Corsham RFC Misuse of Drugs

1. Purpose and scope

This policy relates to the use of illegal drugs and misuse of other harmful substances on Corsham RFC premises and grounds. Its purpose is to:

a) Comply with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 by ensuring that the Corsham RFC does not knowingly permit use or supply of controlled drugs on its premises or grounds.
b) Provide a safe environment for players, coaches, members, staff and customers.
c) Prevent drug dealing on Corsham RFC premises.
d) Support members seeking help regarding their own or others’ drug use.

2. Policy Statement

Corsham RFC:
• Will not condone the possession, use or supply of illegal drugs, or other substances on its premises or grounds.
• Will support strategies which reduce the risks associated with drug use/misuse.
• Will provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment for players, coaches, members, staff and customers.

3. Finding Drugs

The responsibility for decisions will rest with the Chairman and two other Committee members. All suspected drugs incidents will be reported to the Committee, including the names and addresses of all those involved. Given that incidents may vary from finding drugs on the premises, finding persons in possession of a small amount of illegal drugs, or finding persons in possession of a large amount of drugs, the procedure to be followed will vary as follows:

• If a person is in possession of what is thought to be a class A drug (Heroin, methadone, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines (if prepared for injection) or magic mushrooms, regardless of the amount involved, the police will be called using the 999 system and the person found in possession of the drugs held under citizen arrest.

• If a person is found in possession of a small amount of suspected illegal drugs not covered in the list above and those drugs are deemed to be for personal use, these will be confiscated, placed in sealed bag where possible, labelled and handed to a member of the Committee without delay. Any suspected illegal drugs found, together with details of the incident, will be passed at an appropriate time to the police who will determine what further action will be taken. Where a customer refuses to hand over the suspected drugs, the police will be called immediately.

• If a customer is found in possession of what is believed to be nitrous oxide, the following will apply: - Whilst not an offence, if the customer is in possession of a small quantity (i.e. what could be deemed for personal use) then it will be a condition of entry or remaining on the premises, that the item is confiscated. If confiscation is refused, then entry will be denied or person will be ejected from the premises. If in possession of a larger quantity, suspected to be for distribution, then the items will be confiscated and a Committee member informed without delay. Details of the incident, as well as the confiscated items, will be passed to the police.

• If anyone finds suspected illegal drugs on the premises, the drugs will be handed to a member of staff or Committee member. Any drugs found, together with details (day/time etc), will at an appropriate time be passed to the police.

• If a large amount of suspected illegal drugs is discovered or staff have grounds for suspecting dealing may be taking place on Corsham RFC premises, the police will be called immediately.

4. Sanctions

Any person found in possession of, using or supplying illegal drugs on the premises or grounds of Corsham RFC, will be subject of an immediate ban from the premises. Corsham RFC Committee will then consider the circumstances and may impose such ban as they deem reasonable in those circumstances and having considered that person’s position within the club. (Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, life time bans and bans for a specific period.)
Corsham RFC will also inform Wiltshire Police of the details of the offence and persons involved.

5. Supporting Policies

Corsham RFC has a Junior Section and as such must be mindful of the dangers of illegal drugs and minors. The Safeguarding Policy published by Corsham RFC supports this approach, https://corshamrfc.com/crfc-safeguarding

The RFU provide guidance on the use of illicit drugs within the game and it can be found here.
https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/anti-doping/anti-doping-programme/
https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/anti-doping/illicit-drugs-programme/

Corsham RFC also commits to follow any RFU guidance supplied in relation to the misuse of illegal drugs and other harmful substances.