The Australian Football League (AFL) has long been a leader in the sporting world when it comes to tackling illicit drug use. In recent years, the AFL has taken a more proactive approach to this issue, introducing a range of measures to discourage and punish players who are found to have used drugs. One of these measures is the use of public shaming as a response to illicit drug use.
Public shaming is a form of punishment that involves publicly humiliating an individual or group for their actions. In the case of the AFL, public shaming is used to send a strong message to players that illicit drug use is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The AFL has been using this tactic since the introduction of its Illicit Drug Policy in 2005.
Under the policy, players who test positive for illicit drugs are subject to a range of punishments, including fines, suspensions and public shaming. The AFL has also implemented a “three strikes” policy, which means that any player who tests positive for illicit drugs three times in a 12-month period will be suspended for 12 matches and publicly shamed. This is intended to act as a deterrent for players who may be tempted to use drugs.
The use of public shaming as a response to illicit drug use in the AFL has been controversial. Some argue that it is an effective way to deter players from using drugs, while others argue that it is an overly harsh punishment that does not address the underlying issues that lead to drug use.
The AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy has been successful in reducing the number of players testing positive for illicit drugs. However, it is important to note that public shaming is only one part of the policy and should not be seen as a substitute for other measures such as education and support. It is also important to remember that public shaming can have serious consequences for players and their families, and should only be used as a last resort.
Ultimately, the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy has been successful in reducing the number of players testing positive for illicit drugs. However, it is important to ensure that public shaming is used responsibly and in conjunction with other measures such as education and support. This will ensure that players are given the best chance to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
