The WFNC understands and accepts it has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment, free of illegal drugs.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure Official’s, Players and Supporters understand the WFNC position regarding illegal drugs and explains how the club will respond to a drug-related incident within its premises.
For the purpose of this policy, illegal drugs are classified as performance enhancing drugs and/or illegal drugs used for social purposes (such as amphetamine, e.g. speed).
Illegal Drug Use
The possession, use, distribution or selling of illegal drugs for any purposes on club premises or at any function or activity organized 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 premises, the member should pass on this information to the club President. Should the need arise, the club should sanction the individual(s) in line with the club’s rules and policies.
Upon receiving notification that illegal drug use is occurring at the club, the club President should:
- Speak to the individual(s) in private, expressing concern about their drug use
- Remind the individual(s) of the club policy and ask 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 concerned.
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 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 club President should 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 President should:
- 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 local police
- 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 should 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 should 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 should determine each case on its merits and decide whether contacting parents or guardian is in the best interests of the individual.
Medical emergency
The club understands that medical assistance may be required if a person has been using drugs.
Media
The club should designate the club President to communicate with the media on behalf of the club should the need arise. No other member of the club should communicate with the media on this issue, unless specifically requested by the club President.
Non-compliance
All club committee members will enforce the illegal drug policy, and any non-compliance should be handled according to the following process:
- The club President should be informed of the breach of policy
- The individuals concerned should be reminded of the club policy
- Issuing a warning of future sanctions for continued non-compliance
The club President should 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 people involved
In general, and depending on any other rules of the club, should an individual(s) continue non- compliance with this policy, the following should occur:
- Suspension for a designated period
- Expulsion from the club.