Good Sports comes to Geraldton, bringing a forum to tackle alcohol management in regions

Australia’s biggest community health sports program is inviting Geraldton sports clubs to an alcohol management forum this week, addressing the issue in regional WA’s sporting culture and during long distance travel.

Good Sports will host the event on Wednesday afternoon, involving a short discussion on the importance of club members travelling to and from a match safely, using safe transport options and expressing positive behaviours.

Common alcohol issues in sporting clubs stem from using alcohol as a reward — holding functions with large alcohol consumption, supplying players with alcohol after games, encouraging binge drinking and using drinks as prizes.

The forum is an opportunity for clubs to join a discussion around alcohol management, explaining the important role clubs play to keep rural roads safe and improve environments.

On Wednesday on Foreshore Drive, clubs can join the conversation to implement safe transport for club members with basic alcohol management training tools.

Good Sports WA program manager Clint Proctor said the culture of drinking could have harmful effects on individuals, clubs and communities.

“The sports program is free, we offer tools and strategies in line with Responsible Service of Alcohol and subtle changes such as making sure there’s water available and food is around,” he said.

“Our aim essentially is for our clubs to be good role models in their communities and be able to offer a safe space for the community and for members to feel a part of the club.”

To register attendance visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.