A.S.A.P.

Published on Thursday, 25 November 2010 09:44

Shannon Gaels GAA Club Drug and Alcohol Policy (As approved at the AGM on 15th January 2010)

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael are committed as part of their overall philosophy to ‘Discourage the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the basis that they are incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity’

All Shannon Gaels GAA members, officials, coaches and volunteers 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.

1.0 Aims and Objectives:

1.1 The aim of this policy is to ensure that all Shannon Gaels GAA members are kept safe from drug-related harm when involved in club activities.

1.2 Our objectives are to:

Develop a consistent approach to drug-related issues to be adopted by all Shannon Gaels GAA members,

develop procedures and protocols that address any drug-related issues that may arise in the club and,
to establish clear procedures for managing specific incidents of suspected drug misuse.

2.0 The policy has three key elements

education about drugs and alcohol and provision of information on health and welfare for players and club members
actions for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, and
a protocol for responding to any drug and alcohol incidents in the club.

3.0 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.

4.0 Roles & Responsibilities

The Chairperson and Executive Committee of Shannon Gaels GAA shall adopt and discharge the actions in this policy as appropriate to the resources of the Club. All persons associated with the club can help prevent drug-related harm from occurring during club activities and as such the suggested responsibilities and roles of all club members are set out below.

4.1 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (A.S.A.P.) Club Officer

The Shannon Gaels GAA A.S.A.P. Officer is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of this policy in conjunction with the ASAP Sub-Committee and the Shannon Gaels GAA Chairperson and Executive Committee.

The ASAP Officer is not responsible for taking action in relation to drug related incidents or giving advice but can provide information on the Club Policy, refer issues and incidents to the Club Chairman and put people in contact with the relevant Drug or Alcohol Organisation locally or nationally to get any assistance they require

The Club A.S.A.P. Officer is Philip McManus, Gubaveeney

4.2 Shannon Gaels GAA Club Chairperson and Executive

All relevant information about alleged incidents and any 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 this responsibility will then automatically fall to the Vice Chairperson or Secretary.

4.3 Coaches

Will participate in the preparation and adoption of the Shannon Gaels GAA Drug and Alcohol Policy and will keep aware of the possibility of drug misuse among players and pass on concerns with the aim of preventing harm.

4.4 Parents and Guardians

Will participate in the preparation and adoption of the Shannon Gaels GAA Drug and Alcohol Policy and support the club in the development and implementation of this policy including procedures for handling incidents of suspected drug misuse.

4.5 All Shannon Gaels GAA Members including Players

Will participate in the preparation and adoption of the Shannon Gaels GAA Drug and Alcohol Policy and be aware of and adhere to the Shannon Gaels GAA Drug and Alcohol Policy.

5.0 Shannon Gaels GAA-List of Actions for the ASAP Policy

5.1 General Actions

The filling of cups with alcohol during celebrations by any team is not permitted.
Coaches and Shannon Gaels GAA Officials shall not smoke or drink alcohol while representing their club at matches or training sessions, particularly when in the presence of juvenile members.
Alcohol advertisements shall not be put on club jerseys, particularly juvenile jerseys, in so far as possible.
Players will not attend to train or play matches under the influence of alcohol or drugs (this is both for health reasons for the player concerned and out of respect to other team members who have attended fully fit to participate)
Coaches and volunteers will not attend training or events under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Persons attending matches or events at Pháirc Gaeil na Siónainne and the Glangevlin field should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Smoking on all property that is the responsibility of Shannon Gaels GAA shall be prohibited.
All club members will be mindful of this policy when representing this club at all times and when wearing the club colours.
To make it easier for players a volunteer player or coach will be sought from each team to act as a contact point for members of that team who may wish to seek advice or get information about alcohol or drugs. The role of this volunteer will be to report to the ASAP Officer or Club Chairman so that the information/assisance can be provided. (in the case of underage teams the volunteer must have completed the childcare guidelines training)

5.2 Actions Relating to Underage Members

Medal ceremonies for underage teams (including the minor team) shall not be held in pubs or at functions where alcohol is served (This to be implemented after 2010 Dinner Dance)
Under 18’s shall not be brought to pubs on the way home from matches, outings or training sessions. (Note: Any buses transporting juvenile members will return with all those who travelled unless parental consent is provided i.e. juvenile members will not be allowed to request the bus bring them to a non club event such as a disco)
Shannon Gaels GAA shall ensure that underage team celebrations are not carried out in public houses after finals.
When underage teams are in finals arrangements will be put in place in advance to ensure a venue and entertainment/food is available when they return from playing the final regardless of the result.
Alcohol shall not be served at functions for players aged less than 18 years of age.

6.0 Summary of Protocol for Dealing with Drug Misuse within the Club

(The detailed Protocol is contained in Appendix A)

Alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy must be referred in writing to the Chairman of the Club directly or via the ASAP Officer.

The Executive Committee of the Club will be informed and will decide on appropriate action in line with this policy.
Incidents will be recorded in the Executive Committee Meeting Minutes and only in confirmed cases will an individual be named.
Parents/guardians shall, in all cases be informed of any incident involving a person less than eighteen years of age. The Club Chairperson and Executive shall nominate a person to inform parents/guardians on a case by case basis
Parents/guardians will be invited to discuss what has happened and will be included in deciding which course of action to be taken.
Incidents that involve the illegal supply of drugs shall require Garda involvement
The Club Chairperson and Executive retain 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.
Club Officials are not allowed to search an individual or their personal property.
If a suspected illegal substance is found on club property it shall be brought to the attention of the Club Chairperson, or where the Chairperson is not present any other Club Officer present. The Chairperson shall be informed as soon as may be practicable thereafter of the incident. The substance shall be stored securely and the Club Chairperson or other official shall arrange with the Garda Siochana to collect the substance.

7.0 Education programme about drugs and alcohol

7.1 Shannon Gaels GAA Club shall arrange for a drug education programme for members, players, parents etc as appropriate. This drug education programme may include the promotion of the club policy, provision of literature, workshops or information sessions where appropriate and there will also be a strong focus on the health elements associated with playing sports.

7.2 The ASAP Sub Committee and the Executive Committee shall arrange to provide drug education as needed for adults associated with the club.

7.3 The ASAP Sub Committee and the Executive Committee shall arrange to provide age appropriate drug education as required for young people associated with the club.

7.4 Information about the GAA Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP) Programme, the Shannon Gaels GAA Club ASAP Policy, contact details for local Drug and Alcohol agencies as well as relevant general information on health and welfare for club members will be provided on the www.shannongaels.ie website.

7.5 The ASAP area of the website will be developed further to provide information and advice on the ASAP programme, health, fitness etc that is relevant to players and other members of the club.

7.6 The ASAP Sub Committee will liaise with neighbouring clubs, particularly where club members socialise, in relation to education measures outlined above.

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 15th January 2010 and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the A.S.A.P. Club Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive.

Signed ____________________________ Club Chairperson

Signed ____________________________ Club Secretary

Signed ____________________________ ASAP Club Officer

The Members of the Shannon Gaels ASAP Sub Committee are

Tom O’Reilly (ex officio)
John Paul Feeley
Seamus Dolan
John McManus
Jason McLoughlin
Aoife O’Reilly
Majella McPartlin
Veronica O’Donnel
Philip McManus (ASAP Officer)
Fiona McManus (Secretary)

Appendix A - Protocol for dealing with drug misuse

Shannon Gaels GAA Club shall endeavour to respond to all drug-related incidents in a firm but fair manner, with due respect for confidentiality as well as 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 Shannon Gaels GAA Club 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 must be referred to the Chairman of the Club directly or via the ASAP Officer in writing. The Chairman will inform the Executive and the Executive will decide on the appropriate response in line with the Club Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Recording of Information

Information regarding alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be recorded in writing and should be minuted in the usual way. 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. The 'Report Form for Recording Alcohol and Drug Related Incidents' attached at Appendix A will be used.

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

Parents/guardians shall, in all cases be informed of any incident involving a person less than eighteen years of age. Their involvement and support is seen as essential in the resolution of these difficulties. The Club Chairperson and Executive shall nominate a person to inform parents/guardians on a case by case basis. Parents/guardians will be invited to discuss what has happened and will be included in deciding which course of action to be taken. The Club Chairperson and Executive shall nominate a person to inform parents/guardians on a case by case basis.

Garda Involvement

Incidents that involve the illegal supply of drugs shall require Garda/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 and Executive as to whether or not the police are involved.

The Club Chairperson and Executive retain 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 be present during any form of 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 Garda/PSNI may be called in 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, or where the Chairperson is not present any other Club Officer present. The Chairperson shall be informed as soon as may be practicable thereafter of the incident. The substance shall be stored securely and the Club Chairperson or other official shall arrange with the Garda Siochana to collect the substance.

Availability, use and storage of solvents and gases

A large number of solvent based products have the potential to be abused (e.g. deodorants, paints, thinners, cleaning fluids etc). All solvent based materials and gases shall be stored securely and safely away from public access.

Use of Performance Enhancing Substances/Methods

The guidelines set out in the GAA Anti-Doping Code must be adhered to. The Code is based upon the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by the Irish Sports Council. Copies of the Code are available through the office of the GAA Player Welfare Manager in Croke Park and from the ASAP National Coordinator.

Gaeil Na Sionainne

Shannon Gaels

Connect With Us

Latest News

asap