Welfare manager warns of anti-doping code
GAA Player Welfare Manager Pauric Duffy has called upon players, team managers and county board officials to be vigilant of the Irish Sports Council's Anti-Doping Code as the All-Ireland senior football championship begins in earnest next weekend, with matches in both Leinster and Ulster.
In an email sent to inter-county managers, players and officials on Friday, Duffy outlined that testing has already commenced and that the Anti-Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council were onsite at the recent National Football and Hurling League Division One finals to conduct tests on players.
He warned managers: "We can expect many more tests at games and training now that the championship season is upon us."
As player welfare continues to be a major concern in Gaelic Games, Duffy stressed the importance of informing players correctly in relation to Anti-Doping procedures, with information attached to the email concerning the process.
"It is important that information on the doping control process is available to players and I hope that the attached document will be of help in explaining to you, and your players, what happens when a test takes place, Duffy said.
"I am forwarding this document directly to every player for whom we have an e-mail address and ask you to help by bringing it to the attention of players who do not have an email address. I am also sending a copy to County secretaries and team doctors."
Duffy also enclosed in his email, a copy of the ISC Anti-Doping Wallet card and The Athletes Handbook on Anti-Doping.
