“Following the AFL Commission meeting in Melbourne on Monday February 18, the Commission further reviewed the recent report released by the Australian Crime Commission on February 7, 2013.

“Consistent with the special meeting of the AFL Commission on February 7, the following action was agreed at Monday’s meeting.

        “An additional full time member of the AFL’s Integrity Unit will start this week while two people who are currently employed part-time will be employed full time. Other staff will be added in coming weeks.  

        “Other resources will be added to the Integrity Unit in the coming weeks.

        “The Commission agreed to the introduction of rules to cover the following:

        Mandatory reporting to the AFL of any doping activities or approaches

        Enhancing the AFL registry of all club staff and personnel who have contact with players, including sports scientists

        An audit of backgrounds of all club employees, contractors and consultants

        “The Commission received an update from the executive on the development of a ‘whistleblower’ policy which will be in place as soon as possible.

        “Consistent with the recommendations of the ACC report, the AFL has written to each State and Territory Government  seeking legislation to:

        Introduce information sharing arrangements between police agencies, other investigative bodies and approved sporting bodies

        Adopt legislation which provides for a term of imprisonment for anyone found guilty of match fixing, similar to the legislation adopted by the New South Wales Government last year.

        Adopt legislation for the introduction of criminal sanctions for those who peddle and administer performance enhancing drugs.

        “The AFL Medical Directors will now meet all clubs doctors to review practices and the oversight of treatments.

        “Meetings are scheduled with all 18 AFL clubs during the next 10 days

        “Each Club’s use of supplements and other treatments will now be audited.”

Mr Demetriou said the AFL Commission regarded the integrity of the game as its highest priority and the response and approach by the AFL will continue to evolve throughout this year.

“As far as the matters raised by the ACC apply to the AFL, they are being thoroughly investigated by ASADA and we will provide whatever support is required to ASADA and other agencies,” Mr Demetriou said

ends

Patrick Keane

AFL Media Manager