10. Alcohol and Drugs

10.1 No person (including spectators) without the prior consent of Melbourne Netball, may consume, possess or use alcohol or illicit drugs on any premises where a Melbourne Netball game is or will be conducted.

10.2 All players have a duty of care to other players. No player is permitted to take the court while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

10.3 If in the opinion of the umpire a player is affected by an intoxicating liquor or drug (whether legal or illegal), having regard to the safety of that player or other players in the court, the umpire has absolute discretion to remove such a player from the court. Any such player removed shall take no further part in the game.

10.4 Umpires have an absolute discretion to approach any player which in the opinion of an umpire may be affected by alcohol or drugs, and question such a player as to whether or not he/she has consumed alcohol or drugs or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Should such a player refuse to answer the questions of an umpire or provide inadequate responses, an umpire has the discretion to remove such a player from the court. Any such player removed shall take no further part in the game.

10.5 Should a player or players from either team have concern as to another player being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the only procedure permitted to raise such a query or concern is as follows: the captain or acting captain of either team is permitted to approach the umpire(s) in a discreet manner and in confidence, so as not to unnecessarily embarrass or offend any other player. The umpire may deal with the query in the manner in which he/she thinks fit and at his or her absolute discretion.