Level 0 Alcohol Management Policy
Special Functions (off-site)
This policy provides the basis for the responsible use of alcohol by the East Malvern Junior Football Club and is seen as fundamental to the aims of the club.
As a Level 0 club, we will not serve or consume alcohol on our premises and will not permit alcohol to be brought into the grounds during club games.
The club recognises that on occasions alcohol may be consumed at special functions held at and away from the club premises, and in doing so accepts the responsibilities and expectations of the community by ensuring this is done in a safe and responsible manner.
The following requirements will apply when alcohol is consumed during a club function, held at and away from the club premises.
Special Functions (off-site)
At least two committee members will be RSA trained, with at least one present when alcohol is consumed;The club will discourage excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol;
An incident register shall be maintained and any incident recorded.
Intoxicated Patrons
The Club will arrange with the function venue staff that:
- Drunk patrons will not be permitted to enter the premises;
- Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated or drunk;
- Drunk patrons will be asked to leave the premises (after appropriate safe transport options are offered).
The Club will arrange with the function venue staff that:
- 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 will ensure the following (where possible):
- Tap water is provided free of charge;
- At least four non-alcoholic drinks and one low-alcoholic drink option is always available and are at least 10% cheaper than full strength drinks;
- Food is available whenever alcohol is consumed;
- The club will avoid using alcohol for player awards and fundraising prizes.
Safe Transport
The Club has a (separate) Safe Transport Policy that is reviewed regularly in conjunction with this Alcohol Management Policy.
Smoke-Free
The Club has a (separate) 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, strictly 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 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-compliance 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 function.
Committee Policy Management
The presence of committee members is essential to ensure compliance with this policy. 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 incident register;
- Ensuring strict 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 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 recognises 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 Good Sports program with an ongoing priority to maintain Level 0 accreditation.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.
Executive Committee | East Malvern Junior Football Club