Alcohol and sport are inherently linked in Australia. From local club celebrations to nation-wide sporting events, there is little doubt that we like to celebrate our team’s victories with a beverage.
Leading up to what some call the ‘silly season’, it’s important your club has the right measures in place to ensure events don’t get out of hand and affect members’ safety and the club’s reputation.
Tips for fun and safe Christmas celebrations
When organising a club event, it’s important to plan ahead and identify all possible risks.
- Clearly communicate what the club considers unacceptable behaviour, and the consequences
- Ensure no one under 18 years of age is drinking alcohol
- Encourage the use of safe transport options
- Make sure plenty of water and food is available whenever alcohol is served
As the weather gets warmer, there are additional risks to think about, particularly dehydration and heat stroke. Alcohol causes water to leave the body faster, so ensuring you re-hydrate is essential, particularly on hot days.
The Christmas party season is also a good opportunity for clubs to look at their drinking habits. Local sporting clubs can have a huge influence on the role alcohol plays in the community. Good Sports is a free national program run by the Australian Drug Foundation which aims to assist clubs to provide a safer and more family-friendly environment by focusing less on alcohol consumption.
What is Good Sports?
Good Sports works to create long-term, sustainable change by enabling sporting clubs to change their systems and practices around the responsible serving of alcohol. Through a three level accreditation process, this program aims to:
• Reduce risky drinking
• Reduce alcohol-related problems such as drink driving
• Increase club viability and influence the community
How can Good Sports benefit your club?
By providing a safe and supportive atmosphere, Good Sports helps attract more members, players and general community to the club. Clubs that are a part of the program have become more attractive to sponsors and experienced improved relationships with community organisations and police.
To make sure you have the greatest possible chance of success in 2011 and to get your club Christmas-ready, contact your local Good Sports Project Officer by calling 1300 883 817.
This information is provided by Good Sports, a national program run by the Australian Drug Foundation. For more information on the program and the benefits for your club visit www.goodsports.com.au or call 1300 883 817.
