Sport and recreation helps build a stronger, healthier and happier communities. It does not just contribute to the overall wellbeing of the players, but it impacts its fans and supporters as well.
Alsco, as a part of its commitment towards creating safer, healthier and greener workplaces and communities, supports Melbourne Rugby Union Club (MRUFC) and its drive towards promoting a healthier community. Just recently they have got their Level 3 certification for Good Sports.
The Good Sports Program
The Good Sports program is helping sporting clubs across Australia to set higher standards off the field. It’s helping tackle key health issues within the local community including alcohol, smoking, obesity and mental health. The program aims to make sports clubs safer, healthier and more family friendly by promoting initiatives including responsible alcohol management.
Level 3 Re-accreditation
The Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club (MRUFC), based at Orrong Park, is one of the oldest and most successful rugby clubs in Victoria. Recently it was awarded re-accreditation for Level 3 as part of the Good Sports program for their work as leaders in reducing the link between alcohol and sport.
There are a number of initiatives under way to educate the club’s members and the local community that the club is building on its reputation and becoming even more inclusive and supportive.
Peter McBride, Secretary MRUFC, said that leaders within the club, both on and off the pitch, were helping to promote positive messages and setting new benchmarks. The club is also one of the first sporting clubs in Australia to introduce an Illicit Drug Use Policy in conjunction with the Good Sports Program.
Caring About Its Members
“This year we have implemented what we are calling ‘a new game plan’ at our club. At the heart of this initiative is the health and wellbeing of our five hundred plus members. We want everyone involved with this club to feel connected to a safe, family-orientated environment. This is evident in our growth across the board, but particularly in junior player numbers this season,” McBride said.
Bill Karamtos, Good Sports Victorian Manager, said alcohol is a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Australia, and breaking the link between alcohol and sport has never been more important.
“By joining Good Sports and achieving accreditation, The Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club is showing the community that they care about their players and members,” he said. “Congratulations to the club for leading the way in changing Australia’s binge drinking culture.”
About Melbourne Rugby Union Club
Melbourne Rugby Union Club (MRUFC) is at the heart of Victorian Rugby with about twenty-five teams including Senior Men’s, Women’s, Diversity, Masters and Junior Pathway and Competition Grades. We are well represented at State level and had two players from our Women’s team represent Australia in the Wallaroos at the 2014 World Cup. We have some of the best facilities and off-field support of all Victorian Clubs.
About Good Sports Level 3
MRUFC are a Good Sports Level 3 accredited club. Sporting clubs such as MRUFC play a significant role in the community and have a responsibility to members and their families. MRUFC have chosen to join over 6,500 clubs across Australia taking part in the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program. Through Good Sports, the club is committed to managing alcohol responsibly and ensuring smoke-free areas, which MRUFC believe will help provide a healthy, safe and family friendly environment.
Through Good Sports MRUFC aims to:
- Eliminate risky drinking in the club through the promotion of a responsible approach to the sale and consumption of alcohol in the club
- Protect juniors and other young people from the misuse of alcohol in and around the club
- Provide a responsible smoke-free club environment, through designated smoking areas
At Level 3, MRUFC are committed to:
- Not selling or consuming alcohol without an appropriate liquor license
- Training bar staff in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
- Ensuring smoke-free areas are available
- Organising safe and responsible social events and finding alternate prizes/fundraiser, rather than alcohol
- Thinking ahead and ensuring players and members get home safely after functions
- Formalising and implementing the club’s alcohol management policy
Good Sports is Australia’s largest preventive health program for the community sporting sector, with over 6,500 involved nationally. For more information about Good Sports visit www.goodsports.com.au or find us on Facebook.com/GoodSportsClubs. Good Sports media enquiries: media@adf.org.au / 0430 948 380 / 03 9611 6109
You Too Can Support The Melbourne Rugby Union Club
A business could consider sponsoring a particular team, or a particular upgrade of services or facilities. You can support them for a good cause while getting some great exposure for your business. Each team wears their own set of Jerseys, so sponsorship of a team could include the companies logo on the jersey.
They also run a whole range of social events, from home game BBQ’s, Presidents Club Lunches, to night time functions. A company could choose to support a particular event, with the financial backing of the event, or supplies.
All sponsors receive recognition in their weekly newsletter, and our website. You can visit their site for sponsorship enquiries.
Alsco provides fully-managed rental services like reliable first aid kits. For injuries and emergencies, count on Alsco – committed to maintain safety and compliance. Enquire now!
Alsco would like to thank Tyrone Landsman, the President of Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club and Emily Lyons for this article. Melbourne Rugby Union Club (MRUFC) is at the heart of Victorian Rugby with about twenty- five teams including Senior Men’s, Women’s, Diversity, Masters and Junior Pathway and Competition Grades. They are well represented at State level and had two players from our Women’s team represent Australia in the Wallaroos at the 2014 World Cup. They also have some of the best facilities and off-field support of all Victorian Clubs. For more of MRUFC, visit their website at melbournerugby.com.au.