Sacred Heart/ St. Andrews Tennis Club acknowledges there is strong scientific evidence that passive smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes is hazardous to health. Non-smoking/vaping/e-cigarette club members and visitors have the right to be protected from exposure to tobacco smoke and vaping smoke. Following the New Victorian tobacco reforms that commenced on 1 August 2017 smoking is not permitted within 10 metres of any sporting venue where there is organised sport for children under the age of 18. January 1st, 2024, Vaping/e-cigarettes are not permitted at sporting venues.

In accordance with its legal obligations to protect the health and safety of those who visit the Sacred Heart/ St. Andrews Tennis Club the following Smoke, Vape and E-cigarette free environment policy has been developed. This policy applies to all club facilities, the car park, functions, meetings, and activities undertaken by the club and will apply to all members, officials, players and club visitors.

Facilities

All club facilities are to be completely smoke, vape, e-cigarette free and shall include:

• The Clubhouse inclusive of kitchen, bar and meeting area. 
• External toilets and showers
• Tennis Court enclosure and surrounding area

Players, volunteers and visitors

Players, volunteers and visitors will refrain from smoking and remain smoke, vape and e-cigarette free while involved in any official junior or senior capacity for the club, on and off the courts.

Functions

All club functions including social, fund-raising events and meetings are to be completely smoke, vape and e-cigarette free.

Non-compliance

All club committee members will enforce the Smoke, Vape and E-cigarette Free Environment Policy and any non-compliance will be handled according to the following:

• Explanation of the club policy to the person/people concerned. 
• Continued non-compliance with the policy should be handled by at least two committee members who will use their discretion as to the action taken, which may include asking the person/ people to leave the club facilities or function

Policy Promotion

The club will promote the Smoke, Vape and E-cigarette Free Environment Policy regularly by:

• Publishing a copy of the policy in club newsletters, notice boards and printed member/player information
• Displaying a copy of the policy in the clubhouse
• Periodic announcements to members at functions

The club recognises the importance of educating club members, particularly players and the benefits of implementing a smoke free policy and will endeavour to provide information to assist this process.

The club will actively participate in the Australian Drug Foundation Good Sports program with an ongoing priority to maintain Good Sports accreditation.  
 

Policy Review

Our club abides by this policy and remains a smoke free venue. 

To ensure this policy remains relevant to club operations and reflects community expectations the policy will be reviewed annually.

Reviewed Feb 2024

Sacred Heart/St Andrews Tennis Club Committee