OCGFC Smoke-Free Policy Rationale

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club recognizes that exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke (passive smoking) is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected.

Passive smoking can lead to serious illnesses in adults such as bronchitis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Children can also develop chest illnesses and asthma from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Accordingly, the following policy has been developed by Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club to protect the health of all concerned.

The move to go smoke-free also complements the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club’s desire to create a healthy family and community friendly environment.

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club believes that such an environment and image will be advantageous in attracting new members as well as positively promoting the club in the community.

Legislation and the legal duty of care also provide clear reasons to have a smoke-free club. Under Common Law, the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club has a legal duty of care to ensure that employees, volunteers, members, players and officials are not exposed to potentially harmful situations.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act stipulates that employees and working volunteers must have a safe environment to work in. Victorian legislation also states that enclosed dining areas must be smoke-free.

Who Is Affected By The Policy

This policy applies to all members, administrators, officials, coaches, players, visitors and volunteers of the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club.

TIMING

This policy is effective from 1/2/2009.

Designated Smoke-Free Areas

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club requires the following areas to be smoke-free:
  • Club and Social rooms • Changing rooms
  • Toilet Areas
  • Indoor spectator viewing areas
  • Playing areas
  • Eating areas
  • Near open windows (three meters radius around open windows)
  • Near entries and exits of buildings, facilities, and the ground (three meter radius).
Behavioural Expectations

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club recognises that positive role-models can have a significant and favourable impact upon the junior members of the club. Hence, the following individuals and groups are to refrain from smoking while they are acting in an official capacity for the club or while in club uniform:
  • Coaches (when coaching or representing the club)
  • Trainers (when training or attending to players)
  • Officials (when officiating for the club)
  • Volunteers (when working for the club)
  • Players (when representing the club).
Coaches and trainers should also make an effort to speak to junior players about the effects of smoking on performance and health.

Non-Compliance Strategy

The following five-step non-compliance strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club’s smoke-free policy.
  1. Assume that the person is unaware of the smoke-free policy.
  2. A staff member or club representative will approach the person breaching the policy and politely ask them to refrain from smoking and remind them about the smoke-free policy.
  3. If the offence continues, then the most senior staff member or most senior club representative will verbally warn them again and provide the offender with a written copy of the Club’s Smoking Policy.
  4. The offending patron must also be made aware that if they don’t stop smoking then they will be required to leave the club’s facility.
  5. If the offence does continue, then the patron will be escorted out of the facility by staff and/or a senior club representative.
  6. Under no circumstances should the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club’s smoke-free policy be breached.
Sale Of Tobacco Products

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club will refrain from selling tobacco products.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually. This will ensure that the policy remains current and practical. The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club recognises that exposure of non-smokers to tobacco smoke (passive smoking) is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected.

Passive smoking can lead to serious illnesses in adults such as bronchitis, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Children can also develop chest illnesses and asthma from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Accordingly, the following policy has been developed by Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club to protect the health of all concerned.

The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club acknowledges its leadership role and community responsibility in the sport of football and aims to be a solid role model for the VAFA and other sporting organisations. The decision to operate a smoke-free organisation also compliments the Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club’s desire to create a healthy family and community friendly environment. The Old Camberwell Grammarians Football Club believes that such an environment and image will be advantageous in attracting new members and positively promoting our sport.

The Club’s Smoke-Free Policy will be reviewed annually at its February Meeting to ensure the actions remain appropriate and effective.