Drink & Drugs
Cirencester RFC's Drugs and Drinking policy was introduced in August 2001 and further updated in September 2005 following recommendations from both Local Government and the RFU. Acceptance of this policy is required from all members, prospective members and parents of Mini and Junior players before annual membership status can be conferred, and from Club employees before employment is confirmed.
The dangers posed by the availability and use of illegal drugs and the excessive drinking of alcohol are well known, and the tendency for this to occur in social and sports clubs, especially amongst teenagers is increasingly common. CRFC takes its duty of care very seriously and it is therefore essential we should have in place a strict policy for dealing with any such occurrences, whether on Club premises or elsewhere under the auspices of the Club. The dangers posed by the availability and use of illegal drugs and occurrences of excessive and under-age drinking are both well known. The RFU can undertake random drugs testing and positive results could result in sanctions against both the player and the Club
The club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing CRFC acknowledge and adopt the following Sport England DRUGS & DRINKING POLICY:-
1. Any person found in possession of drugs or UK SPORT banned stimulants, or using them, either on Club premises or whilst representing CRFC, shall be expelled from the Club's premises and their membership immediately suspended pending a full investigation by CRFC's Senior or Youth Disciplinary Committee.
2. Any person found supplying or inciting the use of drugs or UK SPORT banned stimulants, or being in possession of the same with the intent to supply, on Club premises or whilst representing CRFC, will be expelled from the Club's premises and their membership immediately suspended pending a full investigation by CRFC's Senior or Youth Disciplinary Committee.
3. If deemed necessary in serious drugs related offences the Police will be informed.
4. Excessive, anti-social, drinking will also be viewed in a similar light especially amongst the Youth Section of CRFC. Any Youth player whom acts in a manner contrary to that deemed "normal behaviour" on Club premises or whilst representing CRFC, such as on Tour or away matches, due to excessive drinking will be banned from representing CRFC for a period of time, or in extreme cases be expelled from the Club. Any full senior member, or member's guest, whom is acting irrationally or anti-socially on Club premises due to excessive consumption of alcohol will be asked to leave the Club's premises instantly, may be banned from representing CRFC and may, in extreme cases, have their membership suspended or be expelled from the Club.
This policy is fully supported by the Executive Committee of CRFC whom, in the event of first instance of any dispute, shall act as sole arbiter. It reflects a clear recognition that drugs and alcohol are widely available and while the implementation of the policy will be based on trust and understanding, it is also meant to act as a positive and effective deterrent.
Simon Collyer-Bristow, Chairman CRFC. September 29th 2005