Fitzroy Football Club (incorporating the Fitzroy Reds) operates under a number of VAFA policies as well as some club-specific policies.
The VAFA policies, which include Spectator and Player Codes of Conduct, Alcohol, Smokefree and Gambling policies, can be found here: http://www.vafa.com.au/club-info/vafa-policies/
Fitzroy's club policies can be opened below:
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.
Intoxicated Patrons
Underage Drinking
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.
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:
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:
Policy Promotion
The Club will promote the alcohol management policy regularly by:
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:
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 requires the following people to obtain a Working with Children Check and present proof as set out below:
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.
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:
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:
Individuals will:
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:
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:
Non-compliance with policy
Our club will respond to all breaches of this policy. Any disciplinary measures imposed under our policy must:
Examples of breaches of policy:
1. If a member sells or distributes illegal drugs in the club’s jurisdiction, the following will occur:
2. If a member is found in possession of an illegal drug, the following will occur:
3. If a member is found using drugs, or is affected by the use of illegal drugs under the club’s jurisdiction:
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.
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:
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:
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:
Invitations and advertising for functions, meetings and events will be promoted as smoke free.
Get our Newsletter