Caffeine Tablets

[Beaussie]

Perhaps we've discovered the reason for the Swan's inconsistent form. In all seriousness though, is the use of No-Doz such a bad thing? It's not as if No-Doz are a banned substance according to the World Anti-Doping Agency. That aside, should the use of No-Doz be banned in the AFL?

Swans stars on caffeine tablets
EXCLUSIVE By TIM MORRISSEY
May 12, 2005
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story ... id=3107347

THE Sydney Swans have admitted they have No-Doz caffeine tablets readily available to their players before every game.

Swans club doctor Nathan Gibbs told The Daily Telegraph the controversial and widespread practice in the AFL was tightly controlled at the club.

"They [caffeine tablets] are available to anyone that wants them," Gibbs said. "I can't say exactly how many take them but certainly a few do.

"Taking too many [caffeine tablets] can have a detrimental effect just like having too many cups of coffee and can be counterproductive to performance."

However, since Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich lifted the lid two weeks on the use of No-Doz by AFL players to enhance performance there has been a growing backlash on the practice.

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre strongly believes AFL stars openly admitting they are popping caffeine tablets is sending an irresponsible and potentially dangerous message to young, aspiring footballers.

There are real health dangers for young athletes who mimic AFL stars and take No-Doz without medical supervision.

Not only is caffeine addictive it is a diuretic which helps the body get rid of fluid and can cause young people to dehydrate quickly, cause seizures and is potentially toxic even in small doses.

After caffeine was recently taken off the banned substance list by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the AFL's medical commission sent a letter in April to every club warning them on the dangers of unsupervised caffeine use by players.

But the league has done nothing to discourage public acceptance of the use of No Doz in AFL.