Drug and Alcohol Policy

July 2025

PNRRS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the use of alcohol or drugs during matches and tournaments. This policy exists to:

  • Protect the safety and well-being of match officials and participants,

  • Limit legal and reputational liability for PNRRS, and

  • Uphold the professionalism expected of our referees.

This policy applies to all controlled substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and non-prescribed and illegal drugs.

Policy Guidelines

All PNRRS match officials must adhere to the following rules:

  1. No alcohol or drug use within 12 hours of officiating

    • Match officials may not consume alcohol, marijuana, or other impairing substances within 12 hours of the scheduled start time of any match or tournament they are assigned to officiate.

  2. No alcohol or drug use between matches at a tournament

    • Match officials must remain drug- and alcohol-free throughout the duration of a tournament until they have completed all their assigned matches for the day.

  3. Post-assignment alcohol and drug use

    • Match officials may consume alcohol or legally permitted substances (such as marijuana where local laws allow) only after completing all officiating duties for the day. However:

      • Officials who begin drinking or using legal drugs must move away from the referee tent to avoid the appearance of being on duty and to maintain the professionalism of the referee area.  

      • Once a referee begins drinking or using any such substance, they are considered off duty and may not be reassigned to any further roles that day (including AR, in-goal, etc.).

      • Where practical, officials should change out of their referee attire to clearly signal they are no longer available for assignments.

  4. Referee tent restrictions

    • No alcohol or drug use is permitted in the referee tent before or during matches or tournaments, including by non-officials (e.g., friends, supporters).

    • No visible alcohol or drug containers, paraphernalia, or packaging are allowed in or around the referee tent during match hours.

    • Officials may bring alcohol or legal drugs for post-event use, but it must be kept out of sight (e.g., in a personal bag) and not stored in communal areas such as coolers.

  5. Violations and consequences

    • Any match official who:

      • Appears intoxicated or impaired, or

      • Violates this drug and alcohol policy

      will be removed from all remaining assignments for the day. The official will also forfeit match fees for that event and may face further disciplinary action by the PNRRS Board, including suspension from future matches or tournaments.