The Warragul Football and Netball Club understands and accepts it has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy
environment, with responsible serving of alcohol and free of illegal drugs. This policy reflects a commitment by the
club to the health, safety and welfare of all its members. This policy has been approved by the Committee of
Management of Warragul Football and Netball Club Inc. at its meeting of February 2016.
The Warragul Football and Netball Club are committed to:
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure club members understand the club’s position regarding illegal drugs and explain
how the club will respond to a drug‐related incident within its jurisdiction.
Definitions of Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs are used by many people in the community, including young adults, so it is likely that some members of
our club will have access to them. Currently there are two distinct but related illegal drug issues confronting sporting
clubs:
Club Jurisdiction
The Club jurisdiction extends to the club premises and all activities organised by or for the club at any location or
venue.
Application
This policy applies to all members, employees, supporters and visitors of the Warragul Football and Netball Club.
Members and employees should ensure they do not attend the club if adversely affected by illegal drugs and/or
Club Confidant (Chaplain)
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 illegal 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:
Supplying Illegal drugs:
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.
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.
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.
Media
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 Confidant and President will use their discretion as to the action taken for non‐compliance, based
on:
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 player and/or member of the Warragul Football and Netball Club, it is everyone’s responsibility to implement this
policy.
environment, with responsible serving of alcohol and free of illegal drugs. This policy reflects a commitment by the
club to the health, safety and welfare of all its members. This policy has been approved by the Committee of
Management of Warragul Football and Netball Club Inc. at its meeting of February 2016.
The Warragul Football and Netball Club are 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.
- 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 illegal drugs and explain
how the club will respond to a drug‐related incident within its jurisdiction.
Definitions of Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs are used by many people in the community, including young adults, so it is likely that some members of
our club will have access to them. Currently there are two distinct but related illegal drug issues confronting sporting
clubs:
- performance enhancing drugs illegal 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 illegal 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.
Application
This policy applies to all members, employees, supporters and visitors of the Warragul Football and Netball Club.
Members and employees should ensure they do not attend the club if adversely affected by illegal drugs and/or
Club Confidant (Chaplain)
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:
- Speak to the individual(s) in private, expressing concern about their drug use;
- Remind the individual(s) of the club policy and asked for a commitment that it will not happen again;
- Offer options for support and referral for counselling or other help;
- Leave the door open for further communication with the individual(s) concerned;
- Inform the Club President in the event of non‐compliance.
- If an individual(s) is under the influence of a legal or illegal drug at the club, the club will:
- Ensure the health and safety of the individual(s);
- Keep the individual under supervision and monitor them at regular intervals;
- Call for medical assistance if required;
- Arrange safe transport to take them home, unless this involves further risk;
- Take control of any remaining drugs in their possession, unless this involves further risk;
- If the person becomes violent or aggressive, contact police to ensure the safety of all;
- Inform the Club President (and Club Confidant) as soon as possible.
- Drugs found at the club or in the possession of an individual
If illegal 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.
- 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 deny possessing drugs or refuse to relinquish possession of the drugs to the club.
Supplying Illegal drugs:
- If it is suspected or known that a member is supplying illegal drugs to other members of the club, the Club Confidant will:
- Speak to the individual to determine if they are supplying illegal drugs to others.
- If this is verified, or there is a strong belief this is occurring, the club will contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 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.
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 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.
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.
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
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:
- 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 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.
Responsibility
As a player and/or member of the Warragul Football and Netball Club, it is everyone’s responsibility to implement this
policy.