Danny
21-06-2005, 08:27 PM
DNA use for talent identification, an issue that may arise more in the next 5-10 years.
I'm all for it. As long as it is used in conjunction with other indicators, and not just used as the sole source for selection. The future is here.
Anyone else have a similar of different view?
Clubs consider genetic tests
By Ashley Porter
Realfooty
June 21, 2005
DNA testing shapes as the frontier in the endless search for an edge in AFL recruiting.
Photo: John Shakespeare
Two of the AFL's most powerful clubs are considering DNA testing young recruits to test their likely height, strength, speed and stamina.
The move has met immediate opposition from the AFL Players' Association, whose president, Brendon Gale, has called on the AFL to take a firm stand against the practice, citing United Nations privacy laws.
Port Adelaide and Essendon have considered using the radical testing - already adopted by National Rugby League club Manly, which has DNA tested its players for the past two years.
The tests cannot determine the potential ability of players, but does identify their likely natural physical attributes.
Port chief executive John James confirmed to The Age that the club was "thinking the issue through".
"Being an innovative club, which is one of the core identities of Port Adelaide, DNA testing was one of the possibilities that came before us," he said.
"We are continuously looking at new innovations, and this was one of them. As far as making the decision we are not at that point yet, but yes, we were considering the move."
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said he would like to DNA test potential draft picks, but questioned the cost - each test is about $750.
Essendon fitness coach John Quinn recently told The Age that if DNA testing was to further football, it must take place in the drafting process so clubs could be even more particular about whom they recruited.
The DNA testing requires a sample of skin cells scraped from the inner cheek, and the test examines a particular gene, ACTN3, which produces a structural protein found in muscle fibre.
Once the DNA tests have been completed, the club would have the moral obligation to properly dispose of the samples.
DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid - is the genetic material of nearly all living organisms and is located in the cell nucleus.
Mr Gale said he was "very uncomfortable" about such testing.
"A lot of players would not understand the consequences of genetic testing, and the information that it can provide," he said.
"My personal view is that football should be very concerned. At the end of the day, the clubs could not compel anyone to do the test. And there are ethics involved here.
"Putting aside the morals and ethics, there are legal complications in regard to how the DNA could be used. In sport, it is used for exclusionary purposes, and this gives rise to discrimination.
"You have to think of a whole raft of effects that it will have on the players, and the game.
"I can understand we live in a competitive world and clubs are always looking for a new advantage, but this is not a simple issue to work through."
Mr Gale said such testing was contrary to United Nations privacy laws and other international treaties.
"What if a young superstar gets DNA tested, shows he has a chance of developing a crippling illness by the time he is 35, and is ignored in the draft? And should the club tell him?
"There is no doubt players would be denied a chance to play AFL football if their DNA results indicated there was a possibility of (their) not being as strong or as fast as the next player in line. It would be in breach of every equal opportunity law."
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said DNA testing was something it would need to refer to its medical officer and medical commissioner. "We have not had an official inquiry (from any club) at this stage," he said.
I'm all for it. As long as it is used in conjunction with other indicators, and not just used as the sole source for selection. The future is here.
Anyone else have a similar of different view?
Clubs consider genetic tests
By Ashley Porter
Realfooty
June 21, 2005
DNA testing shapes as the frontier in the endless search for an edge in AFL recruiting.
Photo: John Shakespeare
Two of the AFL's most powerful clubs are considering DNA testing young recruits to test their likely height, strength, speed and stamina.
The move has met immediate opposition from the AFL Players' Association, whose president, Brendon Gale, has called on the AFL to take a firm stand against the practice, citing United Nations privacy laws.
Port Adelaide and Essendon have considered using the radical testing - already adopted by National Rugby League club Manly, which has DNA tested its players for the past two years.
The tests cannot determine the potential ability of players, but does identify their likely natural physical attributes.
Port chief executive John James confirmed to The Age that the club was "thinking the issue through".
"Being an innovative club, which is one of the core identities of Port Adelaide, DNA testing was one of the possibilities that came before us," he said.
"We are continuously looking at new innovations, and this was one of them. As far as making the decision we are not at that point yet, but yes, we were considering the move."
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said he would like to DNA test potential draft picks, but questioned the cost - each test is about $750.
Essendon fitness coach John Quinn recently told The Age that if DNA testing was to further football, it must take place in the drafting process so clubs could be even more particular about whom they recruited.
The DNA testing requires a sample of skin cells scraped from the inner cheek, and the test examines a particular gene, ACTN3, which produces a structural protein found in muscle fibre.
Once the DNA tests have been completed, the club would have the moral obligation to properly dispose of the samples.
DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid - is the genetic material of nearly all living organisms and is located in the cell nucleus.
Mr Gale said he was "very uncomfortable" about such testing.
"A lot of players would not understand the consequences of genetic testing, and the information that it can provide," he said.
"My personal view is that football should be very concerned. At the end of the day, the clubs could not compel anyone to do the test. And there are ethics involved here.
"Putting aside the morals and ethics, there are legal complications in regard to how the DNA could be used. In sport, it is used for exclusionary purposes, and this gives rise to discrimination.
"You have to think of a whole raft of effects that it will have on the players, and the game.
"I can understand we live in a competitive world and clubs are always looking for a new advantage, but this is not a simple issue to work through."
Mr Gale said such testing was contrary to United Nations privacy laws and other international treaties.
"What if a young superstar gets DNA tested, shows he has a chance of developing a crippling illness by the time he is 35, and is ignored in the draft? And should the club tell him?
"There is no doubt players would be denied a chance to play AFL football if their DNA results indicated there was a possibility of (their) not being as strong or as fast as the next player in line. It would be in breach of every equal opportunity law."
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said DNA testing was something it would need to refer to its medical officer and medical commissioner. "We have not had an official inquiry (from any club) at this stage," he said.