DON’T GO MAD ON MONDAY
As the season wraps up for another year for the majority of VCFL clubs over the next few weeks, the desire to ‘celebrate’ the season is often high on the priority list for players and volunteers.
Mad Monday is a fixture of the community sports calendar just like it is with the AFL boys.
While we recognise that it is important for your players and volunteers to celebrate the hard work you have put in together all year, it is critical that you don’t let all your team rules go out the window with a binge drinking session that has the risk of going sour.
It is clearly documented that risky behavior is heightened with excessive use of alcohol.
There is an increased risk of violence and assault; increased potential of risky behavior like swimming or driving while under the influence; and the risk that the clubs reputation is hurt if someone damages themselves or property while ‘celebrating’ too hard.
There have been too many hours of hard work this year for it all to go down the drain with the actions of a minority under the influence of alcohol and peer pressure.
The Australian Drug Foundation, through the Good Sports Program, encourages clubs to think about Mad Monday and set some ground rules before it comes around. The President and the team leaders play an important role in setting the boundaries and standards for Mad Monday – just as you set the ground rules for club culture on the field of play.
Let’s have a look at team rules and how they apply to Mad Monday:
Instructive Voice
Make it clear to the participants what your expectations are and what behaviours will be tolerated. Absolutely, have a good time and enjoy everyone’s company – but do it in a manner that is respectful of everyone involved and also to those in the wider community.
Talk about the risks that come with drinking – none of us make good decisions when we are drunk, and we need to look after our mates.
Don’t sit back in silence. Use your voice to get to the goal – having a good time and celebrating another season just gone.
Numbers to the Ball
It is important to support each other on Mad Monday just like you do on the field.
Stick together as a group so that no-one gets left behind to fend for themselves, or no-one goes against the team rules. If you need to, set up a buddy system and clearly identify those that are designated non drinkers who can assist.
Again, you want to know that your mate is going to be there in support of you, and that he will help you make the right decision. An ‘all-in’ culture will also assist when the need to move venues, to finish, or to clear out of a public space is required.
The 1%’ers
Preparation and the 1%ers are also important when it comes to Mad Monday.
Make sure there is plenty of food before and during the event. Schedule times for the group to sit down for a meal, or make sure that finger food is circulated during the event.
Keep drinking water. Drinking alcohol quickly dehydrates your system, and alternating an alcoholic drink with a water during the day will help with the way you feel now and tomorrow – it will also reduce the total amount of drinks you have during the day.
Keep yourself busy – play a few games of pool, have a dance, and get around the room for conversations. Don’t get sucked into shouts – drink at your own pace. Know your own limits.
Leadership
Leadership does not stop on the field. It is more important than ever that the club leaders play a role in monitoring the behavior of the group, and setting the standard on Mad Monday. You have no issue reminding a player of their responsibilities on the field and the team rules - pull up any blokes that are straying from the group on the grog and set them straight.
What will the group think if you are out of control, or passed out on the floor? Does this give them licence to imitate your behavior?
Respect
Probably the most important word for Mad Monday is RESPECT.
Not everyone in the community will share your sentiment that you deserve to ‘have a big one’ at the end of the season – to them it will represent all that is bad about football culture.
Give them no reason to make a complaint or feel aggrieved by your behavior (best to celebrate out of the public eye in the clubrooms or ‘closed function’ if possible).
Give them every reason to respect the way you carry yourselves as a bunch of players and officials who are proud of themselves and respect community values.
The Rules of the Game
It is against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to be drinking alcohol.
Don’t let anyone who has been drinking to drive anywhere, anytime.
Last Modified on 22/08/2012 13:22