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Illegal Drug Policy

Introduction

Table Tennis NT (TTNT) does not allow the use, distribution or selling of illegal drugs by any member, member association club member or any visitors within the TTNT or associated clubs. This policy reflects our commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all persons associated with TTNT and all persons in attendance at club activities.

Purpose of this policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that TTNT members and associates understand the position regarding illegal drugs and how drug-related incidents within its jurisdiction will be responded to.
 

Extent of this policy
This policy refers to illegal drugs only, which is defined as “a substance that is not permitted to be taken or used according to state or national laws such as cannabis (marijuana), amphetamines (speed and “ice”), ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and a range of new psycho-active substances known as synthetic drugs.”

This policy does not apply to pharmaceutical drugs or performance enhancing drugs (for further reference see TTA Anti-Doping Policy).

This policy should be read and understood in conjunction with the TTNT code of conduct. 

When does this policy apply

This policy applies whenever an individual is taking part in activities under TTNT or an associated club’s jurisdiction. This includes club facilities, games, matches, training, events and trips organised by a club.

Private behaviour of members is not included in this policy as the club cannot be responsible for the behaviour of its members outside TTNT or associated club’s jurisdiction; however, this policy will apply whenever an individual is wearing a part of an official club uniform which would identify them as being a representative of the club.

Who does this policy apply to

All TTNT members and associated clubs and visitors to our club.

Responsibilities

TTNT and associated clubs will:

  • Activate and comply with the policy.
  • Promote the policy to everyone within our club.
  • Promote and role model expected standards of behaviours at all times.
  • Appoint and support appropriate persons such as mentors to lead the initial response, investigation and action for all illegal drug-related incidents.
  • Respond to breaches of this policy discreetly and in a timely manner.
  • Investigate all apparent, or alleged, breaches of this policy and take action after all relevant facts and circumstances are known.
  • Ensure all responses and actions will reflect the club’s duty of care to members and visitors.
  • Review this policy regularly.
  • Educate members on illegal drugs.

Individuals will:

  • Comply with the policy.
  • Promote and role model expected standards of behaviours at all times.
  • Be responsible and accountable for their behaviour.
  • Alert club officials with any concern about illegal drug use within the club.
  • Honour our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of all of our members.

Responding to illegal drugs

Privacy

Where possible, the investigation of illegal drug-related concerns or incidents will remain confidential.

Investigating the concern or incident

The Board (or committee if a member association) will investigate all illegal drug-related concerns or incidents in a timely and discreet manner.

Once all relevant facts and circumstances are known, the Chair will recommend appropriate approaches and/or disciplinary measures to the Board/club committee based on the guiding principles outlined in this policy.

Response

When responding to an illegal drug-related concern or incident, the responses by the Board/Committee will focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved. All responses will reflect the club’s duty of care to members and visitors.

All illegal drug-related concerns or incidents should be discussed with the Chair/President as soon as possible. The Chair/President will document the issue using the incident register and investigate the concern/incident further. In the event that the Chair/President is not available, another official may substitute for them.

If illegal drugs are being distributed or sold on the TTNT/club premises by a member or visitor of any age, the Chair/President will contact the local police to seek their advice.

If illegal drugs are found within the TTNT/club jurisdiction the Chair/President will contact local police to seek their advice and expertise on how they can be disposed of safely.

Illegal drug use by a member under 18 years

Where TTNT/the club identifies that a person under the age of 18 years is involved in illegal drug use TTNT/the club will:

  • Inform the individual that the Chair/President or relevant committee member may contact the parent or guardian to discuss the incident if it is appropriate and safe to do so.
  • Contact the parent or guardian to discuss, unless, informing the parent or guardian would put the individual at risk of greater harm.
  • In the case of a visitor from another club, TTNT/the club will inform the visiting club.

Non-compliance with policy

Our club will respond to all breaches of this policy. Any disciplinary measures imposed under our policy must:

  • Be fair and reasonable and will focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved.
  • Be based on the evidence and information gathered and the impact on the club, other members, players, patrons, visitors and the community.
  • Take into account the age and personal circumstances of the people involved.
  • Take into account whether the incident involved personal use of an illegal drug and/or the supply of an illegal drug to other people.

Examples of breaches of policy:

  1. If a member sells or distributes illegal drugs in the club’s jurisdiction, the following will occur:
  • TTNT/the club will contact the local police to seek their advice.
  • Consequences for the individual (s) will depend on the circumstances or severity.
  • Where applicable, the individual (s) may be referred to a local health service provider.
  • The club will appoint a senior person to act as a mentor to a suspended individual (s) for a nominated period of time and to assist them to reintegrate with the club, if applicable.
  • If the individual (s) concerned is/are under 18, their parent or guardian would be informed immediately of the incident and of the consequences, unless informing the parent or guardian would put the individual at risk of greater harm.
  • In the case of a visitor from another club, TTNT/the club will inform the visiting club.

  1. If a member is found in possession of an illegal drug, the following will occur:
  • The individual (s) will be asked to hand-over the substance and TTNT/the club will follow the procedures for handling illegal drugs in its jurisdiction.
  • TTNT/the club will contact the local police to seek their advice.
  • Consequences for the individual (s) will depend on the circumstances or severity.
  • Where applicable, the individual (s) may be referred to a local health service provider.
  • The club will appoint a senior person to act as a mentor to a suspended individual(s) for a nominated period of time and to assist them to reintegrate with TTNT/the club, if applicable.
  • If the individual(s) concerned is/are under 18, their parent or guardian would be informed immediately of the incident and of the consequences, unless informing the parent or guardian would put the individual at risk of greater harm.
  • In the case of a visitor from another club, TTNT/the club will inform the visiting club.

  1. If a member is found using drugs, or is affected by the use of illegal drugs under TTNT/the club’s jurisdiction:
  • TTNT/the club would ensure the safety and wellbeing of the individual is the first priority.
  • Seek out medical assistance, if required.
  • If required, contact next of kin.
  • If the individual (s) concerned is/are under 18, their parent or guardian would be informed immediately of the incident and of the consequences, unless informing the parent or guardian would put the individual at risk of greater harm.
  • Ensure individual is safely transported to their home.
  • When the individual’s health has returned to a normal state, TTNT/the club president/committee members may investigate and take appropriate action.
  • Where applicable, the individual (s) may be referred to a local health service provider.
  • In the case of a visitor from another club, TTNT/the club will inform the visiting club.

APPROVED BY THE TTNT BOARD March 2019