Image: MXN.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has further developed its Drug and Alcohol Policy entering the 2017 season, which will see enhanced penalties enforced if people involved within the sport return non-negative or positive results in random testing to be carried out.

Separate to performance-enhancing tests conducted by Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA), MA and the state controlling bodies have been cracking down on illicit drug and alcohol usage that could impose upon safety at events.

Implemented in September 2014, the developmental drug and alcohol program has excluded participants from events who have produced non-negative results in the general interest of safety. The initiative focused on re-education and prevention, rather than enforcement, according to MA.

However, with members and officials calling for tougher penalties and sanctions, MA has confirmed that in accordance with best practice procedures, the policy now includes additional disciplinary actions such as compulsory drug and alcohol counselling, along with monetary fines.

The current Motorcycling Australia Drug and Alcohol Policy, as approved by the MA board on 4 February 2017, can be viewed at this link.