Dear members of the Australian polo community,

We wish to remind all members that ALCOHOL & DRUGS SAFETY TESTING will commence in 2015.

All participants in polo (player & officials) should anticipate they may be tested under the APF Alcohol & Drugs Safety Testing Policy.  The Safety Testing Committee & State Safety Officers will coordinate testing of participants by an accredited external testing service at events in 2015.

The State Safety Officer will be on site when testing is to take place & will coordinate the tests on the day with the testing agency, tournament committee and players/umpires.

No advance notice will be given to clubs or players that testing will be occurring on a particular day; a State Safety Officer will advise the Tournament Committee on the day that testing will take place.

Policy Overview
The Australian Polo Federation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all players participating in affiliated polo tournaments and events.
The Australian Polo Federation has a duty of care to take reasonable steps to protect its registered members from injury, and the risk of injury increases when players are affected by drugs or alcohol. All players have an obligation not to place at risk the health of another person at Australian Polo Federation affiliated events.

This Alcohol & Drugs Safety Testing Policy is aimed at ensuring the duty of care of Australian Polo Federation is met. It includes guidelines for the testing of licit and illicit substances that affect performance, conduct or safety and includes management of players that test positive.

The Australian Polo Federation recognises alcohol and drug abuse and dependence as medical illnesses and encourages affected players to seek treatment.

Purpose
The purposes of this Policy are as follows.

(a)    To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to all players, non-players, spectators and horses at Australian Polo Federation Activities.
(b)    To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all Participants in polo Activities.
(c)    To manage and control the misuse/abuse of alcohol and other drugs in polo.
(d)    To deal appropriately with player performance and problems caused by the misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

How will the testing be done?

1. All tests will be carried out by an independent testing agency.
2. The initial testing is via a breath or saliva sample - this is indicative only.  
3. If result is negative, no further action will be taken.  
4. Should there be a positive result, a second saliva sample is taken (then divided into A & B samples) & sent to a NATA accedited laboratory for testing under the Australian Standard (4760 - 2006).
5. Lab results will be reviewed by the APF Safety Testing Committee who will refer policy breaches to the relevant State Association for disciplinary action.

For full Policy details click here.  If you require further information please email Amanda Jansen.

Amanda Jansen
Secretary, Australian Polo Federation