Testing set for out of competition

GAA players will soon be subject to out-of-competition testing under the Irish Sports Council's Anti-Doping programme. So far all tests carried out on GAA players, which last year numbered 44, have been taken during competition, thus limiting the effectiveness of the programme.

John Treacy, chief executive of the Sports Council, said yesterday the matter would be reviewed with the GAA after the association's annual congress in Belfast next weekend. "But we are intent on introducing out-of-competition testing," explained Treacy. "It is the next step for the GAA, and it is going to happen sooner rather than later. And hopefully within the coming year."

Last year the GAA came under the anti-doping programme for the first time. The 44 tests carried out within that period was the sixth highest of the 35 national sporting bodies tested under the programme - only athletics (147), rugby (125), rowing (70), cycling (61) and boxing (55) received more tests. There were another 12 tests carried out in women's Gaelic football.

Up to now, however, GAA players have been limited to in-competition testing - tests carried out immediately before or after a match. In contrast, 55 per cent of the total 841 tests carried out under the programme were out of competition. According to Dr Conor O'Brien, chairperson of the anti-doping Committee, the out-of-competition tests have a "much higher yield of positive results".

When first introduced to the GAA the testing was greeted with much reservation and a certain amount of resentment. In consultation with the GAA the Sports Council agreed to test only in-competition while also addressing the issues of education and access to information regarding prohibited substances. Nine educational seminars were also held around the country last year.

"The introduction of testing was a major step forward for the GAA last year," said Treacy. "We did have a few testing problems at first, and it was a big learning curve for them. But we are very happy with the way they took the programme on board, and we have had a huge amount of co-operation from them.

"But it was always our intention to introduce this programme one step at a time. And we will continue to have discussions with the GAA and consult with them on the introduction of out-of-competition testing."

Last year the 44 tests were taken at 11 GAA matches. Problems arose at one of the first tests carried out on two Waterford hurlers after their Munster championship match, where the players initially refused to give a sample. Though they subsequently provided samples for analysis, both players were reprimanded and made aware that refusing a test was normally deemed a failed test.

Much of the fear within the GAA regarding testing still surrounds the perceived lack of information on what players can and cannot take, as well as the testing procedures. There is also some resentment that an amateur game is treated to the same testing as professional sports.

Treacy dismissed those fears.

"The issue about amateurism has been bandied around quite a bit," he said. "But I reckon 96 per cent of the athletes that we test in this country are amateur athletes, and not professional.

"There is a also huge amount of information out there now. Every doctor in the country knows what is on the list of prohibited substances. There are also websites out there with all the information you need. So frankly I think they (GAA players) should just get on with it like everyone else."

Part of the Sports Council's insistence that the GAA adopt the full programme, including out-of-competition testing, comes from the council's adoption of the World Anti-Doping Code, which was finalised in Copenhagen early last month.

While there is no evidence of the use of any prohibited substances within the GAA, Dr O'Brien made it clear yesterday the use of legal food supplements, many of which can be contaminated with illegal substances, does carry a significant danger of a positive result.

"I think we'd also be naïve to suppose there was no problem with drugs in the GAA, but I think only time will tell. The most important thing to say is that if anyone is taking a chance with supplements, or using agents that are inappropriate, then we are there and we will test. And they will be detected."