Australia tackles alcohol issues in football clubs

In a move to prevent alcoholrelated problems in community football clubs across the state, the Australian Drug Foundation has partnered with the State Government of Tasmania and AFL Tasmania to roll out their Good Sports programme as part of the Government’s new Sporting Club Alcohol Strategy.

The Australian Drug Foundation says that alcohol remains one of the major causes of preventable death and illness in Tasmania, and with growing evidence of a link between risky drinking and sports clubs, it is hoped that programmes like Good Sports go a long way to protecting the community from the harms around alcohol, as well as helping to create enjoyable places for families and young people to socialize.

An initiative of the Australian Drug Foundation, the Good Sports program helps clubs implement alcohol management strategies such as removing the focus on alcohol in fundraisers and club events, providing safe transport options for members and ensuring bar staff are Responsible Service of Alcohol trained.

This is particularly important in Tasmania because

• alcohol is a factor in 25% of fatal crashes across the state;

• Tasmania has the highest proportion of young people who drink alcohol at risky or high risk levels (19.8%), well above the Australian proportion of 15.3%, and

• more than one in ten Tasmanians currently drink alcohol at levels that put them at greater risk of long term harms, such as liver cirrhosis or cancer.

“Sports clubs are the hub of most Australian communities and provide a better way to change the way people think about drinking, and we are pleased to be able to offer assistance to clubs in making positive changes around their drinking culture” said Jane Crosswell, State Manager Tasmania, Australian Drug Foundation.

Evidence shows that Good Sports helps reduce risky drinking and increase the club’s viability through new memberships and increased sponsorship. On average Good Sports clubs are increasing female numbers by 11% and growing their nonplayer membership by 17%.

The number of Good Sports clubs has grown by thirty percent in the last year with more than 4000 local sporting clubs around the nation currently working to develop safer and healthier communities through the responsible management of alcohol.

For more information on Good Sports or to get involved please contact Jane Crosswell, State Manager, Australian Drug Foundation on 0419 535 993 or visit www.goodsports.com.au