Sport, drug-use regulation, and human rights: An Australian case study

Over the last few years sport has confronted a multitude of crises including (1) match-fixing and betting scandals, (2) players being drunk, disorderly, offensive, racist, sexist, misogynist, homophobic, and violent, and (3) heavy alcohol use, bullying, and physical violence. Some of the most hostile criticism has been directed at players who used drugs and related substances. Many high-profile cases have been exposed, with Lance Armstrong's 2012 admission of regular performance-enhancing drug use gaining global coverage. In each of the above cases the good standing and reputation of sport took a battering. Moreover, there was concern that current drug control arrangements were not up to the task, and required a major overhaul. This compilation of papers critically assesses the current state of affairs. They not only identify weaknesses, but also provide a range of options for improving sport's drug management practices. There are nine chapters, all of which take readers to the edge, so to speak, and challenge them to reassess their views about what makes for good drugs-in-sport policy.