Illegal Drug Policy

WAVERLEY BLUES FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

ILLEGAL DRUG POLICY

1. Policy Statement

The Waverley Blues Football Netball Club (WBFNC) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all members, volunteers, players, supporters, and visitors. Illegal drug use poses significant risks to individual wellbeing, club culture, and community reputation.

This policy outlines the club’s expectations, responsibilities, and procedures for preventing, responding to, and managing illegal drug–related incidents within the club’s jurisdiction.

The club is committed to:

  • Promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members
  • Preventing harm associated with illegal drug use
  • Ensuring a safe and supportive club environment
  • Meeting all legal obligations under Victorian law
  • Upholding community trust and protecting the reputation of the Waverley Blues

This policy has been approved by the WBFNC Executive Committee.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All club members
  • Players and coaching staff
  • Volunteers and committee members
  • Visitors, spectators, and contractors
  • Any person attending a club-managed venue, event, training, match, or activity

Club jurisdiction includes:

  • Clubrooms, changerooms, bar areas, gym, and storage areas
  • The oval and surrounding precinct
  • Any venue or location used for club-organised activities
  • Club-sanctioned events, functions, camps, and trips

3. Definitions

Illegal Drugs: Substances prohibited under Victorian and Australian law, including but not limited to cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and non-prescribed performance-enhancing drugs.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Substances banned under the AFL Anti-Doping Code.

Club Confidant: A designated club representative responsible for managing drug-related incidents will be appointed each year and ratified by the club executive

4. Communication of Policy

4.1 Distribution

The policy will be provided to:

  • Committee members
  • Coaches and team managers
  • Player leadership groups
  • Volunteers
  • Council officers upon request

A summary version will be displayed in:

  • Pavilion common areas

4.2 Briefings

Key elements will be included in:

  • Pre-season player briefings
  • Sharing of the illegal drug policy to all senior players
  • Coach and volunteer inductions
  • Leadership group meetings

4.3 Digital Access

The policy will be stored in the club’s shared digital folder and circulated via email when updated.

5. Club Expectations

All members and visitors must:

  • Not possess, use, distribute, or sell illegal drugs on club premises or at club activities
  • Not attend the club while adversely affected by illegal drugs
  • Report concerns to the President or Club Confidant
  • Support a safe and respectful club environment

6. Roles & Responsibilities

Executive Committee

  • Oversee implementation and compliance
  • Review incident logs and determine sanctions
  • Ensure alignment with legal requirements

Club Confidant

  • Lead the response to illegal drug incidents
  • Provide confidential support to individuals
  • Liaise with the President on next steps
  • Coordinate referrals to support services

Coaches & Team Managers

  • Reinforce expectations with players
  • Report concerns promptly

Members & Volunteers

  • Follow this policy
  • Report suspected breaches

7. Managing Illegal Drug Incidents

7.1 Immediate Response

If a person appears under the influence:

  • Ensure their safety
  • Supervise and monitor them
  • Call medical assistance if required
  • Arrange safe transport home
  • Contact police if the person becomes aggressive or violent
  • Notify the President and Club Confidant

7.2 Speaking With the Individual

The Club Confidant will:

  • Meet privately with the individual
  • Express concern for their wellbeing
  • Remind them of the policy
  • Request a commitment to future compliance
  • Offer support, counselling, or referral pathways
  • Inform the President if non-compliance continues

8. Drugs Found at the Club

If illegal drugs are found:

  • Secure the substance safely (e.g., sealed snap-lock bag)
  • Record details in the incident register
  • Contact police to collect the substance
  • Store securely until police arrive
  • Obtain police signature in the incident register

If a person refuses to relinquish drugs:

  • Ask them to leave the premises (if safe)
  • Record the incident
  • Notify the President

9. Supplying Illegal Drugs

If a member is suspected of supplying illegal drugs:

  • The Club Confidant will speak with the individual
  • If verified or strongly suspected, the club will contact Crime Stoppers (1300 333 000)
  • If unverified, the club will monitor the situation and issue a warning

10. Privacy & Confidentiality

The club will:

  • Maintain privacy where possible
  • Limit information to those who need to know
  • Act with discretion when confidentiality cannot be guaranteed
  • Contact police where legally required

11. Contacting Parents

For members under 18, parents/guardians will be notified unless doing so increases risk. For adults, the club will assess whether parental contact is appropriate based on welfare considerations.

12. Contacting Police

The club may contact police when:

  • Illegal drug supply is suspected
  • Safety risks escalate
  • Advice is required
  • Illegal drugs are found

13. Medical Emergencies

The club will always prioritise medical assistance when a person appears unwell due to drug use.

14. Media Protocol

Only the President or a designated spokesperson may speak to the media. No other member may comment publicly.

15. Non-Compliance & Sanctions

Breaches will be managed in any of the following ways:

  1. Reminder of policy
  2. Warning issued
  3. Sanctions determined by the President and Club Confidant based on:
    • Use vs supply
    • Location of incident
    • Age of individuals involved
    • Severity and frequency of behaviour

Possible sanctions include:

  • Suspension
  • Removal from leadership roles
  • Expulsion from the club

All decisions will be recorded in the incident register.

16. Review & Continuous Improvement

The Executive Committee will:

  • Review this policy biennially
  • Assess incident logs
  • Seek feedback from members
  • Update procedures to strengthen safety and compliance

 

 

Approved on 31 March 2026

Approved by Executive Committee Waverley Blues Football Netball Club

Review Date 31 March 2028