Random drug testing suggested for local footy in the wake of ice-related deaths

A recent coroner’s report found that Tyler John Broomhall, 23, and Paul Marcus White, 42, had died after taking methamphetamine (ice) during separate football games in 2013 and 2014. 

Rural Health Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Robert Waterman said the player’s deaths raised questions about whether there should be random drug testing in football. 

“Random drug testing is being done a lot more in employment now, so I can’t see why it shouldn’t happen in sport,” Mr Waterman said. 

Mr Waterman said organisations like Good Sports and the Australian Drug Foundation had been involved in providing drug education to sporting clubs on the North-West Coast, but felt more needed to be done. 

He suggested random drug testing and compulsory drug education sessions for players would be two key ways to address the issue of drugs in sport. 

“If athletes knew they could be drug tested, they’d be much less likely to take them,” Mr Waterman said. 

“A lot of clubs would not have the finances to administer drug tests, but if we can work to bring the costs of it down, I think it’s a good idea. 

“I think it’s time we opened up the issue with the government, with sporting clubs and with the community, because more needs to be done.”  

Mr Waterman said he felt very sorry for the families of the players from Wilmot and hoped their stories would act as a deterrent to others. 

“Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug at anytime, let alone when playing a sport where the body is already being pushed to the limit,” he said. 

“There needs to be a very clear message of the damage taking drugs can cause.”

The Wilmot Football Club is no longer active, but Kentish mayor Don Thwaites said the deaths of Mr Broomhall and Mr White had had a significant impact on the sporting community. 

Cr Thwaites said the council had since taken the steps to install defibrillators at the Railton and Sheffield clubhouses. 

The Advocate