 What
is tobacco–free sports and recreation all about?
- Tobacco-free sports and recreation is
about promoting and creating a tobacco-free physical environment that
prevents young participant from starting to use tobacco products
- Creating a tobacco-free environment
protects everyone from exposure to second-hand smoke and supports people
who are trying to quit
- Being tobacco-free means no smoking,
snuffing, dipping or chewing by members, participants, players, coaches,
leaders, officials, referees, staff, volunteers, parents/guardians and
spectators
Why sports and recreation?
- Sports and recreation programs provide
healthy alternatives to tobacco use through physical and social
activities. These activities are important for physical, mental, emotional
and social development of children and youth
- Sport and recreation organizations can
play a significant role by discouraging the use of ALL forms of tobacco
products during games, practice, competitions, tournaments and other
events
Role modeling:
- Young people need to be influenced by
positive role models that consistently reinforce good health practices
through physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco-free living
- Young people should be receiving the same
message about living tobacco-free both at home, school and as part of
their sport or recreational activities
How to create a tobacco-free sport and
recreational environment:
- Post signs that encourage a tobacco-free
environment on your playing fields and facilities
- Have coaches educate participants about
tobacco-use, the effects of second-hand smoke and the benefits of
remaining tobacco-free
- Develop and promote a tobacco-free policy
using the logo
- Use the logo on clothing, uniforms,
registration information, banners, signs, equipment, scoreboards and event
schedules
- Develop “I agree to be tobacco-free”
contracts or pledges for participants, parents/guardians, coaches and game
officials. Include educational information in registration packages
- Make Smokers’ Helpline and quitting
support available for participants and role models that want to quit
(email us for information on quitting resources at
ncosh@smokefreeniagara.com)
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