Position
The department requires State Sporting Associations (SSAs) and
community sporting clubs to responsibly manage and reduce the risks
associated with the consumption of alcohol in the sport and recreation
setting.
The department recognises the vulnerability of young people, less
than 18 years of age, to alcohol-caused harm and advocates measures that
lessen the risk, such as:
- No consumption of alcohol at junior sports;
- Not overtly promoting alcohol in venues where young people participate;
- Educating youth as to the risks of alcohol to health and performance; and
- Practicing the legal requirements for the responsible service of alcohol.
The department opposes the direct targeting of young people in the marketing of alcohol products.
Purpose
Sports and sports clubs present many physical, mental, and emotional
benefits to participants. They are also sources of social capital, which
have been proven to be an agent for positive change in an individual’s
life and outlook. In the vast majority of our grassroots, community
sports clubs, alcohol is either not present or managed responsibly when
it is.
The department recognises the potential harm caused by the inappropriate
supply and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the sport and
recreation setting. The department advocates the responsible service and
consumption of alcohol and seeks cultural change in clubs that do not
demonstrate that discipline.
Key principles
- Facilitating physical activity and participation through sport and recreation is the primary objective of the department.
- Community attitudes are positively influenced by working through sports clubs and associations.
- Real community change will only occur through the engagement of all stakeholders in true partnership.
- Children are protected.
- Adults are informed and encouraged to adopt safe practices.
- Compliance with the law is fundamental.
- Sport and recreation organisations encourage safe practices.
Implementation
Philosophy
The department advocates a behaviour change approach to implement an
alcohol-caused harm minimisation strategy driven through Western
Australia’s sporting networks.
There is no single sports culture. The department supports over 90
sporting codes; each code and each club within it is unique. The club is
a complex and diverse social eco-system that cannot be reduced to a
single stereotype. Tackling irresponsible consumption of alcohol — wherever it may be — with more highly targeted and customised policies
and programs is required.
The department supports the following positions:
- Alcohol consumption is likely to be detrimental to sporting performance;
- Alcohol consumption after exercise can lead to poor recovery and slow repair of injuries;
- Alcohol is served and consumed within sporting clubs in full compliance with the Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA); and
- Alcohol is promoted responsibly within sporting clubs.
Legislation
The Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA) regulates the sale, supply
and consumption of liquor with the express purpose of minimising harm or
ill-health caused to people due to the consumption of alcohol.
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
representatives deliver Liquor Licence Refresher workshops across the
State where identified as a need by the sport and recreation network.
References
- WA Sports Federation; Changing Attitudes to Alcohol through Sport.
Contacts
Senior Policy Officer
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries — Sport and Recreation
Telephone 61 8 6552 7300
Endorsed
May 2017
Review
March 2018