THE AFL Players Association has welcomed a new drugs code that requires players to nominate a daily time when they can be tested, although athletes from international sports are less enthusiastic.

The new World Anti-Doping Authority code came into effect on January 1, and stipulates athletes must provide information on their daily whereabouts and nominate an hour when they are available.

AFLPA boss Brendon Gale said it was consistent with football's hard line on drugs. "The AFL has a very strong record of compliance. Its anti-doping code and its measures are cutting edge and they are very serious about ensuring that players are playing at a level playing field.

"There is flexibility to take into account the demands of each particular sport. The AFL medical officers sit down with representatives of ASADA (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority) and recognise the demands of AFL footy, including the day off when the players are away from their club."

But the provisions will make life difficult for some, according to former and current athletes. The new code was adopted by ASADA and 91 national organisations. It increases penalties for dopers and closes loopholes such as buying banned substances over the internet or getting therapeutic exemptions.

But the whereabouts requirements will affect all registered Australian athletes. Former Olympian Andrew Gaze said the nature of international competition made it "impossible" for athletes to give advance warning.

ASADA has set up a website and hotline for athletes to register and nominate an hour when they are available. Anyone who fails to register or misses a test three times in 18 months could have sanctions imposed.