President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA) Glen Etienne has warned footballers about the dangers of “drug abuse” in sports and says the DFA will have a “zero tolerance” for drug abuse.
He made his comments while addressing the DFA 2011-2012 prize giving ceremony on Saturday August 5, 2012 at the Dominica Public Service Union building (DPSU).
According to Etienne, in keeping with FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU policy, it is of paramount importance that players stay away from drugs and other illegal substances that do not add value to their game.
“It is with this in mind that random drug testing will be carried out during this football season. Players who have gained selection on national teams and those who will be invited to any training squad will be subjected to drug testing. The players who will represent the island at regional and international competitions will also be subjected to random drug testing,” Etienne said.
He explained that once a player is found to be in breach or has tested positive for a banned substance, “that individual will be banned for two years and the Member Association that is the DFA will be fined.”
“This is very serious and we urge you the players to take it seriously. While we are not in a position to judge anybody, we encourage you not to do anything that will bring yourselves and the DFA into disrepute. The DFA will adopt a zero tolerance attitude as it relates to drug use and abuse in the sport for it is our firm view that drugs have no place in sports,” thte DFA boss stated.
He went on to say that it is a myth to believe that drugs use boosts a game. “On the contrary, it will make an extraordinary player look ordinary. Be mindful of that and never lose sight of the goals that you have set for yourself,” he said.
Very good idea/initiative by the DFA, but from experience, that requires a lot of money. I would suggest that we invest in other ways to get Football to a higher level in the Caribbean, Region and World. Forget about he random testing during the season. Test the players who have made the national team, save the money for random testing and compensate the players who have made the team…Create better incentives…Dominica is small enough for the DFA to know who smoking weed and doing other street drugs (cocaine)…make a conscious effort and leave those individuals of the National Team……
Definitely a move in the right direction! Keep up the pressure to ensure everyone is in compliance with the law, including the officials as well. Look out for the rum abusers too, more dangerous than we think. Great job!!!
yeah and now that we have this zero tolerance in action the DFA must pay all national players!
Dominica could not get one local man to train for the london games,what a shame.Is it true that all young men are taking marijuana???
Thats bull….you have money to do random drugtests but u doh have money for a stipend for the players….pay mand and we will stope smoke…..word!
Mr Ettiene, while I am not oppose to your echoe as it rlates to the use of drug in football in Dominica, the subject at hand has been in motion long before your presidency. So, please, don t make it sound like this is Glen Ettiene thing…
well that means half of them footballers out
LOL!
Well done Mr. President, zero tolerance.
now all you will have to pay man to play ball
About time! Thank you Glen for addressing an issue that was long overdue. Keep moving the DFA in the right direction and ignore the naysayers. Jah and true football lovers are on your side.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
It is about time. Also need to do ramdom checks on the officials etc, they too need to set an example, especially those vying for positions in the associatiion. Good move, I like it.
random…..