Purpose

This policy outlines our procedures for a balanced and responsible approach to the service, supply, consumption, and promotion of alcohol at club games, events, functions and other club-related activities. It represents our club’s commitment to its members, volunteers and visitors, acknowledging the role that sporting clubs play in building strong and healthy communities.

This policy will help to ensure our club:

• Meets its duty of care in relation to the health and safety of our members, volunteers and visitors who attend any club games, special events, functions, and other activities where alcohol may be consumed.
• Upholds the reputation of our club, sponsors and partners.
• Understands the risks associated with alcohol misuse and our role in minimising this risk.
• Complies with a valid liquor licence and associated terms and conditions where appropriate.

Alcohol

• Our club recognises, not all members drink alcohol, and is committed to promoting water, as consumption of healthy food and drink can contribute to health and well-being. .
• Excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol is not encouraged. 
• Our club will provide an opportunity for coaches, officials, members and volunteers to be educated about the risks and harms associated with alcohol.

Drugs

• Club provides an opportunity for coaches, officials, members and volunteers to be educated about illegal drugs through the Good Sports online illegal drugs learning module.

Education

• The club provides an opportunity for coaches, officials, members and volunteers to be educated about mental health in a club setting by accessing the Good Sports online mental health learning module. 
• Our club will promote services that are available to members to deal with drug/alcohol-related issues (e.g. local community health agencies, GPs). 

Leading by example

• When promoting events the club will adopt the practices of safe celebrations by:
• Not overemphasising the availability of alcohol 
• Not encouraging rapid or excessive drinking
• Giving equal reference to the availability of non-alcoholic drinks
• Displaying a clear start/finish time for the function
• Including a safe transport message, where possible. 

Our club recognises that driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is hazardous to individuals and the wider community. We ask all attendees at our functions to plan their transport requirements to travel home safely. 

• Our club will avoid providing awards that emphasise alcohol and as fundraising prizes. 
• Our club does not consume alcohol at junior games, events, functions or activities.
• Our club does not permit the drinking of alcohol in the club change-rooms when members of junior teams or people under the age of 18 are present, including underage players in senior teams. 
• Alcohol brands and products will not be advertised by the junior club or on junior apparel.
• Our club does not permit alcohol supply or consumption during junior events/presentations.
• Our club is committed to creating a safe, respectful and positive environment so players, officials, members and families can thrive. 

Parents, associate members or others who have agreed to abide by our club's Code of Conduct and policies, including this Policy, who have behaved inappropriately, may face disciplinary action.

Accordingly, all parents of junior players and visitors are required to:

• Respect the referee’s decisions – don’t complain/argue about decisions during or after a game
• Encourage players to play by the rules and respect opposition players and officials
• Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – respect their efforts
• Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators
• Understand that sport is part of a life experience, and the benefits of involvement go beyond the final score of a game
• Participate in positive cheering that encourages the players in the team you are supporting; not engage in any cheering that intimidates opponents, their fans or officials
• Remember that children participate for their own enjoyment, not yours
• Always follow the directions of the duty officials
• Never arrive at a game under the influence of alcohol.
• Whilst engaging in club activities, members, volunteers and visitors will not post images on social media of themselves or others drinking alcohol irresponsibly at club-related activities

To read the full Good Sports Policy, please download it here.