Policy #8 - Impairment - Effective 2023-10-12

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to articulate how Timmins Ringette will address situations of impairment or potential impairment of a member, while actively participating in a Timmins Ringette Association activity, from that member’s use of legal or illegal drugs or substances, alcohol, or prescription medication.

This Policy also describes how and when the Timmins Ringette Association will make accommodations for members who require the use of prescription medication that may cause impairment or who have a diagnosed substance dependency on any legal or illegal drug or substance, alcohol, or prescription medication which may or may not cause impairment.

PROCEDURE

Signs of Impairment

The following are signs of impairment, they include but are not limited to:

• Personality changes or erratic behavior (e.g., increased personal conflicts, over-reaction to criticism);

• Nervousness, sleepiness, poor memory, overly talkative, fatigued;

• Working in an unsafe manner;

• Altered appearance (e.g., odor of drugs or alcohol, glassy or red eyes, sweating, unsteady gait, slurring, poor coordination or balance);

• Slurred speech, rambling, confused;

• Citations for driving under the influence, or tickets or arrests for other criminal acts; or

• Consistent lateness, absenteeism, or reduced productivity or quality of work.

Disclosing

• A member who has a medical prescription for a drug that may cause impairment may be accommodated by the Timmins Ringette Association.

• A member who discloses a diagnosed substance dependency to Timmins Ringette Association will be treated with compassion and respect and may be accommodated.

• The Timmins Ringette Association is aware that not all individuals will disclose a diagnosed substance dependency. Should an individual display signs of impairment, but not have or admit to a diagnosed substance dependency, Timmins Ringette Association will outline potential consequences of the individual’s behavior.

Sanctions

The Timmins Ringette Association will apply sanctions in the following circumstances:

• When a member is impaired while actively participating in any Ringette activity, or
• When a member’s impairment violates any one of the Ringette Ontario codes noted below.

In either of the above circumstances, the member shall immediately be removed from the area of the Timmins Ringette Activity and the instance will be reported to the Executive Committee within 24-hours of the occurrence.

The Executive Committee will investigate the instance and may impose additional sanctions including but not limited to:

• The provisions of TRA OPerational Policy #9 - Progressive Discipline

• Additional sanctions as deemed appropriate

• Habitual offenders may be suspended for a maximum of five years from the date of the last occurrence

DOCUMENTS

• Ringette Ontario Code of Conduct And Ethics

• Ringette Ontario Coaches Code of Conduct

• Ringette Ontario Officials Code of Conduct

• TRA Operational Policy #9 - Progressive Discipline