Drugs
Ironsides Rugby Club has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment free of illicit drugs.
The policy reflects a commitment by the club to the health, safety and welfare of all its members and has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Club. All members of the Club have a responsibility to comply with the Policy.
Ironsides Rugby Club has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment free of illicit drugs.
The policy reflects a commitment by the club to the health, safety and welfare of all its members and has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Club. All members of the Club have a responsibility to comply with the Policy.
Who to contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or conduct of members or guests, please contact an Officer of the Club.
Last updated August 2018
Policy on illicit drug use
Ironsides Rugby Club (‘The Club’). has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment free of illicit drugs. The policy reflects a commitment by the club to the health, safety and welfare of all its members and has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Club. All members of the Club have a responsibility to comply with the Policy.
The Club is committed to:
• Encouraging and assisting members to realise their full potential within an environment that actively promotes their health, safety and well-being
• Preventing alcohol and other drug related harm to individuals, property and the reputation of the club
• Ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all members
• Providing support to members who wish to address their patterns of alcohol and/or illegal drug use
• Meeting legal requirements in relation to alcohol and illegal drugs
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that club members understand the Club’s position regarding illicit drugs and explain how the Club will respond to a drug-related incident within its jurisdiction.
Definitions
Illicit drugs
Currently there are two distinct but related illicit drug issues confronting sporting clubs:
• performance enhancing drugs
• illicit drugs used for social purposes (e.g. at parties, raves, in the home, at the club, etc).
These two categories are not mutually exclusive. Some drugs that are used for social purposes (such as amphetamines, e.g. speed) may also be used to enhance sporting performance. Illegal
Club jurisdiction
The Club jurisdiction includes the Club premises as well as all activities organized by or for the Club at any location or venue. Club jurisdiction extends to all members wearing Club colours or representing the Club in public at any location and includes formal, casual or playing kit.
Application
This policy applies to all members, employees, supporters of and visitors to the Club. Members and employees should not attend the club if they are under the influence of drugs.
Club Chairman
The Club Chairman or his representative will be responsible for the management of all illicit drug related incidents. The Executive, including the Safeguarding Officer will support the Chairman as required.
Illicit Drug Use
The possession, use, distribution or selling of illicit drugs for any purposes on club premises or at any function or activity organised by the club is prohibited.
In the case of an incident involving an illegal drug, the initial actions and responses will focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved. All responses and actions will reflect the Club’s duty of care to members, visitors and others.
The Club will investigate all apparent or alleged breaches of this policy and determine a course of action after all relevant facts and circumstances are known.
The Club may refer a member who is involved in illicit drug use to a medical or health service for assistance or, if necessary, to the police.
Managing illegal drug incidents
Where a club member becomes aware that illicit drug use is occurring at the club or within its jurisdiction, the member should pass on this information to a member of the Executive.
Should the need arise, the Club will sanction the individual(s) in line with the club’s rules and policies.
The Club Chairman or his representative will:
Speak confidentially with the individual(s), expressing concern about their drug use;
Remind the individual(s) of the club policy and ask for a commitment that it will not happen again;
Offer options for support and referral for counseling or other help;
Leave the door open for further communication with the individual(s) concerned;
Inform the Club Executive in the event of non-compliance.
If an individual(s) is found to be under the influence of a either legal or illegal drugs at the Club, at a Club function or whilst representing the Club, the Club has a responsibility to:
Ensure the health and safety of the individual(s);
Keep the individual under supervision and monitor them at regular intervals until fully recovered;
Seek medical assistance if necessary;
Arrange safe transport to take them home, to a hospital or a place of safety.
Confiscate any remaining drugs unless this involves risk;
Contact police. if the individual(s) becomes violent or aggressive,
Inform the Club Chairman or club officer as soon as possible.
If illicit drugs are found at the club or in the possession of an individual, the Club Chairman will be contacted as soon as possible.
The Club will:
Confiscate the drugs if safe to do so without force.
Place the drugs in a clean (preferably “snap lock”) plastic bag.
Seal the plastic bag with masking tape to ensure it stays closed.
The finder and/or Club representative should sign and date the bag.
Record details in an incident register.
Contact local police and request their attendance to the club in order to collect the drugs.
Store the plastic bag in a secure place until collected by police.
Obtain the signature of attending police for the incident register to show the drugs have been taken into their possession.
Ask the person suspected to be in possession of the drugs to leave the premises immediately (assuming it is safe for them to do so), if they refuse to relinquish possession of the drugs to the club, the police will be informed.
Supplying Illegal drugs
If it is suspected or known that a member is supplying illegal drugs to other members of the club, the Club Chairman or his representative will:
Gather relevant information
Inform the individual of their concerns.
If this is verified, or if there is a strong belief this is occurring,
the club will contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111
If it is unable to be verified, the club will monitor the situation and warn the individual that the matter will be reported to the police if the club has continued concerns.
Privacy
Subject to its right to contact the police if necessary, the Club will maintain the privacy of those involved where possible
The Club will act with discretion when absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed
Club personnel will be informed on a restricted basis only Contacting parents
In the interests of health and safety, the Club will contact the parents or guardian of a minor where apparent or suspected illegal drug use has occurred (unless by doing so it will place the safety of the individual at risk of greater harm)
The Club will inform all members aged under 18 years that parents will be notified if the club is aware (or strongly believes) they are using or supplying illegal drugs.
If the member is aged over 18 years, the club will determine each case on its merits and decide whether contacting parents or guardian is in the best interests of the individual.
Medical emergency
The Club understands that medical assistance may be needed if a person individual has been using drugs and will seek expert assistance if required.
Non-compliance
All Club committee members will enforce the illegal drug policy and any non-compliance will be handled according to the following process:
The Club Chairman will be informed of the breach of policy
The individual(s) concerned will be reminded of the club policy and will be
Warned of sanctions for continued non-compliance
The Club Chairman and Executive Committee will use their discretion as to the action taken for non-compliance, based upon:
Whether it involves use or supply
Whether or not the use or supply takes place within the club’s jurisdiction
Age of the individual(s) involved
Should an individual(s) continue not to comply with the policy, then the individual(s) may either be suspended or expelled from the Club.
Policy review
The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.
Publicity
The Club will designate a club official to communicate with the media on behalf of the club should the need arise
The Club may seek advice from the league/association prior to communicating with the media
No other member of the club will communicate with the media on this issue, unless specifically requested by the club official