While it would also be wrong to suggest that use is systemic, evidence provided to The Courier and published today does provide the need for consideration from those charged with running local clubs and competitions.

It comes a day after the AFL announced it had recorded a large increase in positive tests for illicit drugs by players during 2012.

There were 26 positives from 1979 tests in 2012 at elite level, with two of those being from a player testing positive on a second occasion. Twenty-five of those positives were for stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines.

The AFL went to lengths yesterday to maintain that while positive tests had increased significantly, usage in its ranks compared favourably to that in the wider population.

At local level, the extent of illicit drug use in football environments is much more difficult to gauge. We do know that concerns have been raised with senior officials on a local level. 

There are no testing procedures and little control over the activities of players outside of match day and training. The potential risks of adverse penalties are negligible.

While the AFL does see itself as having a role in regulating and indeed rectifying those found to have tested positive to recreational drugs, local clubs and leagues have little resource or expertise able to tackle the same issue.

Sometimes it can be that a player’s onfield performance can outweigh any misdemeanour off the field. What cannot be challenged is that sports clubs remains a beacon for role modelling –  the good, the bad and the ugly. While leagues and clubs have taken strong action to educate players on alcohol use and its potential impacts on others, drugs is a more difficult issue.

Local competitions often follow the lead of the AFL on these important social issues. If regional or local competitions were to follow the lead on this issue, it would require a significant shift in attitude, resourcing and funding.

The challenge is who might be prepared to take the lead.