Alcohol Management Policy

Rationale

There are many good reasons why alcohol and sport don’t mix. Alcohol can affect not just sporting performance but also recovery afterwards. Drinking alcohol can affect reaction times, speed, rehydration and can delay healing after an injury. Alcohol use can lead to risk taking, unsafe, unacceptable and/or illegal behaviour.

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Relevance

Where appropriate, this policy applies to all members, players, coaches, staff, officials, administrators, parents, supporters, spectators and visitors.

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Purpose

This policy provides guidelines on our intentions and actions for a balanced and responsible approach to the service, supply, consumption and promotion of alcohol. It represents our commitment to our legal requirements, duty of care obligations and ethical stance in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all those associated with our club.

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Principles

• To meet our 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.

• To understands the risks associated with alcohol consumption and our role in minimising this risk.

• To uphold the reputation of our club, our sponsors and partners.

• To comply, and exceed where practicable, all applicable legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

• To continually strive to improve our Alcohol Management performance.

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Measures & Actions

• Whilst engaging in club activities, members, volunteers and visitors:

- Will accept responsibility for their own behaviour, and take a responsible approach and use good judgment when alcohol is available

- Will encourage and assist others to use good judgment when alcohol is available
- Will not compete, train, coach or officiate if affected by alcohol
- Will not provide, encourage or allow people aged under 18 years to consume alcohol
- Will not participate, pressure anyone or encourage excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol (including drinking competitions)
- Will not provide alcohol only as an award to a player or official for any reason
- Will not post images on social media of themselves or others drinking alcohol irresponsibly at club-related activities.​

• Our club recognises that driving under the influence of alcohol is hazardous to individuals and the wider community. Accordingly, we ask that all attendees at our functions plan their transport requirements to ensure they arrive home safely and prevent driving under the influence of alcohol.

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Implementation​

A risk management approach will be taken in planning events and activities involving the sale, supply or consumption of alcohol. Such events and activities will be conducted and managed in a manner consistent with liquor licensing legislation and this policy. 

• Our club recognises that not all members drink alcohol, and is committed to promoting water as the drink of choice, as consumption of healthy food and drink can contribute to good health and well-being and also supports good performance on the court.

• Excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol is not encouraged. This means we do not conduct drinking competitions.

• Our club will encourage safe celebrations and events by not conducting 'all you can drink' functions.

• Our club will encourage safe celebrations and events by not providing alcohol-only drink vouchers for functions.

• Club committee members will uphold this policy and any non-compliance, particularly in regard to Licencing Laws, will be handled according to the following process:

- Explanation of the policy to the person/people concerned, including identification of the section of policy not being complied with
- 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 facilities or function.

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Leadership & Education​

• Our club will:

- Ensure this policy is easily accessible and will promote it via our website

- Educate members, volunteers and visitors about our policy and the benefits of having such a policy

- Pursue non-alcohol sponsorship and revenue sources
- Actively demonstrate its attitude relating to the responsible use of alcohol and promote positive messages through its social media platforms

• Whilst engaging in club activities, members, volunteers and visitors will not compete, train, coach or officiate if affected by alcohol.

•  When promoting events the club will adopt the practices of safe celebrations by:

- Not overemphasising the availability of alcohol or referring to the amount of alcohol available
- Not encouraging rapid drinking or excessive drinking
- Giving equal reference to the availability of non-alcoholic drinks

- Displaying a clear start and finish time for the function

- Including a safe transport message, where possible and relevant.​

• Our club will avoid providing awards (e.g. at end of season presentations) and fundraising prizes that have an emphasis on alcohol as a reward.

• Our club does not advertise, promote, serve or consume alcohol at junior games, events, functions or activities.

• Ensure that all administrators and staff are fully aware of our Alcohol Management Policy and are committed to implementing and improving it.

• Ensure that all members and users are fully aware of our Alcohol Management Policy and are encouraged to implement and improve it.

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Status & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects both community expectations and legal requirements.​

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