Call for players to curb booze
BY JO MCKENZIE-MCLEAN
Is New Zealand's after-match drinking culture changing?
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Young sportspeople are the target of a campaign to turn around New Zealand's "entrenched" culture of heavy after-match drinking.
Police, the Alcohol Advisory Council and Sport Canterbury have launched a pilot programme designed to make young sportspeople aware of the damage from alcohol abuse.
Christchurch liquor licensing officer Constable Kerry Lancaster said heavy drinking after weekend sport was a "fairly entrenched aspect of New Zealand society", leading to violence, suicide risk and health and community problems.
A 2004 academic study, co-authored by former top rugby player Josh Blackie, showed sportspeople drank more than non-sportspeople, and the higher the level of sport, the more "hazardous" the drinking.
The Canterbury programme, initially for sports clubs in North Canterbury, is aimed at players, coaches and managers and will include presentations from leading sportspeople, psychologists and police.
"It's designed to reduce the risks associated with after-game celebrations," Lancaster said.
Sport Canterbury events and marketing manager Johnny Kirkpatrick said the programme – the first combined effort for the three groups – was motivated by drunken incidents last year involving young North Canterbury rugby players.
"They were going into town, often being seen in clubs in their gear getting into fights, and it wasn't reflecting well on the sport."
Kirkpatrick said the programme was not about telling clubs they had a drinking problem but recognising they had a "key captive audience" and were in an ideal position to help change drinking attitudes.
"It's just a pilot. We would love to say we are incredibly confident," he said.
"I think we will have some successes, particularly with the sessions aimed at coaches and managers, but trying to get the players there might be easier said than done."
The sessions were for all sports clubs, Kirkpatrick said.
The organisers hoped clubs would make attending the sessions compulsory, as the Saracens Rugby Club in Rangiora had done.
Saracens development manager John Watson said that while the club did not have problems with alcohol, its under-18 and under-21 players were required to attend a session.
"The organisers are not going to come along and say 'thou shalt not drink'. We just see it as being responsible citizens. It's more just to learn about responsible behaviour."
The club had received no negative reactions to the idea, and some older club members would attend to "set an example", he said. "We are not going to put a leash around their necks and drag them there, but there are some awful things happening out there to our young people, so even if this saves one life, it's worth it."
One of the speakers on the programme, mental skills trainer Dave Hadfield, who works with the Crusaders rugby team, said young sportspeople who drank to excess were out of step with their idols.
Drinking by high-level rugby players was much less than even five years ago as the game required so much more fitness and was so demanding on players' bodies, he said.
Hadfield said he would like to see professional players getting involved in education on alcohol.
The first two sessions targeted at players will be held tomorrow at 7.30pm at the Mandeville Sports Club, 431 Mandeville Rd, Mandeville, and on Thursday at 7.30pm at the Southbrook Rugby Club in Rangiora.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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@ Japsy #32 - I completely agree with you on your comment!
The point is: when, where and how (much) you drink.
@ Random #30 "WE DO DRINK BECAUSE IT IS FUN"---Your view is too simplistic. I enjoy drinking, but I quit smoking years ago because I realized there's more harm than fun. You are not to do something simply because it is fun. Anyway the point is: when, where and how (much) you drink. Why can't you comprehend that?
It's part of the culture where muscle power is far more appreciated than brain power. You know, the way Kiwis drink, the way Kiwis drive and the way Kiwis kill. Having lived here more than 10 years, I know this is a nation of country bumpkins. But is it ever possible to get them civilized?
@ Ben #23
Epic fail. See my comment #18. I'll repeat it, and in caps, because like many teetotallers you seem slower than chronic alcoholics: PEOPLE THAT DRINK STILL HAVE FUN WHILE SOBER, THE FACT THAT WE ALSO ENJOY DRINKING DOES NOT CHANGE THAT. WE DO NOT NEED TO DRINK TO HAVE FUN BUT WE DO DRINK BECAUSE IT IS FUN.
Why can't you and the rest of the teetotal brigade comprehend that?
I was involved in the after sport club scene as a partner of a player and I also served behind the club bar. I have to say this time effected me and the after match drinking was an eye opener! not in a good way. It was not only after the match that the drinking was happening...it was also after practice on Thurs/Fri nights too! the Sunday was spent in recovery! This culture actually ended my 10 year relationship and now I am as far away from it as poss and have 2 lovely little boys who I am making sure I protect from ever being involved in any sport with drinking afterwards. The reasons are because today some of the young men (mostly men) I saw during my time involved are now worse off adults, no hopers that are still on the treadmill of sport and boozing! and their kids are following suit. Sad, very sad. I'd like to add that I am not against all drinking, just where and how it is done, should be responsible. So would be great if things were on the change.
Ban beer.
As a partner of a rugby player who has been playing for a Div 1 Team in Christchurch, has been involved with Canterbury, NPC Team and a NZ Team, I have experienced the rugby and drinking first hand. Because of what I have seen over the years I now can not stand alcohol because of the problems in which it causes. NZ has a huge problem nationwide when it comes to rugby and the alcohol environment surrounding it. There is a difference between having a few after a game and being completely munted, however many clubs, regions and teams support this drinking behaviour and believe it is totally acceptable.
I have found it sad to watch senior players or management (coaches) encourage or pressure others into drinking. As a previous player of many sports and a current coach myself I find this behaviour disgusting, as they are people who should know better and should be setting a positive example as they are being watched by many others. Especially younger members of society, who wish to be just like them when they get older.
As a partner I have watched and experienced many situations which have turned abusive, voilent, aggressive and have become highly dangerous situations. Until you are a partner to some-one who is in the rugby scene and experience it first hand you will never really understand how much trouble the rugby/alcohol environment really does cause. It is about time that the woman of NZ who have to deal with the mess that occurs (often on a weekly basis during the rugby season) start standing up and speaking out about the troubles and issues it really does cause. Unfortunately often the things that do occur with drunk rugby players do stay hidden or don't get spoken about. But it is about time people started speaking up and say that it is not acceptable and it is no longer okay!
# 16Phil - When this stroy was first posted it said All Black Josh Blackie, however the quick backtracking by average journalists has fixed their mistake.
Why is this only about rugby players? We cricketers love to binge drink after the game too! Its awesome to see the player of the day from each team chop a pint, or someone who scores a hundy chop a jug and then spew his ring out. Its great value entertainment, and a great way to socially interact with the other players and teams, especially when the opposition hang round for a few too!
But remember the golden rule: Don't drink and drive.... you'll spill your beer!
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Why slow down drinking.. we're a nation of over-achievers.