The NHL and NHLPA established a league-wide program to
address substance abuse, HIV and related health matters for
players and families. The program, the first of its kind in NHL
history, begins immediately. The substance abuse and behavioral
program will be incorporated into the NHL/NHLPA Collective
Bargaining Agreement and will be jointly funded by the NHLPA and
the league. Treatment costs will be paid for by the NHL medical
insurance plan (NHL/NHLPA).
DETAILS: The plan will "allow for an initial round of
treatment without being penalized," according to Rachel Alexander
of the WASHINGTON POST. Neither the NHL nor NHLPA has "created a
policy concerning a player's eligibility if he is found to be
HIV-positive." There will be no random or mandatory testing for
the virus, for substance abuse or for performance-enhancing
substances. In the policy for alcohol and substance abuse,
first-time participants get treatment and no penalty; second-time
violators are suspended without pay for the "active phase of
treatment," and then become eligible for reinstatement. Third-
time violators are suspended without pay for six months, then
become eligible for reinstatement; fourth-time violators are
suspended without pay for at least a year and are not assured
reinstatement. Alexander says the NHL's policy "is less oriented
toward punishment than the policies of some other sports." A
league official said while drugs "have at times been a problem in
the NHL," the addition of alcoholism treatment "is a key
development" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/27). The policy is "apparently
fashioned on the NBA's program," according to the TORONTO STAR.
NHL Dir of Communications Arthur Pincus: "We wanted a program
where people would feel comfortable coming forward" (TORONTO
STAR, 9/27).
CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARD: The NHLPA is moving into new offices
starting Monday. Their new address will be 777 Bay Street, Suite
2400, Toronto, ONT M5G2C8 (THE DAILY).
