Club Drug and Alcohol Policy

In conjunction with our Healthy Living initiatives the club has established a clubwide Club Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Additionally these are useful links for parents, players and volunteers:

• GAA ASAP Programme
• Scottish Drug Forum
• Know The Score
• Scottish Drug Services Directory

Club Drug and Alcohol Policy

Tir Conaill Harps GAC believe that we need to work towards creating a safe, healthy club environment where we can develop the 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 when it comes to illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco and shall display leadership and good example, particularly when dealing with underage members.

Definition of Drugs:

For the purpose of this policy the term “drug” shall include all mood altering substances, both legal and illegal and involve substances such as:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• “Over the counter” medicines such as paracetamol, anti-histamines, cough medicines etc. 
• Prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, inhalers, painkillers etc.
• Volatile substances such as aerosols, glues, petrol, cigarette lighter fuels etc.
• Controlled drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, magic mushrooms, cocaine, etc.
• Performance enhancing sports related drugs as outlined by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

 
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 be adopted by all club members.
• To develop procedures and protocols that address drug-related issues in the club.
• To establish clear procedures for managing specific incidents of suspected drug misuse. 

 
List of Recommended Actions:

The Chairperson and Executive of the club shall adopt and discharge actions from following list as appropriate to the resources of the Club.

• 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.
• Medal ceremonies shall not be held in pubs.
• Alcohol shall not be served at functions for players aged under 18 years of age.
• Alcohol advertisements shall be phased out on club jerseys.

All persons associated with our club can help prevent drug-related harm from occurring during club activities.
 
Club Members: Be aware of and adhere to Tir Conaill Harps policy in relation to drugs.
 
Parents and Guardians: Support the club in the development and implementation of this policy including procedures for handling incidents of suspected drug misuse.      
 
Coaches: Be aware of the possibility of drug misuse among players and pass on concerns with the aim of preventing harm.
 
Club A.S.A.P. Officer: The Club Development and Health Promotion  Officer is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of this policy in conjunction with the Executive.  The Club A.S.A.P. Officer is Tommy Main.

Club Chairperson and Executive:

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. I n the event of the Chairperson not being available to discharge these duties this responsibility will then automatically fall to the  Secretary.
 
Education programme about drugs and alcohol:

Tir Conaill Harps GAC 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.

• The Club Development Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive shall arrange to provide drug education annually for adults associated with the club.
• The Club Development Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive shall arrange to provide age appropriate drug education annually for young people associated with the club.

Protocol for dealing with drug misuse:

Tir Conaill Harps 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. We shall also fulfil any legal obligations that might apply.
 
Outline of Restrictions:

The misuse or supply of drugs is viewed as unacceptable by Tir Conaill Harps and is punishable by warnings, suspensions and expulsions as deemed appropriate. It is also unacceptable for members or officials to present for club duties while under the influence of a drug.
 
 
Reporting of Incidents:

Alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be referred to the Club Chairperson or Development Officer..
 
Recording of Information:

Information regarding alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be recorded in writing on the Drug and Alcohol Incident Report Form. T he 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 every effort shall be made to respect confidentiality, it may not be always be possible to guarantee confidentiality in relation to drug-related incidents.
 
Involving Parents/Guardians:

Incidents involving any person under 18 years of age will require their parents/guardians to be informed. Parents/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 and Executive shall nominate a person to inform parents/guardians on a case by case basis.
 
Police  Involvement:

Incidents that involve the illegal supply of drugs shall require Police  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 and Executive as to whether or not the police are involved. 
 
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, the Police may be called in to conduct a search. 
 
 
Monitoring and Evaluation:

This policy is in force at all times and during all activities conducted under the aegis of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.  This policy shall be evaluated annually and after every drug-related incident. This policy shall come into effect on 21/11/08 and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the Club Development Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive.  The policy is signed by:

• Club Chairperson 
• Club Secretary   
• ASAP Club Officer