Diarmuid GowenMunster ASAP Provincial Officer

Getting it Right –

Developing a Workable Club Drug and Alcohol

Policy(Croke Park)

27th March 2010

Initial difficulties in adopting an A.S.A.P. Club

Policy• Apathy / indifference• “ Not a problem in our area”• Down the list of our immediate priorities.• Perceived extra work load.• Perceived difficulty in completing the

task• “ Opening a can of worms”

A.S.A.P. Club/County Policy

• What is a club Policy• Club intention of addressing the

substance abuse issue.• Cornerstone• Beginning • Guidance • List of recommended actions

The Policy should include sections on:-

1.Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse

1.Education about drugs and alcohol

1.Planned responses to likely drug and

alcohol incidents

What should Club Drug & Alcohol policies include….

A.S.A.P. Sample Policy

• Contents – Page 1

• Introduction• Definition of drugs • Aim & objectives• List of recommended actions

A.S.A.P. Sample Policy

• Contents – Page 2

• Various roles• What is expected of the various stakeholders • Education programmes• Protocol for dealing with drug misuse.• Outline of restrictions

A.S.A.P. Sample Policy

• Contents – Page 3

• Reporting and recording• Confidentiality• How to inform parents/guardians• Involvement of Garda/PSNI.• Powers of Search of club property and

individuals• Policy on storing solvents/gases used by the

club• Signature of Chairman, Secretary & ASAP

Officer

1.These steps are based around how the GAA normally tackles tasks and projects within its organisation.

1.The GAA Committee Structure

1.This process can be followed strictly or used as a guideline.

1.Seven suggested steps

Introduction to the Process

• The committee for developing the policy must involve all stakeholders ie parents, players, management and coaches etc.

• Young people must be involved in ameaningful way.

• Keep the committee to a maximum of 8.

• Clubs can form clusters to do this.

1.Form a committee to develop the policy.

Basic requirements to implementing a Club Drug & Alcohol Policy

1. Explore the GAA ASAP website at www.gaa.ie/asap

1. Watch the DVD “Club Matters”

1. Read the ASAP Manual

1. Use the Sample Club Policy and follow the Seven Step Guideline

2. Look up relevant resources

• GAA Task Force Report on Alcohol (Refer to Official Reports on the GAA Website)

• www.drugs.ie

• Contact your local Health Promotion or

Drug & Alcohol service

Other Relevant Reading

A.S.A.P. Programme Resources

• Every club has different needs.

• Spend some time discussing the types of problems that have happened before.

• Think about the type of difficulties that you are likely to encounter in your area and base your policy on these.

3. Review the situation in your area regarding drugs/alcohol.

Keep it to 2- 3 (max.) pages in lengthThe least a policy should include is…• Reason for having a policy• Definition of the word “drug”• Rules on alcohol, drugs, tobacco,

medicine• Roles and responsibilities• Education about alcohol and drug use• Sanctions & confidentiality• Procedures for monitoring and evaluation

4. Prepare a draft copy of the Club Drug & Alcohol Policy.

• SEND OUT COPIES TO EVERYONE• Invite people to give feedback on the draft policy.• Amend it to include relevant feedback.• Get club management to ratify the

policy and formally adopt its recommendations.• Make sure all groups involved in the

club get a copy and not just the people who are seen to be dealing directly with the issue.

5. Amend and finalise the Club Drug & Alcohol Policy

• Officially launch of the policy to; 1. signify its start date 2. get some positive media coverage3. let everyone know of its existence • Make sure EVERYONE in the club gets a copy.• Display it in the club. • Move quickly to arrange an education or training event to capitalise on momentum.

6. Circulate, launch and start implementing the policy.

• The types of drugs being used changesso get annual updates.

• The policy should be reviewed annually and always after an incident to see if itwas effective or it needs to be amended.

7. Monitor, review and evaluate the policy.

Club Drug & Alcohol Policy

If you :-1.Use the Manual

sample policy 7 Step process

2.Use the DVD3.Utilise the Website4.Distribute the brochure

This will be more than adequate in assisting you in implementing a club policy.

GAA ASAP Website

Remember

• The sample policy was created specifically to provide guidance and to reduce the onus of responsibility on individuals of having to lay down guidelines for the club on this difficult subject.

• Consider the Club’s Policy Document as a “work-in-progress”.

• There is no obligation to cover every area in minute detail.• Let it evolve.• It is not a legal document and it is for guidance only. (eg. A

Code of Conduct).• Its purpose is

o to help prevent substance abuse incidentso to assist the club when confronted with an incident o to help the club deal with it in a consistent manner o to inform the club of what help and support is available

to them

Your contacts in the A.S.A.P. Programme

Diarmuid GowenMunster ASAP Provincial Officer

(086) 8243356asap.officer.munster@gaa.ie