Editorial: VAFA Alcohol Policy

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

At the most recent Member’s Meeting a question was put to the VAFA regarding our process in relation to reviewing our current Alcohol Policy.

It is clear from the discussions which followed at the meeting that many clubs are looking for the VAFA to relax its rules relating to alcohol consumption or provide greater flexibility in the manner in which alcohol is served on VAFA match days.

In 2016, a straw poll of VAFA clubs demonstrated that there was an appetite to consider relaxing the current rules related to the serving and consumption to alcohol, albeit the data gathered was not official.

Last year our annual club survey (August 2018) results clearly indicated our clubs’ wish for the VAFA to review these current rules, with 77% of respondents supporting a review of the current rules relating to consumption of alcohol on VAFA match days.

While debate will continue, some of the matters raised in discussions and put forward on both sides of the argument have merit.

Some of the major concerns should the VAFA relax, change or alter our 38-year rule include, but are not limited to, i) the potential reputational loss for the VAFA ii) the loss of this as a point of difference for our Association when attracting players and their families to our clubs and iii) if we do relax our rules, this may inhibit future grants and funding opportunities with various levels of government and place under threat some of our existing partnerships.

Comparatively, the ability for many of our VAFA clubs to host larger community events (i.e. Mother’s Day Lunches, Pink Ladies Day, Past Players Days) is restricted or lost due to the current compliances, thus inhibiting the connection with their broader community. This results in the potential loss of revenue opportunities, difficulty in maintaining interest levels and the overall engagement of past players, supporters and their respective communities, just to name a few.

There is also a piece of work to be done to determine the financial impact on VAFA clubs should the current policy remain in place or be altered or relaxed, as well as whether the issue is merely a financial one or more about providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

No one wants to see a return to football environments where players, coaches, umpires and spectators’ safety is at risk, where violence is prevalent and the attraction or desire to attend VAFA match is diminished.

The VAFA acknowledges its role in dealing with the consumption of alcohol at VAFA matches and it is proud of its history of enabling all clubs to provide an environment that delivers a safe and rewarding experience for all participants.

There still remains work to be done in relation to this matter and we look forward to collaborating with all of our clubs as we work towards an outcome that continues to provide the VAFA and its clubs the best opportunity to stand out as leaders in community football and remain sustainable in a very competitive market.

See you at the footy.