouts information, or there may be reason to suspect a player is using drugs. Drug tests can either be a urine test, a blood test or both due to different substances being detected in either one. Examples of drugs that are banned in football include steroids, hormones, diuretics and stimulants. Further details of the Prohibited List can be found on the FA website and members should be aware that many of the substances are present in everyday medicines such as a cold or flu remedy, so players must always check any medications before using them.
The reason for taking the medication is irrelevant and the principle of strict liability applies, so you are solely responsible for any substances found in your body. If it is essential that you take a banned substance for medical reasons, speak to your club doctor as you may be able to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. The use of ‘social’ drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy is also banned in football. Having these in your system on a matchday may result in a two-year ban, while on a non-matchday it could be up to six months for a first time offence. Any members who believe they have a problem with drugs should seek the help which is available through a number of external bodies and charities, including The Sporting Chance Clinic.
The use of supplements could also lead to a ban from football due to them containing banned substances. The banned ingredients may be listed on the product packaging or may have got in there due to accidental contamination, which is why the FA refuses to endorse the use of any supplement. The need for players to fully understand what is contained in a supplement was illustrated when a League Two player failed a drugs test in December 2011 and was suspended from the game for two years, subject to an appeal.
If you use supplements, the best advice is to speak to your club doctor or visit www.informed-sport.com to view supplements that have been through a risk minimisation process and checked for banned ingredients. All ingredients can also be checked on www.globaldro.co.uk but if you have any doubts about the risks then do not take the supplement.
Your Questions Answered
Can I refuse to have a drugs test?
If you are selected then you must undergo a drugs test. Refusing to take one is treated as a positive test and is likely to result in a two-year ban.
Why do I have to be watched when providing a sample?
The Doping Control Officer must be able to see that there is no manipulation or disguise of the sample. Athletes in other sports have previously used a product known as a Whizzinator, which is a false penis complete with fake urine, a syringe and heater packs to keep the urine at body temperature.
Why can’t I have a shower after being asked to do a drug test?
It is important for the laboratory to analyse your first sample and by having a shower a player could urinate easily without anyone noticing. Sports people have done this before in order to manipulate this seemingly insignificant procedure to avoid a positive result.
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