Cricket club receives alcohol accreditation
Woy Woy Cricket Club has received the next level of accreditation in the Good Sports program that aims to promote the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol at sporting events.
The Peninsula club is among 45 Central Coast clubs to have joined the Australian Drug Foundation program to reduce problems associated with alcohol consumption.
The club has already obtained its first level of accreditation.
"As a liquor licence holding club, we understood the need to introduce an alcohol awareness program to encourage a safe environment for all players, families and supporters especially given the number of junior players in our senior teams," club secretary Mr David Gemmell said.
"Good Sports provides a set of guidelines and requirements that we must meet to ensure our accreditation is maintained.
"These requirements, while numerous, are easy to implement and manage if you are aware of them and range from ensuring people serving alcohol have their RSA licence (and RSA licence holders are displayed), to ensuring that food and free water is provided, and that an up to date incident register is maintained."
Mr Gemmell said he would encourage other Peninsula sporting clubs not already implementing the Good Sports program to get involved.
"The benefits it has provided our club through increased participation by juniors and families is extremely encouraging," Mr Gemmell said.
"The introduction of the Good Sports program within the club has seen the number of people attending our matches and after match functions increase, especially the number of juniors and families attending.
"At the same time we have not had an incident involving alcohol for the past three seasons which is a good reflection that the program does work.
"There is a commitment within the club that this season we will work towards obtaining level three accreditation, which with some hard work and dedication should be achieved by Christmas."
Clare Graham, 19 Aug 2009
Interviewee: David Gemmell, Woy Woy Cricket Club