GAA adds blood testing to anti-doping structures

The GAA has confirmed that blood testing of players is set to be introduced next year.

While urine testing is already in place for inter-county squads, the Association is now set to enhance it’s anti-doping structures.

In 2015, just 95 GAA players were tested as part the anti-doping programme, but this is set to be increased as part of a four-year plan that has been developed alongside Sport Ireland.

Chairman of the GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Welfare (MSW) Committee Ger Ryan said that he fully appreciates the additional inconvenience this would cause for players, but added that the Association can't afford to be complacent in terms of the integrity of the sport.

“The GAA has worked closely with Sport Ireland on this and the programme that will be rolled out – while meeting with Sport Ireland’s requirements in this regard - has been designed taking careful consideration of the unique circumstances of our amateur players, their support personnel and our team and training structures,” he said.

“The GAA had formulated a new four year Anti-Doping Education Strategy for all levels of the Association to complement its existing initiatives, and that the main focus of this in 2016 would be on senior intercounty panels and support personnel.”

Ger Ryan, right, Chairman of the MSW Committee, with Kevin Moran, Consultant Surgeon, Donegal team Doctor and MSM Committee Member, in attendance at a Medical and Scientific Committee Report launch. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE

As part of today’s report, the Committee said that it would not be recommending the introduction of a ‘concussion sub’ rule at this point and that the focus of the Association should be on the continued education of its players and members instead.

“Our management guidelines are clear in the view that if there is any doubt at all as to whether a concussion has been sustained, a player should be removed from play,” said MSW Committee member Dr Kevin Moran.

“We are not convinced that allowing time for side-line assessment will necessarily help in this regard as there is no test currently available that ensures accuracy for pitch side concussion assessment.

“Proposals to introduce a concussion sub presume that concussion can be diagnosed within a short time frame but that this was not in keeping with best practice and that symptoms of concussion can take several hours to present.”