DRUG POLICY

The misuse of drugs has serious health implications for individuals and can be socially disruptive and offensive to the wider community.

The Tea Tree Gully District Football Club Inc. understands and accepts it has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment. We are committed to responsible service of alcohol and providing an environment which is free of illicit drugs. This policy reflects a commitment by the club to the health, safety, and welfare of all its members and those visiting our club.

This policy has been approved by both the Senior and Junior Football Committees of Tea Tree Gully District Football Club Inc.

The Tea Tree Gully District Football Club Inc. 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 illicit drug use.
• Meeting legal requirements in relation to alcohol and illicit drugs.
• Encouraging moderation and a responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure 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 and Illicit Drug Use

Some drugs such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and various prescribed and over-the-counter medications are legal. Other drugs such as cannabis (marijuana/pot/dope), amphetamines (speed / ice), ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin, are illegal. They contain chemical substances that produce a psychoactive effect on humans, acting on the central nervous system in the brain and spinal cord. They change a person’s mood, feelings, and perception of the world.

Legal drugs may also be used illicitly. This includes using a pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes such as using steroids to enhance performance and using components of legal drugs to manufacture dangerous drugs. The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs is a growing problem in Australia.

Currently there are two distinct but related illegal drug issues confronting sporting clubs:

• performance enhancing drugs (The use of this type of drug will be handled by the club by referring to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s Code)
• 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 illicit drugs used for social purposes (such as amphetamines, e.g. speed) may be used to enhance sporting performance.

Club jurisdiction

The Club jurisdiction extends to the club premises and all activities organised by or for the club at any location or venue. This includes but not limited to; matches, training, social events and trips organised by the club and / or its members as a club function (end of season function)

Application

This policy applies to all players, members, employees, supporters and visitors of the Tea Tree Gully District Football Club Inc. Members and employees should ensure they do not attend the club if adversely affected by illicit drugs and/or alcohol.

Club confidant

The Club will designate an appropriate person/persons to act as the ‘Club confidant/Club Confidants’. These person/persons may but does not have to be the Club President or another office bearer and will be responsible for the management of all illicit drug related incidents. The Club will support this person to carry out their duties whenever 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 illicit 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 all other people.
• 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 the club deems it necessary in the circumstances, to the police.

MANAGING ILLICIT 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 the President and/or Club confidant. Should the need arise, the Club will sanction the individual(s) in line with the club’s rules and policies.

The Club confidant will:

1. Speak to the individual(s) in private, expressing concern about their drug use.
2. Remind the individual(s) of the club policy and asked for a commitment that it will not happen again.
3. Offer options for support and referral for counselling or other help.
4. Leave the door open for further communication with the individual(s) concerned.
5. Inform the Club President in the event of non-compliance.

If an individual(s) is under the influence of a legal or illegal drug (this includes found to be consuming) at the club, the President, Club Confidant, or the most responsible person at the time will:

1. Ensure the health and safety of the individual(s);
2. Keep the individual under supervision and monitor them at regular intervals.
3. Call for medical assistance if required.
4. Arrange safe transport to take them home unless this involves further risk.
5. Take control of any remaining drugs in their possession unless this involves further risk.
6. If the person becomes violent or aggressive, contact police to ensure the safety of all.
7. Inform the Club President (and Club confidant) as soon as possible.
8. Record details in an incident register.

Drugs found at the club or in the possession of an individual

If illicit drugs are found at the club or in the possession of an individual, the President and/or Club confidant will be contacted as soon as possible.

The Club will:

• Take possession of the drug if safe to do so.
• Place the drug 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 president should sign and date the tape/bag.
• Record details in an incident register.
• Contact local police and request they attend the club to collect the drugs.
• Store the plastic bag in a secure place until collected by police.
• When the drugs are seized by police, attach the property receipt provided by police to the corresponding incident register.
• 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).

Supplying Illicit drugs

If it is suspected or known that a member is supplying illicit drugs to other members of the club, the Club confidant will:

• Speak to the individual to determine if they are supplying illicit drugs to others.
• If this is verified, or there is a strong belief this is occurring, the club will contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• 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.
• If the individual is found selling or supplying illicit drugs on club premises police will be called immediately.

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 need-to-know 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 illicit 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 illicit drugs.
• The Club will report any incident involving a person under the age of 18 to the Department of Child Protection’s Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on phone number 13 14 78.

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.

Contacting police

• If the Club is aware that a member is supplying illicit drugs to other members, they will notify Crime Stoppers of this activity.
• In the case of apparent or alleged illicit drug use, the club may report a person to, or seek the advice of the police.

Medical emergency

The Club understands that medical assistance may be required if a person has been using drugs.

Media

• 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.

Non-compliance

All club committee members will enforce the illicit drug policy and any non-compliance will be handled according to the following process:

• The designated Club confidant (and President) will be informed of the breach of policy.
• The individual(s) concerned will be reminded of the club policy.
• Issue a warning of future sanctions for continued non-compliance.

The Club confidant and President will use their discretion as to the action taken for non-compliance, based on:

• Whether it involved use or supply
• Whether the use or supply takes place within the club’s jurisdiction or in private
• Age of the persons involved.

In general, and depending on any other rules of the club, should an individual(s) continue non-compliance with this policy, the following will occur:

• suspension for a designated time.
• expulsion from the club.

Policy review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.

RESPONSIBILITY

As a committee member, coach, player and / or member of the Tea Tree Gully District Football Club Inc, it is everyone’s responsibility to implement this policy.