Educating Players on the Risks of Using Prohibited Substances
The success of any sports doping control programme is highly dependent upon the consideration given to two main aims - detection and deterrence. ‘Detection’ is the process by which the governing body discovers those of its athletes who have misused prohibited substances (either deliberately or accidentally). ‘Deterrence’ is the way in which the organising body educates and warns its athletes about the issues, dangers and consequences of the misuse of prohibited substances.
The most effective means of detection available to a governing body is in the operation of a comprehensive drug-testing programme. Only through the secure collection, and scientifically credible analysis of urine samples can a sport attempt to detect which of its participants may be misusing prohibited substances. In addition, if implemented effectively (at random and at no advanced notice to the athletes) the implementation of a drug testing programme can also provide a significant deterrent effect by making participants in the sport unsure as to when they may be tested for prohibited substances.
However, a programme which focuses solely on a testing programme is both unfair to the athletes and staff involved but also is unlikely to succeed in improving the incidence of drug misuse within a sport. This is why the most effective deterrent within a doping control programme will come from the implementation of a comprehensive education programme for all participants.
The FA Doping Control and Health Education Programme
The FA operates the largest single sport drugs and health education programme in any sport in the UK, covering over 20,000 players. The programme has been in operation for over ten years and provides targeted information to players, starting from the age of 9 years old as they join club Academies and Centres of Excellence, and continuing for the duration of their career.
The main aims of the FA Doping Control and Health Education Programme are as follows:
- Promoting awareness of prohibited substances and the importance of ‘strict liability’ The requirement of strict liability in FA Doping Control Regulations means that players are responsible for anything that is in their body when providing a urine sample no matter how the substance came to be there. Much of the FA’s educational work in this area is focused on making players aware of which substances are prohibited in football and which are safe to take, particularly in regards to medications. Players are also warned about the risks of using unprescribed medications, health remedies and nutritional supplements, without being certain of the product’s contents.
- Raising awareness of the consequences of misuse to a player’s career One of the key aims of the education programme is in raising awareness amongst players (particularly young players) of the risks to their career should they return a positive drug test. Specialist educational literature is developed for younger players to warn of the possible sanctions for a doping offence and the effect that this may have on their chance of a continued career in football.
- Highlighting the risks to health of using drugs and alcohol, and promoting healthy lifestyles As well as raising awareness of the risks to a player’s career, the programme also aims to educate players about the health risks associated with alcohol and drugs and the impact that misuse may have on long term health and overall performance. Young players are also provided with educational material highlighting the value of healthy eating and the health risks associated with smoking.
- Promoting the drug testing programme There will always be some players who choose to ignore the advice provided by The Football Association. Therefore, it is essential that the FA promote the deterrent effect of the drug testing programme to further deter drug misuse. Promotion of the random, no-notice aspect of the drug testing programme and its overall scope helps ensure that a player taking a prohibited substance must always consider the possibility that they could be drug tested.
Educational Material (image should link to downloadable version of original – formats/size etc. need to be standardised
The FA produce educational material for players in various formats, many of which are developed with specialist educational agencies in order to ensure appropriateness for the target audience. The following are examples of some of the educational material produced by The FA for players in English football.
Drugs Awareness
Prohibited Substances Posters (all players)
Distributed to clubs to display on dressing room walls and appropriate locations at training grounds to remind players of the need to ensure that they do not accidentally take a substance that is prohibited
Prohibited Substances Cards (all players)
Credit-card sized reference cards distributed to all players from 9 years old to professional. The cards contain details of prohibited and permitted substances and are designed to act as an easy reference tool for players
Supplements Awareness Posters (all players)
Distributed to clubs to display on dressing room walls and appropriate locations at training grounds to remind players of the possible risks of taking nutritional supplements.
Fit For Football (9-12 yrs)
Specialist drugs awareness pamphlet for 9-12 year old players, developed by Education specialists Tacade for The Football Association. This is a fold-out pamphlet which contains several drug and health-specific puzzles and games for young players, as well as basic information on drugs, smoking, alcohol and solvents
Skin up and You’re Off! (13-18 yrs)
Specialist drugs awareness pamphlet for 13-18 year old players, developed by drugs charity Lifeline for The Football Association. The pamphlet provides information on the risks of social drug misuse to a player’s career in a cartoon format
A factual Guide to Drugs (9-18yrs)
Specialist drugs awareness pamphlet for all young players, developed by the Greater Manchester Police for the Football Association. The guide covers both social and performance enhancing drugs in football and details sanctions for positive tests as well as the various classes of illegal drugs.
Drugs Awareness Film (all players)
Social drugs and alcohol awareness film developed with The Professional Footballers Association and specialist drug groups. Players are warned of the health risks and the potential consequences to a career of social drug and alcohol misuse. This film is due to be updated for the start of season 06-07.
Health Education
Food for football (9-18 yrs)
Booklet advising players on healthy eating and appropriate nutrition for football.
Think About Drink (9-18 yrs)
Booklet advising players on general alcohol-related issues including the risks of alcohol misuse to the health and performance of footballers. Also details the effects of alcohol on the body and the recommended units of alcohol per week for males and females.
Too Much Too Soon? (9-18 yrs)
Booklet aimed primarily at parents and coaches of young players advising on the dangers of young players sustaining serious injury through ‘overplay’ at the early stages of physical development.
What are the Real Facts About Smoking? (9-18 yrs)
Booklet developed with assistance from the ‘No Smoking Day’ campaign to advise young players of the health risks related to smoking.