Changing the culture of alcohol in Queensland sports clubs

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Changing the culture of alcohol in Queensland
sports clubs
www.goodsports.com.au
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Setting the Scene

• Tevita Latu, Neville Costigan Brett Seymour
  sacked from sports clubs for unruly behaviour
  associated with alcohol
• Abuse of officials at junior sports fixtures
• Ben Cousins - DD and drunk disorderly charges
• Nearly two-thirds of NRL players believe there is
  a culture of binge drinking poll conducted by
  RLW 2006
• ANZAC Day 2006 Collingwood .v.Essendon 60 of
  more than 40 randomly tested adults returned
  results of .05 or over. 25 said they intended to
  drive home

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Setting the Scene

• 4 sexual assaults were linked to excessive
  drinking at inner-northern sports clubs in
  Victoria Melbourne Times, 21 June 2006
• Brisbane AFL club fined for providing the U/16
  team player of the match with a slab of beer
• 8 young sportsmen have been in Brisbanes higher
  courts on charges ranging from assault to
  manslaughter. Represented numerous sports
  rugby, swimming, soccer, rugby league.
• Sport and alcohol are traditionally linked
  culture!

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Australian Drug Foundation

• Good Sports Program is an initiative of the ADF
• Non-government/not for profit organisation
• Our role is partnering various communities
  organisations to prevent reduce alcohol drug
  problems in society (clubs, SSOs, government,
  private enterprise)
• Queensland Partners

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ADF Evidence Clubs surveyed across Australia

• 7 drank 13 or more SDs each time they visited a
  
• sports club
• 13 of those people were U/20 years of age
• 32 drank at the club 3-4 times per week
• 83 travel to from the club by car, as the
  driver
• 30 of 13 17 yr olds drink in clubs

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Good Sports Program Objectives

• Encourage sports clubs to be safer and healthier
  places
• Reduce alcohol related problems
• Change the behaviour/attitude of club members
  not about drying up clubs!
• Emphasis on sport and not drinking

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Size and Scope of Good Sports
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How Good Sports Works

• Accreditation Model
• Level 1 Licensing Compliance
• Level 2 Practices and Procedures
• Level 3 Alcohol Management Policy
• Up to 5 years to complete 3 levels of program

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Benefits for Clubs

• Reducing alcohol related problems
• Improving image parents, members visitors,
  liquor licensing, police, local council,
  sponsors, local community
• Growth in memberships (juniors, women)
• Reducing risk of liability/addressing duty of
  care
• Generating new revenue streams
• The program is free

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How Do Clubs Register?

• Complete a Brochure
• Online at www.goodsports.com.au
• Contact State Office Ph [phone]
• Process is
• Good Sports staff will contact the club
• Organise time to attend committee meeting
• Our role to support and assist you through the
  accreditation levels of the program

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Conclusion

• Simple and innovative program
• Volunteer education clubs and volunteers need
  support resources
• Creating safer, friendly and family environments
  about a clubs reputation
• Addresses risk management
• Alcohol related incidents are occurring at local
  sports clubs cannot and should not be ignored!

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Good Sports Staff

• Project Officers are currently located in
• Brisbane, Toowoomba and Roma
• Project Officers to be recruited in 2007
• Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Central West, Hervey
  Bay, Rockhampton or Whitsundays

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Testimonials

• Clubs have a tremendous responsibility today and
  I think parents expect that, when their young
  daughter or son goes to a club, it is going to be
  a responsible one. The way a club manages the
  social part of the club, is just as important as
  the on-field performance.
• Bill Lawry, former Australian Cricket Captain
• Following a review of the management of all
  aspects of our club over recent years, including
  alcohol management practises, the clubs overall
  membership has increased by 30. Of most
  importance has been the increased standing of the
  club in both the local and football communities.
  
• Peter Quigley, President, Yinnar Football and
  Netball Club, Victoria

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Contact DetailsKerry
McAllisterQueensland ManagerGood Sports (07)
3224 7195Email kerry_at_adf.org.auwww.goodsports.
com.au