Bermuda Football Association (BFA) have vowed to clamp down on escalating violence, drug use and other anti-social behaviour at club venues, according to a draft of their revised Strategic Plan that has been obtained by The Royal Gazette.

For years illicit drug use and other criminal activity have run rampant at local football matches "making football increasingly unsafe for players and fans while rendering some of the top talent ineligible for competition," according to the plan outlined by the governing body.

But by mobilising their own resources, the BFA hope to create a "safe and secure" and drug-free environment for players, officials and spectators alike at all football-related activities to prevent disturbing scenes such as those witnessed during the ill-fated 2004 Friendship Trophy final at Wellington Oval where rival gangs clashed on the pitch.

The BFA's Security and Safety Committee are ready to create a standardised set of regulations based on the principles of "universality and solidarity" that are to be "adopted and applied" to all BFA members equally.

Through a collaborative process, the BFA hope the regulations will gain the unanimous support via a show of solidarity among all stakeholders, agreeing that playing football in a safe and secure environment is critical to rebuilding the competitiveness.

The Security and Safety Committee plan to concentrate their emphasis on four key elements (Deterrence, Detection, Intervention and Consequence) in the development of their body of work and work hand-in-hand with Government, Police and Emergency Personnel.

Among the BFA's most pressing concerns are, according to their draft plan:

n Players involved in anti-social behaviour which has resulted in the inability of these same players being able to move freely between club venues island-wide.

n Team fan base in youth football linked with established gang group in their area.

n Weapons and drugs entering the grounds concealed on people and in vehicles.

n Weapons and drugs stashed in hiding places hours/days before a football match.

n Prevalent drug use at club grounds at any given time, day or night.

n Inadequate club facilities to properly address safety and security concerns.

n Clubs failure to scrutinise the players and members that join their organisation.

Additionally, the BFA have proposed to establish a database of all known troublemakers, conduct more thorough background checks on coaches and team administrators as well as subject all players, coaches and administrators to random drug testing.

The association are also keen to see the implementation of a "comprehensive" safety and security policy moving forward as well as coordinating the installation of CCTV and other essential safety/security-related apparatus and provide any required training of club personnel to operate the equipment.

Since coming into office last September, BFA president Richard Calderon and his administration have been tasked with revising the association's manifesto to help raise local standards as well as implementing guidelines on how local football's governing body should function for the next four years.

As part of ongoing reforms, the BFA's Technical, Education Youth and Women's Committees have amalgamated to form what is now to be referred to as the Player Development Committee, headed up by ex-Technical Committee chairman Mark Trott.

"As part of the restructure, the Education Committee along with several others will cease to exist as a stand alone committee. The work previously done under the Education Committee will be absorbed under the Player Development Committee. This committee will also include the work previously handled under the Women's Committee, Youth Committee and the Technical Committees," Calderon explained.

The BFA's newly drafted Strategic Plan was ratified by affiliates at a recently held special meeting.