ANTI-DOPING TESTS based on blood samples will become commonplace in gaelic games this year, according to Dr Una May.
Until now, GAA players have been subjected to urine drug tests only and Sport Ireland announced that this year would see the tests stepped up to include blood.
Though the GAA accounted for the only positive PED test in Ireland last year, so far blood testing has not been introduced in hurling or football. But as we approach the climax of the league and the build-up to the Championship, Dr May insists it is imminent after an initial period of doubt from the amateur codes.
“There is always apprehension when you bring in new things,” said Dr May, Sport Ireland’s director of participation and ethics.
“There were mixed messages in terms of the blood. First, they thought the blood testing was replacing urine and they were delighted with that, but they heard that urine testing would remain, there was a bit of concern.
“From our point of view, there was nothing to fear from the blood and we are happy they have embraced it now. There will always be one or two people who will express a bit of concern. But now we have got over that, and I believe we have got over it, the doctors are happy to support it as well.
“It is very straightforward and, on the whole, it will be better for them as well.”
Speaking after Sport Ireland released its anti-doping report for 2015, May stated that the testing would begin this year, but would not be tied to a specific date.
Overall, 75% of Sport Ireland’s tests were taken with athletes who were out of competition, but that is not a target May feels the need to reach for in gaelic games.
It will be both after matches and at training as well. We will probably start at training where there is a more relaxed environment, so that will be better starting off.
“We are not looking for a particular percentage in any particular sport because it is evolving and we are doing more tests as we go along. We will see what kind of results we get from it, to see if we increase it or reduce it. It is the same across all sports. It is an evolving process. And it is intelligence-led. We will get the information we get from the blood testing and use that information to do further testing.”
“We have done all the education, we have been talking to the doctors, the new tutor training programme has allowed for better access to the players in terms of educating them in relation to the blood.”
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