CAMS moves forward on illicit drug policy

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November 10, 2008

Recently a significant amount of media attention has been given to athletes in high profile sports in regards to their actions toward illicit, illegal or recreational drugs. CAMS has been closely monitoring the matter and has also had several meetings with other sports, including the Australian Football League and the Australian Cricket Board.

CAMS position is that it is important to demonstrate that motor sport is doing everything reasonably practicable so that drivers who may choose to use illegal, illicit or recreational drugs (which are deemed to effect the way a person can control a car in a competition environment) do not participate in the event, in addition to other sanctions which may be applied following an appropriate charge and hearing process.

While it may be said that this avenue is already available under the existing Anti-Doping policy, there are significant differences between the purposes of the Anti Doping policy and a yet-to-be-formulated Illicit Drugs policy.

The important difference is that drivers will be tested far more frequently on the day of competition and results will be available prior to the competition commencing – thus denying the opportunity to compete for drivers who may be affected by inappropriate substances, therefore ensuing that the environment in which we conduct our sport remains safe and healthy .

CAMS will be presenting the first draft of an Illicit Drugs policy to stakeholders early in 2009. In the meantime feedback is requested from interested parties and should be directed to Andrew.Fisher@cams.com.au