Good Sports program celebrates 25 years

THE Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is celebrating 25 years of the Good Sports program and the significant contribution it has made in building healthier and safer community sporting clubs across Australia, including in the Geelong region.

More than 11,500 clubs across 120 sporting codes are part of Good Sports, reaching more than three million Australians.

The program supports clubs to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms such as drink driving, and address issues around tobacco, vaping, illicit drugs, and mental health.

To mark the anniversary, the ADF has released the “Celebrating 25 Years of Good Sports” report highlighting the effects of the program, including:

• reduction in risky drinking at participating clubs by 37 per cent, with a 42 per cent reduction in alcohol-related harms
• An 8 per cent reduction in the odds of drink-driving compared with non-Good Sports clubs, for each season a club is in the program
• Increased confidence by up to 89 per cent of participating clubs in managing illegal drug issues
• 70 per cent increased awareness of mental health issues at Good Sports clubs, with a 75 per cent increase in support capabilities
• Less reliance on alcohol sponsorship, and
• An average 9 per cent increase in club members and 17 per cent increase in non-players (such as volunteers) at participating clubs.

The impact of Good Sports locally include at the Geelong Junior Marlins Water Polo Club, which was named the 2022 Good Sports Junior Club of the Year for its efforts in creating a safe place for juniors to play sport by focusing on issues such as spectator behaviour, nutrition, and having a smoke-free environment.

The Marlins also provide information on help and support services for people who may be experiencing mental health issues or other health issues.

“This milestone is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the positive impacts of the Good Sports program and to give a massive shout out to the participating clubs and volunteers who are so dedicated to creating and maintaining healthy and family-friendly club environments,” ADF chief executive officer Dr Erin Lalor said.

“While local sport clubs can be places where alcohol and other drug-related harms occur, Good Sports demonstrates that they can be the opposite, and role model healthy, positive behaviours.

“The further a club progresses through the Good Sports program, the greater the reduction in members drinking at risky levels, the less likely patrons and players report driving home after drinking, and the more knowledge and confidence they have to deal with mental health or illicit drug issues.”

All local sports clubs are encouraged to join the free Good Sports program.

For more information, head to goodsports.com.au