GAELIC GAMES NEWS:THE GAELIC Players Association remain adamant they are not against the world anti-doping code despite balloting its members about a boycott on testing.
The GPA asked its members via text that "due to the threat of grant withdrawal and recent positive drug test, players suggest we should boycott anti-doping code. Do you agree?"
The response was overwhelmingly in favour of the boycott but the GPA, at present, does not intend to take any steps in that direction until they have spoken with the Minister for Art, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen over the funding issue.
The inter-linking between the potential withdrawal of grant aid and anti-doping is due to both issues being major concerns at present, what with the Aidan O'Mahony salbutamol case still to be heard.
"We were canvassing the opinion of the players in the wake of these two recent events," said GPA spokesman Seán Potts. "We felt obliged to gauge the mood of our membership. We've adhered to and endorsed the anti-doping policy, even though it is a welfare issue, as an international policy is applied to GAA players. (The ballot) is not scientific so no figures will be released but the response was overwhelming in favour of action."
The player aversion to the current anti-doping procedures, which are applied worldwide, seems unwarranted as their amateur status has seen them receive certain advantages. For example, out-of-competition testing only takes place at training sessions, while in other sports testers can arrive at an athlete's house.
"Players have been uneasy with the anti-doping code but have gone along with it," continued Potts. "Nobody has objected but that unease was dealt with by government funding.
"The state acknowledged the player's contribution with funding this year but there is a perception that it is too strict, especially for amateur players with complicated lives balancing their sport and jobs. We still support the current procedures. No decision has been made on the matter even though the players are overwhelmingly against it when asked in the context of funding. As of now we fully support the GAA anti-doping code."
