IMPORTANCE OF SPORT & PARTNERSHIPS

A Good Sports Message:

We at Wagga Tigers are a Level 3 Good Sport Club. 1 of only 2 in Wagga to achieve this accreditation. Level 3 is the highest level available.

How does Good Sports work?

Good Sports provides free support to sporting clubs to change their culture and reduce high risk drinking. Under the program, clubs will focus more on young people, families and sport participation and less on drinking alcohol.

The three-level accreditation criteria provide alcohol management standards for clubs that serve and / or consume alcohol. Clubs move through the levels over a period of 3 – 5 years, maintaining all standards from previous levels as they progress.

Good Sports’ major focus is to support sporting club committees progressively change the way alcohol is managed in all activities within the club’s grounds and associated functions.

For clubs that serve alcohol or allow members to bring alcohol to the facilities, Good Sports provides guidance to meet State / Territory laws. Many clubs benefit from access to Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training at a reduced cost. For clubs that host post-match functions where alcohol is available, Good Sports provides support to reduce alcohol related risks and change binge drinking culture.

Once a sporting club signs up to the program, a Good Sports Project Officer assists the committee to work through the entire process with materials, one-on-one visits and ongoing support. To progress through the accreditation levels, the club committee agrees to meet specific standards. These standards are summarised below.

Good Sports Accreditation Level Summary

Level 1:

• Liquor license
• Bar management strategies
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training
• Smoke-free environment

Level 2:

• Maintain Level 1 standards
• Enhanced bar management (RSA training, etc.)
• Food and drink options (low and non-alcoholic)
• Safe transport policy
• Diverse revenue generation

Level 3:

• Maintain Level 1 & 2 standards
• Alcohol management policy

Sport is a very important part of the Australian way of life, as well as in many other countries. It is also one of the main ways to help children, young people and adults to keep fit and healthy and avoid becoming overweight.

Many people do not get much exercise at work, and relax at home with television, so playing some sport can make a big difference to their health.

Sporting skills and enjoyment learned in childhood build foundations for enjoyment of sport throughout life. Sport is a way of making exercise an enjoyable and social event.

Playing sport can:
o       improve physical fitness
o       improve confidence through learning skills and success
o       help all to learn to control their impulses – this is necessary for success in sport as well as social relationships
o       help build friendships
o       start lifetime interests
o       help all ages learn about rules and fair play
o       help all to cope with winning and losing

Increasing overweight and obesity is happening worldwide. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have health problems.

Helping young children or adults to develop good eating patterns and enjoyment from sport and exercise may help them avoid later health problems. Those who play and enjoy sport are less likely to join in anti-social activities.

Wagga Tigers Football & Netball Club are a member of the Good Sports program that supports safe, healthy and family friendly environments.