Sign in
Sign in
Contact

Responsible Use of Alcohol

Alcohol is consumed responsibly by thousands of Australians with some individuals choosing to do so while relaxing, celebrating or just simply enjoying the company of others. In sport, alcohol consumption occurs across many settings including club rooms, recreation facilities, stadiums and sporting grounds. Alcohol is commonly available at most major and local sporting events, functions, fundraisers, competitions, matches, training sessions, as well as other sporting activities.

Although alcohol is consumed by many people in an enjoyable and responsible manner, it can also present a range of associated risks if not consumed at a safe level. Excessive alcohol use contributes significantly to

the burden of disease in Australia and is associated with some chronic diseases, injury and premature death.

During 2011 to 2015, Victoria’s nine Regional Sporting Assemblies supported over 250 rural and regional community sporting clubs to provide an environment that supports and encourages the responsible use of alcohol, as part of the VicHealth Healthy Sporting Environments Program. This program supported clubs to implement practical actions, through a range of resources and examples from within sport.

“Sport generates exposure to healthy behaviours” (Healthy Sporting Environments evaluation).

Currently VicHealth continues to work with Victorians to prevent harm from alcohol consumption, in line with the VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion: 2019 update. The prevention of harm from alcohol is a key area within the Action Agenda which includes a three-year priority for “80,000 more people and environments that support effective reduction in harmful alcohol” and 10 year goal that “200,000 more Victorians drink less alcohol.” 

Linking with the Action Agenda is the VicHealth Alcohol Strategy 2019-23 which includes a three-year plan to de-normalise unhealthy drinking culture, reduce harm within vulnerable groups and increase policy.

With the support from Vicsport, VicHealth are continuing to assist organisations throughout Victoria to provide clubs with tailored advice, tools and resources needed to create sporting environments that promote the responsible use of alcohol. This online website aims to support actions to aid in protecting the health and safety of players, volunteers, spectators and community from risk factors associated with alcohol consumption.

Much of the information and guidance within this resource is based on the Good Sports program, which is backed by evidence-based research. Good Sports is a key provider of resources and external support offering an accreditation program on responsible alcohol consumption during the VicHealth Healthy Sporting Environments program.Across Australia, Good Sports has worked with over 800 clubs to create positive changes within clubs by creating a healthier club culture.

“Many clubs are already compliant and practicing responsible management of alcohol through Good Sports. It helps to put systems in place to reduce alcohol related problems, provide clubs with tools/ resource” (Healthy Sporting Environments evaluation)

Click here to become a Good Sports club and start promoting the responsible use of alcohol in your sport!

The following links provide further resources on alcohol management and prevention.

Department of Health: National Drug Strategy 2017-2026

Australian Guidelines to reduce health risks from Drinking Alcohol

Every year in Australia alcohol consumption results in 29,694 in-patient hospitalisations, 8,349 emergency admissions, 13,000 people seeking treatment for alcohol problems and 728 alcohol-related deaths (Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, 2015).

Sporting organisations can provide an environment that supports the responsible use of alcohol and encourage responsible drinking, as well as promoting a greater awareness around the risk of excessive alcohol consumption. Sporting organisations can work towards implementing strategies within their clubs that ensures the best measures are taken to provide a healthy, safe and welcoming environment that encourages the Responsible Use of Alcohol across all sport settings.

Sporting organisations that serve alcohol must be aware of the associated risk factors of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant drug and when consumed will affect a person’s brain and central nervous system. Adverse effects of alcohol consumption can include:

  • Hangovers
  • Reduced coordination, concentration and reflexes
  • Dehydration
  • Reduced stamina and performance
  • Reduced recovery from sporting injuries
  • Undesirable actions including risky behaviour, violence, and aggression

In the long term it can also affect:

  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Personal/social life

GOOD SPORTS FACT-SHEET: ALCOHOL AND THE EFFECTS

Aside from the associated health implications for individuals who consume alcohol, sporting organisations should also consider other key factors to ensure the responsible service of alcohol, including:

  • Adherence to legislative requirements
  • Creating family friendly environments
  • Improving club culture/reputation
  • Demonstrating leadership around responsible alcohol consumption within the community
  • Ensuring the safety of all

“Responsible alcohol consumption and the removed focus of a drinking culture in sport can help to provide family friendly environments” (Heathy Sporting Environments evaluation).

The Good Sports program supports and inspires community sporting clubs to set up a better environment for players, volunteers, supporters and officials, helping tackle tricky topics such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.

It involves over 11,000 Australian clubs across more than 100 sporting codes, reaching millions of people. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has been running the program for two decades.

The program takes the guesswork out of complying with legal requirements, such as liquor licensing and smoking regulations, and helps clubs meet their duty of care to members.

Get support with:

  • liquor licensing obligations
  • alcohol management strategies
  • Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training for bar
  • smoking and vaping management
  • mental health support for members
  • illegal drugs management
  • creating a safer environment for juniors
  • safe transport practices
  • and more.

Why it matters

Local sporting clubs look after their members’ wellbeing, both on and off the field.

For over 20 years, the program has worked with a variety of clubs; from those with a liquor license, those where alcohol is only consumed occasionally, to clubs that are completely alcohol and smoke-free.

The results speak for themselves. Studies show that Good Sports clubs experience a:

  • 42% in alcohol-related incidents
  • 37% decrease in risky drinking.

Find out more about Good Sports.