Illicit Drug Policy

Sandhurst Football Netball Club - Illicit Drugs Policy

This policy has been approved by the committee of Sandhurst Football Netball Club at its meeting April 2021

Introduction

Sandhurst Football Netball Club does not allow the use, distribution or selling of illegal drugs by any club committee member, club member, or club visitors within our club’s jurisdiction. This policy reflects our club’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all persons associated with the club and all persons in attendance at club activities.

Purpose of this policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the club committee, club members and visitors understand the club’s position regarding illegal drugs and how it will respond to a drug-related incident within its jurisdiction.

EXTENT OF THIS POLICY

What is an illegal drug?

A substance that is not permitted to be taken or used according to state and national laws such as cannabis (marijuana), amphetamines (speed or “ice”), ecstasy, cocaine, heroin or a range of new psycho-active substances known as synthetic drugs.

When does this policy apply?

This policy applies in all areas under our club’s jurisdiction. This includes our club’s facilities, including our club rooms and grounds; games, matches and activities organised or sanctioned by our club.

Private behaviour of members is not included in this policy as the club cannot be responsible for the behaviour of its members outside the club jurisdiction.

This policy will apply whenever and individual is wearing a part of the official club uniform which would identify them as being a representative of the club.

Who does this policy apply to?

• Our club committee:  Our club officer bearers.
• Our club members:  Our club’s coaches, team managers, support people, and players.
• Visitors to our club:  People who are within our club jurisdiction but are not club committee members or players. This may include club supporters and spectators; officials such as umpires, judges and referees; visiting teams and their supporters; and people visiting our club’s facilities such as grounds people.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Individuals will:

• Comply with the policy.
• Promote and role model expected standards of behaviours at all times.
• Be responsible and accountable for their behaviour.
• Discuss their concerns about their own, or another club member’s/visitor’s, illegal drug use with the club confidant.
• Honour our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of all its members.

RESPONDING TO ILLEGAL DRUGS

• A response will be made to any of the following reasonably known or suspected events:
  • A club member or visitor is using drugs at the club or at a club function
  • A club member or visitor appears to be affected by an illegal drug
  • If illegal drugs are being distributed or sold on our club’s premises
• The Initial and ongoing response will include:
  • Investigating the concern or incident
  • Ensuring Privacy
  • Referal to appropriate assitance practitioners or organsations as warranted
  • Where Illegal drug use by people under 18 years, then involvement of Parent/Guardian or Authority as relevant
  • Referal to Law Enforcement where warranted

Non-compliance with the policy

Our club will respond to all violations of this policy or to people who have made false and malicious allegations. Any disciplinary measures imposed under our policy must:

• Be fair and reasonable.
• Focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved.
• Be based on the evidence and information gathered and the impact on the club, other members, players, patrons, visitors and the community.
• Take into account the age of the people involved.
• Take into account whether the incident involved personal use of an illegal drug or the supply of an illegal drug to other people.
• Take into account whether this is a person’s first violation of this policy or if there have been multiple incidents.

 

Sanctions for breach of policy

• First time – warning and reminder of the club policy/position on drug use and that further violations may result in disciplinary actions
• Second time – suspension for a designated time from club sanctioned activities and facilities
• Third time – expulsion from the club

Attending counselling may be a condition for the person to continue their involvement at the club.

• ALL DECISIONS MADE IN REFERENCE TO BREACH OF POLICY ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SANDHURST FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB. THE OUTCOME OF POLICY BREACHES MAY VARY HOWEVER THE CLUB RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ENFORCE SANCTIONS THAT THEY SEE BEST FIT THE CLUBS VISION AND MISSION POLICY.

Supporting Bodies,Advice and Emergency Contacts

Department of Human Services https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs

Headspace https://headspace.org.au/

Positive Choices  https://positivechoices.org.au/resources/

Betterhealth  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/alcohol-and-drug-treatment-and-programs

 Bendigo Hospital Emergency Department-54546000

Ambulance-000

Police-000

Primary Care-54418622