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NRFC Drug and Alcohol Policy

Nelson Rugby Football Club (Inc) (NRFC) believe that we need to work towards creating a safe, healthy club environment where we can develop the skills and attitudes necessary to cope with drug and alcohol related issues.

All club members, officials, coaches and volunteers as part of this club shall follow the law when it comes to illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco and shall display leadership and good example, particularly when dealing with underage members. This policy shall apply to all users of the club buildings and grounds.

Definition of Drugs:

For the purpose of this policy the term "drug" shall include all mood altering substances, both legal and illegal and involve substances such as:

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • "over the counter" medicines such as paracetamol, anti-histamines, cough medicines etc.
  • Prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, inhalers, painkillers etc.
  • Volatile substances such as aerosols, glues, petrol, cigarette lighter fuels etc.
  • Products and substances sold that cause intoxication.
  • Controlled drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, magic mushrooms, cocaine, etc.
  • Performance enhancing sports related drugs as outlined by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all club members are kept safe from drug-related harm when involved in club activities.

Our objectives are...

  • To develop a consistent approach to drug-related issues to be adopted by all club members.
  • To develop procedures and protocols that address drug-related issues in the club.
  • To establish clear procedures for managing specific incidents of suspected drug misuse.

List of Actions

The President and Executive of the club shall adopt and discharge actions from following list as appropriate to the resources of the Club.

NRFC shall take the following actions...

  • Club members, officials, coaches and volunteers shall not present themselves at club activities while under the influence of any drug.
  • Cigarettes shall not be sold in the clubhouse.
  • Under 18's shall not be served alcohol.

All persons associated with our club can help prevent drug-related harm from occurring during club activities.

The following roles are recommended (insert other recommendations as required).

Club Members

  • Will be aware of the details of and adhere to NRFC Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Parents and Guardians

  • Support the club in the development and implementation of this policy including procedures for handling incidents of suspected drug misuse.

Coaches

  • Will be aware of the possibility of dug misuse among players and work with the Physios, medical staff and Club Officers.

President and Committee

All relevant information, paraphernalia or suspected substances found or received shall be forwarded to the President who shall consult with the necessary parties before taking relevant action based upon this policy.  In the event of the President not being available to discharge these duties this responsibility will then automatically fall to the Vice President or Secretary.

Education programme about drugs and alcohol

NRFC shall arrange for a drug education programme for members, players, parents etc as appropriate.  This drug education programme may include the promotion of club policy, provision of literature, workshops or information sessions with support from Tasman Rugby Union.

Protocol for dealing with drug misuse

NRFC shall endeavour to respond to all drug-related incidents in a firm but fair manner, with due respect for the safety and welfare of individuals involved, other members of the club and the wider community and shall also fulfil any legal obligations that might apply.

Outline of Restrictions

The misuse or supply of drugs is viewed as unacceptable by the NRFC and is punishable by warnings, suspensions and expulsions as deemed appropriate.  It is also unacceptable for members or officials to present themselves for club duties while under the influence of a drug.

Reporting of Incidents

Alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be referred in writing to the President.

Recording of Information

Information regarding alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be recorded in writing.  the recording of factual information is preferable and all opinions shall be stated as such.  Responses to cases shall also be recorded in this way.   Only in confirmed cases shall names of individuals be recorded.

Confidentiality

While it is not possible to guarantee, every effort shall be made to respect confidentiality.

Involving Parents/Guardians

Incidents involving any person under 18 years of age will require their parent/guardians to be informed.  Parents/guardians shall be invited to discuss what has happened and shall be informed of any course of action to be taken by the club.  the President shall nominate a person to inform parents/guardians in each case.

Search

The Club Chairperson retains the right to direct a search of any part of the club property if there is reasonable cause to believe a substance in breach of this policy is contained therein.  Two officials of the club shall conduct the search.  Club Officials are not allowed to search an individual or their personal property.  Where there is reasonable cause to believe a person has in their possession a substance in breach of this policy, they shall be asked to volunteer the substance.  If they refuse, the Policy may be called in to conduct a search.

Disposing of suspected illegal substances

If a suspected illegal substance is found on club property it shall be brought to the attention of the President.  The substance shall be stored securely and the President shall then decide whether the Police should be called to collect it, or whether it should be disposed of.  Any disposal of suspected illegal substances shall be recorded and witnessed by two officials.  At no time shall a suspected illegal substance be removed from club property without the knowledge of the Police.

Monitoring and Evaluation

This policy is in force at all times and during all activities conducted under the NRFC.  This policy shall be evaluated annually and after every drug-related incident.  This policy shall come into effect on 1st February 2015 and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the NRFC Committee in conjunction with the President.

 

Signed by: Shane Graham on 10/12 2014