This policy provides the basis for the responsible use of alcohol by the Fitzroy Football Club and is seen as fundamental to the aims of the club.

The club recognizes the importance of holding a liquor licence, enabling it to generate income and hold social functions. In doing so however, we accept the responsibilities and expectations of the community in adhering to liquor licensing laws and the criteria of the Good Sports program.

To ensure the aims of the club are upheld and that alcohol is managed responsibly by the club and its members, the following requirements will apply when alcohol is served at the club or during a club function.

Serving Alcohol

Alcohol will be served according to the legal and moral requirements of the club’s liquor licence with the safety and well being of patrons the priority.

• The Club maintains a current appropriate liquor licence
• Only RSA trained servers will serve alcohol
• Bar servers do not consume alcohol when on duty
• People under 18 will not serve alcohol
• The club does not encourage excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol
• When serving non pre-packaged alcohol, standard drink measures will be served at all times
• Information posters about Standard Drink measures will be displayed at the bar
• The liquor licence and all legal signage will be displayed at the bar
• Names of RSA trained bar staff will be displayed
• An incident register shall be maintained

Intoxicated Patrons

• Drunk patrons will not be permitted to enter the premises
• Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated or drunk
• Servers will follow RSA training procedures when refusing service
• Drunk patrons will be asked to leave the premises (after appropriate safe transport options are offered).

Underage Drinking

• Alcohol will not be served to persons aged under 18
• Servers and committee members will ask for proof of age whenever necessary or whenever in doubt
• Only photo ID’s will be accepted as ‘proof of age’.

 

Alcohol Alternatives

The Club recognizes that alcohol is not the only revenue stream available and actively encourages the sales of alternative products to that of alcohol.

• Tap water is provided free of charge (where available)
• At least four non-alcoholic drinks and one low-alcoholic drink options are always available and are at least 10% cheaper than full strength drinks
• Substantial food is available when the bar is open for more than 90 minutes or more than 15 people are present
• The club will avoid using alcohol for player awards and fundraising prizes.

Safe Transport

The Club has a Safe Transport Policy that is reviewed regularly in conjunction with this Alcohol Management Policy.

Smoke-Free

The Club has a Smoke-Free Policy that is reviewed regularly in conjunction with this Alcohol Management Policy.

Club Trips

The Club will monitor and ensure any club trips, particularly end of season player trips, adhere to responsible behaviour and alcohol consumption in accordance with the principles of this policy and the aims of the club.

Non Compliance

All club committee members will enforce the alcohol management policy and any non-compliance, particularly in regard to Licencing Laws will be handled according to the following process:

• Explanation of the club policy to the person/people concerned, including identification of the section of policy not being complied with
• Continued non-compliances with the policy should be handled by at least two committee members who will use their discretion as to the action taken, which may include asking the person/people to leave the club facilities or function.

Board Policy Management

The presence Board members is essential to ensure the operation of the bar and compliance with this policy. At least two board members who are RSA trained are required to be present at all club functions when the bar is open. Key responsibilities of the duty committee members are to:

• Meet visiting police, cooperate and assist with any inquiries
• Compliance in respect of persons under 18 years of age on premises
• Recording any incidents in the incidents register
• Ensuring compliance with all sections of this policy in accordance with legal requirements and the Good Sports program

 

Policy Promotion

The Club will promote the alcohol management policy regularly by:

• Putting a copy of the policy in club communications, e.g. newsletters, website and printed member/player information
• Displaying a copy of the policy in the club social rooms
• Periodic announcements to members at functions.

The Club recognizes the importance of educating club members, particularly players, about the benefits of an alcohol management policy and will endeavour to provide information to assist this process.

The Club will actively participate in the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program with an ongoing priority to maintain Level 3 accreditation.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.

Introduction

The vast majority of players registered by the Fitzroy Football Club (FFC) are over 18 years old. However, FFC Under 19 and Women’s teams include some players who have not turned 18 and therefore will be training and playing with fellow players who are over 18. Given young people under the age of 18 are legally children, the FFC Board has developed this statement of commitment to child safety.

The Club’s approach to child safety will be carried out in accordance with the Victorian Government’s Child Safety Standards and AFL Victoria’s Child Safety Standards.

Commitment to Child Safety
All players under the age of 18 who are a part of the FFC have a right to feel and be safe. The welfare of these players will always be our first priority and the Club has zero tolerance to child abuse. The Club aims to create a safe and friendly environment where players under the age of 18 feel safe and the Club's activities are always carried out in the best interests of these players.

FFC is also committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.

Recruitment processes

Child Safe Standards are integral in any FFC appointment of coaches and volunteers who will have contact with players under 18 years of age.

When appointing people to such roles, FFC will ensure that the following steps are taken:

• Position descriptions, including reference to the Club’s Child Safety Commitment, are made available to all potential applicants.
• All applicants will be provided with a copy of the Child Safety Commitment and current details of the Child Safety Officer.
• Recruitment of coaches will include an interview process, which requires:
  • Contact details for two referees; and
  • Proof of current WWCC, evidence of application for a WWCC, or commitment to provide such evidence within two weeks of being appointed to the position.

Child Safety Officer

FFC will ensure there is always a nominated Child Safety Officer (CSO) who will be the initial point of contact for any report or concern being raised.

The name and contact details of the FFC Child Safety Officer will be communicated to all associated with the club, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that players under 18 are made aware that the Child Safety Officer is a safe person for them to approach if they are feeling unsafe.

The Child Safety Officer MUST have a valid and current Working With Children’s Card (WWCC).

In the temporary absence of a CSO, or lack of knowledge of roles by any young player or member, anyone who suspects a child may be being abused is to report it to the FFC President.

From the 2020 season, the Club has appointed the President of the Club, Joan Eddy, as the Child Safety Officer with the specific responsibility for responding to any complaints made by coaches, volunteers, parents or players. Joan Eddy can be contacted by email president@fitzroyfc.com.au or 0419 511 894

FFC WWCC Policy

FFC requires the following people to obtain a Working with Children Check and present proof as set out below:

• Board members
• Coaches
• Team managers
• Trainers
• Any adult attending an overnight trip where player(s) under the age of 18 are in attendance such as pre-season camp
• Other members of the Club who are involved in regular contact with players under the age of 18 who are not directly supervised by a person who has completed a WWCC.

The FFC Director of Football Operations is responsible for matters relating to WWCCs

Sharon Torney, the Director of Football Operations, can provide members with information about applying for a WWCC, validate WWC Check cards and record details.

Please email Sharon Torney, secretary@fitzroyfc.com.au, as soon as you become involved with the FFC if you need to apply for a Working with Children Check or you need to provide proof that you already have a WWCC.

All coaches and volunteers must ensure their Check includes the FFC as one of the organisations that they work with.

FFC will keep a register of each WWCC.

Reporting

Any report of child abuse is to be made to the FFC Child Safety Officer (CSO), who will report to Victoria Police if there is any report of sexual or physical abuse of a child. The CSO will remain in contact with the reporter and the alleged victim to provide support.

The CSO will communicate any reports to the FFC President, who will ensure that a detailed written report is recorded and stored by the CSO and President, including Who, What, When, Where and Why the incident is of concern.

The FFC President will report to VAFA management if necessary, ie if report was communicated to Victoria Police or DHHS, and/or if report is of significance to VAFA.

If the alleged perpetrator is paid or a volunteer, they are to be reassigned to other duties which don’t bring them into contact with players under 18 years of age until the process is completed.

Electronic communications, including via social media
FFC coaches and team managers and, when necessary FFC Board members, communicate with players via email, text, Messenger and social media team pages. Such communication will involve players under the age of 18 years of age.

FFC’s electronic communications will adhere to the following guidelines:

• No adult in a role working with players under 18 will engage in individual social friendships with players under 18 on personal social media sites.
• Multiple adults, including Club President and the Director of Football Operations will be part of the contact list and included in any social media communication with players from, or on behalf of the Club, or regarding Club details.
• FFC will ensure that any Club or team social media platform will be overseen by a Club appointed administrator.

Introduction

Fitzroy Football Club does not allow the use, distribution or selling of illegal drugs by any club member or any visitors within our club’s jurisdiction. This policy reflects our club’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all persons associated with the club and all persons in attendance at club activities.

Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the club committee and club members understand the club’s position regarding illegal drugs and how it will respond to a drug-related incident within its jurisdiction.

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 (unless they are captured in the above definition).

This policy should be read and understood in conjunction with the club’s code of conduct.

When does this policy apply?
This policy applies whenever the individual is taking part in activities under the club’s jurisdiction. This includes our club’s facilities, games, matches, training, events and trips organised by the club.

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

Who does this policy apply to?
All club members and visitors to our club.

Responsibilities
Our club 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 every year.
• Provide opportunities for members to be educated on illegal drugs.
• Have a list of health service providers in our area who would be able to support an individual with a drug and/or alcohol-related issue.

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 in line with our club’s privacy policy.

The Privacy Policy of the Fitzroy Football Club is as follows:

• The Fitzroy Football Club will always act with discretion.
• Subject to its right to contact the Police if necessary, the Fitzroy Football Club will maintain the privacy of those involved as far as possible.
• Club members will be informed about the incident on a need-to-know basis only.

Investigating the concern or incident
The committee will investigate all illegal drug-related concerns or incidents in a timely and discreet manner.

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

Response
When responding to an illegal drug-related concern or incident, the responses by the club 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 club’s president as soon as possible. The president will document the issue using the incident register and investigate the concern/incident further. In the event that the president is not available, another club official may substitute for them.

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

If illegal drugs are found within the club’s jurisdiction the president may 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 the club identifies that a person under the age of 18 years is involved in illegal drug use the Fitzroy Football Club will:

• Inform the individual that the 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 in this instance, the Fitzroy Football 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:

• The Fitzroy Football Club may 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, the Fitzroy Football Club will inform the visiting club.

2. 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 the club will follow the procedures for handling illegal drugs in its jurisdiction.
• The Fitzroy Football Club may 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, the Fitzroy Football Club will inform the visiting club.

3. If a member is found using drugs, or is affected by the use of illegal drugs under the club’s jurisdiction:

• The Fitzroy Football 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, 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, the Fitzroy Football Club will inform the visiting club.

Managing media
All contact with the media related to a drug-related allegation or incident within its jurisdiction will be managed by the club’s official spokesperson.

 

This policy aims to provide a basis for the responsible use and/or non use of alcohol by the Fitzroy Football Club and to avoid any incidents as people travel to or from the club and its functions.

The Club understands and accepts its responsibility to the safety or our members and friends. The following requirements will apply when alcohol is served, either at the club or during a club function.

• Bar staff shall encourage members and visitors to make alternative safe transport arrangements if they are considered to exceed .05 blood alcohol concentration (or .00 if probationary driver)
• The club will offer for free of charge to arrange a taxi or other transport for people who are considered to have exceeded .05 blood alcohol concentration (or .00 if probationary driver)
• Contact telephone numbers for taxi services will be clearly displayed
• In specific cases, where a designated driver has been nominated by the club and has accepted the responsibility to drive others home safely, the club will provide non alcoholic drinks and bar food free of charge
• Bar servers will be provided non alcoholic drinks and bar food free of charge by the club (only for club bar staff)

The Fitzroy Football Club recognizes that passive smoking is hazardous to health and those non-smoking club members and visitors have the right to be protected from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Accordingly, the following policy shall apply to all club facilities, functions, meetings and activities undertaken by the club and will apply to all members, officials, players and club visitors.

Facilities

All club facilities are to be completely smoke free and shall include:

• The social rooms inclusive of bar, kitchen, meeting room, toilets and storage area
• Player change rooms inclusive of warm up area, toilets and showers, medical room and property room.

Cigarettes will not be sold (including vending machines) at any time at or by the club.

Players, Officials & Coaches

Coaches, players, trainers, volunteers and officials will refrain from smoking while involved in an official game day capacity for the club. They will be permitted to smoke in a designated area away from supporters, players, staff and buildings only during official breaks and shall not be late returning to their duties as a result.

Functions

All club functions including social and fund raising events and meetings are to be completely smoke free:

• Ashtrays will be removed from all club facilities
• Cigarette butt bins will be provided at outdoor locations for smokers to dispose of cigarette butts before entering/re-entering smoke free areas at club facilities
• Smokers leaving the designated licensed area of the clubs social rooms will not be permitted to take alcohol from that area.

All club functions held away from the club facilities are to be completely smoke free and shall require an assurance from the venue management of compliance with the club policy before a booking is confirmed by:

• Removing all ashtrays from inside venue where function is to be held
• Enforcing a smoke free policy during the function

Invitations and advertising for functions, meetings and events will be promoted as smoke free.