Kildavin / Clonegal GAA is committed, as part of their overall philosophy to ‘discourage the misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the basis that they are incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity’. Kildavin / Clonegal GAA believes that we need to create a safe and healthy club environment where members can develop the knowledge, 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 in relation to illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco and shall display leadership and good example, particularly when dealing with underage members.
Definition of Drugs
A drug is a substance taken by people to change how they think, feel or behave. For the purpose of this policy the term “drug” shall include all mood altering substances, both legal and illegal including substances such as:
- alcohol and tobacco
- prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, inhalers, painkillers, etc.
- performance enhancing drugs as outlined by the World Anti-Doping Agency
- volatile substances such as aerosols, glues, petrol, cigarette lighter fuels, etc.
- products and substances sold online and in “headshops” that cause intoxication
- “over the counter” medicines such as paracetamol, anti-histamines, cough medicines, etc.
- controlled drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, magic mushrooms, cocaine, etc.
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 develop ways to address drug-related issues in the club
- to establish clear procedures for managing drug-related incidents
The Chairperson and Executive of the club shall adopt and discharge actions from following list as appropriate to the resources of the Club:
- cigarettes shall not be sold in the clubhouse
- alcohol advertisements shall be phased out on club jerseys
- the cup shall not be filled with alcohol during celebrations
- coaches and club officials shall not smoke or drink alcohol while representing their club at matches or training sessions
- club members, officials, coaches and volunteers shall not present themselves at club activities while under the influence of any drug
- under 18′s shall not be brought to pubs on the way to or from matches, outings or training sessions
- alcohol shall not be served at functions for players aged under 18 years of age
All persons associated with our club can help prevent drug-related harm from occurring during club activities. Club members will be aware of the details of and adhere to the Kildavin / Clonegal GAA Drug & 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 drug misuse among players and work with the Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer, the Club Chairman and Club Executives with the aim of preventing harm.
Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer
The Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of this policy in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive. The Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer shall have good knowledge of the local drug, alcohol and health promotion services in order to assist the club in organising prevention, education and response activities as such needs arise.
Club Chairperson (or Nominee)
All relevant information, paraphernalia or suspected substances found or received, shall be forwarded to the Club Chairperson who shall consult with the necessary parties before taking relevant action based upon this policy. In the event of the Chairperson not being available to discharge these duties, the responsibility will then automatically fall to the Secretary or other nominated person.
Education Programme about Drugs and Alcohol
Kildavin / Clonegal GAA 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 provided by personnel from local drug, alcohol or health promotion services. The Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Officer, in conjunction with the Club Chairperson, shall make arrangements with local drug, alcohol or health promotion services to provide drug education annually for adults and young people associated with the club.
Protocol for Dealing with Drug Misuse
Kildavin / Clonegal GAA 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. The club shall also fulfill any legal obligations that might apply.
Outline of Restrictions
The misuse or supply of drugs is viewed as unacceptable by Kildavin / Clonegal GAA GAC and members or officials are prohibited from presenting themselves for club duties while under the influence of a drug. Breaches of these restrictions are punishable by warnings, suspensions and expulsions as deemed appropriate.
Reporting of Incidents
Alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be referred to the Club Chairperson.
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. Incidents involving any person under 18 years of age will require their parents or guardians to be informed. Parents or 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 Club Chairperson shall nominate a person to inform parents or guardians in each case.
Garda or PSNI Involvement
Incidents that involve the illegal supply of drugs shall require An Garda Síochána or PSNI involvement. In all other drug-related incidents, each case shall be considered on an individual basis and the decision shall rest with the Club Chairperson as to whether or not An Garda Síochána or PSNI are involved.
Search
The Club Chairperson retains the right to direct a search of any part of 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, An Garda Síochána or PSNI may be called upon 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 Club Chairperson. The substance shall be stored securely and the Club Chairperson shall then decide whether An Garda Síochána or PSNI 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 Club Officials. At no time shall a suspected illegal substance be removed from club property without the knowledge of An Garda Síochána or PSNI.
Availability, Use and Storage of Solvents and Gases
Many solvent based products have the potential to be abused (for example, deodorants, paints, thinners, cleaning fluids, etc). All solvent based materials and gases shall be stored securely and safely away from public access.
Monitoring and Evaluation
This policy is in force at all times and during all activities conducted under the aegis of Kildavin / Clonegal GAA. This policy shall be evaluated annually and after every drug related incident. All policies must be approved by the County Committee and the County Officer, with copies of the policies going to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse National Office and the Alcohol and Substance Abuse County Officer.
GAA ASAP Programme link: GAA ASAP