Meeniyan Dumbalk United FNC
ILLEGAL DRUG POLICY
MDU FNC 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 well-being of all persons associated with the club and all persons in attendance at club activities.
This policy has been approved by the committee of MDUFNC at its meeting on 30/11 2015
The MDU FNC is committed to:
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Encouraging and assisting members to realise their potential within an environment that actively promotes their health, safety and well-being
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Preventing alcohol and other drug related harm to individuals, property and the reputation of the club
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Ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all members
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Providing support to members who wish to address their patterns of alcohol and/or illegal drug use
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Meeting legal requirements in relation to alcohol and illegal drugs
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Encouraging moderation and a responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol
Purpose of the policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure club committee; club members and visitors understand the club’s position regarding illegal drugs and explain how the club will respond to a drug-related incident with its jurisdiction.
Definitions
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Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs are used by many people in the community, including young adults, so it is likely that some members/visitors of our club will have access to them. Currently there are two distinct but related illegal drug issues confronting sporting clubs:
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performance enhancing drugs
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illegal drugs used for social purpose (e.g. at parties, raves, in the , at the club, etc.)
These two categories are not mutually exclusive. Some illegal drugs used for social purposes (such as amphetamines, e.g. speed) may be used to enhance sporting performance.
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Club Jurisdiction
The Club jurisdiction extends to the club premises and all activates organised by or for the club at any location or venue.
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Application
This policy applies to all members, employees, supporters and visitors of the MDU FNC. Members and employees should ensure they do not attend the club if adversely affected by illegal drugs and/or alcohol.
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Club Confidant
The Club will designate an appropriate individual to act as the ‘Club Confidant’. This person may, but does not have to be the Club President or another office bearer and will be responsible for the management of all illegal drug related incidents.
The Club will support this person to carry out their duties whenever required.
Illegal Drug Use
The possession, use, distribution or selling of illegal 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 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 illegal drug use to a medical or health service for assistance or, if the club deems it necessary in the circumstances, to the police.
Managing illegal drug incidents
Where a club member becomes aware that illegal 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;
• If it is suspected or known that a member is supplying illegal drugs to other members of the club, the Club confidant will;
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Speak to the individual to determine if they are supplying illegal drugs to others.
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If this is verified, or there is a strong belief this is occurring, the club will contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.
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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 need to know basis only
Illegal drug use by people under 18 years
• 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 where the club identifies (or strongly believes) that a person under the age 18 years is involved in illegal drug use 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.
Contacting Police
• If the Club is aware that a member is supplying illegal drugs to other members, they will notify Crime Stoppers of this activity
• In the case of apparent or alleged illegal 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.
Managing 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 illegal 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 noncompliance with this policy, the following will occur;
• suspension for a designated time period
• 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.