What is the Good Sports Program?
The Good Sports program is an initiative of the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) to develop safer and healthier communities. The program helps sporting clubs manage alcohol responsibly and reduce alcohol related problems such as binge and underage drinking.
Alcohol and sport are historically closely linked in Australia. Most major sporting competitions and teams promote and advertise alcohol consumption and many sports clubs have a tradition of heavy drinking. A large number of clubs depend on revenue from alcohol to finance club activities.
Displaying the Good Sports logo sends an important message to club members and the community. This confirms that the club promotes a responsible attitude towards alcohol and that it provides a safe environment for players, members, families and supporters.
How does the program work?
The key strategy of Good Sports is the accreditation program. The three level accreditation criteria consist of a set of alcohol management standards for clubs that serve and consume alcohol.
- Level 1 - Liquor license, bar management (RSA training), smoke-free.
- Level 2 - Maintenance of Level 1, enhance bar management (RSA training etc.), food and drink options (low and non-alcoholic), safe transport policy, diverse revenue generation.
- Level 3 - Maintenance of Level 1 & 2, alcohol management policy.
For these levels, the club must promote their involvement in the program to their members.
If a club does not serve or consume alcohol they may apply for Level 0.
- Level 0 - Alcohol-free facilities, Smoke-free, diverse revenue generation, Promotion (Good Sports Program), Safe transport policy, Alcohol management policy.