Implementing a sporting club alcohol policy has the potential
to reduce binge drinking and underage drinking and lead to a
lower incidence of offences, such as drink driving, violence
and assault. It can also reduce the risk of potential liability
by upholding ‘duty-of-care’ with respect to the
safety of players, members and supporters.
A sports club alcohol policy should cover such issues as:
training of bar staff in the responsible service of alcohol
dealing with minors and intoxicated people
the sale and promotion of alcohol
food and its promotion
low-alcohol and alcohol-free drink alternatives
safe transport options
disciplinary procedures for all situations in which alcohol
may be a factor.
Once a sporting club alcohol policy has been developed, it
is important to promote the policy widely so that players
and supporters know what is acceptable and what is not. This
can be done by including the policy in the sports club newsletter,
on sporting contracts and on club membership forms.
Examples of strategies that can be implemented in sporting
clubs to reduce alcohol-related harm could include:
after a game, to quench the player’s initial thirst,
promote the consumption of water and non alcoholic drinks
display posters on noticeboards, in the sporting club and
around the bar, promoting responsible alcohol consumption
and the law regarding responsible alcohol consumption
discount low-alcoholic drinks, promote non-alcoholic drinks
and provide free water
include articles relating to the effects of alcohol on
sporting performance, effects of alcohol on the body, planning
tips on how to avoid binge drinking before a heavy drinking
session or how to slow down alcohol consumption during a potential
heavy drinking session in the sports club newsletter
apply for a Healthway Healthy Club Sponsorship to receive
a maximum of $7000 over two years. The main purpose of these
sponsorships is to encourage licensed sport and recreation
clubs to become totally smoke-free and increase responsible
alcohol servicing practices.
If you would like further information on how to develop a
sporting club alcohol policy contact the: Australian Drug Foundation - Good Sports Program (GSAP)
The Good Sports Program is a partnership between the Australian
Drug Foundation (ADF), state, regional and local sports bodies,
and the government sector to develop a safer and healthier
Australian community. The Good Sports Accreditation Program
(GSAP) helps sporting clubs manage alcohol responsibly.
Healthway
- Healthy Club Sponsorship
The Healthy Club Sponsorship Program provides an incentive
for sporting clubs to identify and address a range of issues
that have the potential to improve the health and safety of
their members and supporters.
Sports Medicine Australia
Sports Medicine Australia is responsible for creating a safe
playing field in which all Australians can actively and freely
participate.
