BOOZE AND DRUG OFFENDERS TO BE NAMED

A Motorsport Australia CATO (Certified and Accredited Testing Official) testing accreditation holder – Photo: Supplied

Motorsport Australia has decided to adopt a ‘name and shame’ strategy for first-time offenders who fail alcohol and drug tests.

By MARK FOGARTY

From March 1, the names of those who breach MA’s Alcohol Or Illicit Drug Policy will be published on the governing body’s web site.

Only second- or third-time offences are currently made public, with MA exercising its discretion not to identify anyone who had breached the anti-alcohol and anti-illicit drugs rules.

The decision to ‘name and shame’ all offenders follows an incident involving a high-profile driver at the Shannons Nationals meeting at Queensland Raceway last July.

The competitor blew over the blood alcohol limit of 0.010 on the morning of Sunday racing and was excluded.

There was widespread criticism of CAMS (now Motorsport Australia) for not identifying the driver and also for only acknowledging the offence after media enquiries even though his name was widely known in the racing fraternity.

Some media named him based on the hearsay in the absence of official verification.

Following the uproar, MA reviewed its alcohol and illicit drugs policy and the board of directors recently approved the change for introduction on March 1.

From then, first-time offenders will be named on MA’s web site with details of the breach, remaining in the pubic domain for three months.

Breath tests and drug tests are conducted regularly and routinely at MA-sanctioned events around the country.

All competitors, team members and officials are among those subject to the spot checks.

According to MA, the new naming policy is “aimed at further underlining the integrity and safety of the sport”.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca emphasised that the publication of names would serve as a further deterrent and encourage all those involved in motor sport to understand the importance of adhering to the policy.

“Motorsport Australia has a commitment to all motor sport participants to provide a safe and fair playing field with the highest levels of integrity,” Arocca said. “Given the number of overwhelming tests performed each year, the number of infractions is low, but that doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels and not provide further deterrence to those who think they can get away with doing the wrong thing.”

Motorsport Australia CATOs (Certified and Accredited Testing Officials) will continue to test for alcohol in 2020, while ASADA and other accredited contractors will test for performance enhancing drugs and illicit substances.

The policies apply to all competitors (including co-driver and navigators), officials, team members (including crew), Motorsport Australia contractors or third-party contractors attending an event, as well as anyone who agrees to be bound by the Policy (for example, any Motorsport Australia accreditation holders).

In 2019, there were 10 breaches of the Alcohol Policy that would have resulted in publication of names under the new system.

Here is an example of a breach of the policy and what steps will now be taken:

Situation:
A competitor blows 0.03 on the breathalyser when tested for alcohol by a CATO at a Motorsport Australia event (the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration – BAC – is 0.010 as displayed on the breathalyser).

Immediate action (as per existing policy):
The CATO advises stewards of the positive test, which requires the disqualification of the competitor for the day under the policy. The offender is eligible to return the next day (if applicable).

Following the breach (as per existing policy):
Motorsport Australia is advised of the breach and notes the breach.

Publishing the breach (new as of 1 March 2020):
Once advised, Motorsport Australia will publish the breach for a period of three months on www.motorsport.org.au.

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