Smoke & Vape Free Policy
Kilmacud Crokes GAA is committed to reducing the use of tobacco, nicotine and of harmful chemicals found in vaping (e-cigarettes) due to its proven harmful health effects by adopting the GAA’S Smoke & Vape free policy.
Aim
To protect the health of all individuals involved with the club as well as visitors to the grounds by keeping them safe from all smoke related harm.
Rationale
Kilmacud Crokes GAA recognises that tobacco and vape second-hand smoke is severely harmful to health, in particular to the health of children. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The policy will help change social norms around tobacco use, encourage people to consider quitting and reduce the initiation of smoking amongst young people.
Smoking is one of the world’s biggest public health threats killing more than 7 million people globally a year. Around 890,000 of these deaths are due to exposure to second-hand smoke (WHO, 2019). In the Republic of Ireland, there are almost 5,500 smoking related deaths each year and one in every two long-term smokers will die from a tobacco related disease (HSE, 2019). In Northern Ireland smoking has been identified as the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death with 2014 data revealing approximately 16% or 1 in 6 of all deaths were attributable to smoking (Public Health Agency, 2015).
The club has therefore imposed a Smoke and Vape free policy, which includes the use of ecigarettes. It applies to the entire GAA club grounds, both internally and externally including:
- Buildings and residences,
- Doorways and entrances,
- Walkways, parkland, roads and car parks,
- Pitches and sports facilities (including spectator spaces),
- Balconies, terraces, outdoor seating and club/bar facilities,
- Cars parked on club grounds,
- Bicycle sheds and bus shelters on club grounds.
There are NO designated smoking areas.
This policy applies to all members, officials, coaches, players, parents, visitors and volunteers. We believe that we are setting a positive example for the community with genuine concern for everyone’s health.
Timing
This policy will commence on the [date to be agreed]
Enforcement and non- compliance
The club will use no smoking signs both internally and externally to promote the policy. Committee members will monitor compliance in the club grounds.
‘Vaping’ includes the use of electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes or other such electronic delivery systems intended to simulate smoking, whether they deliver a nicotine dose or not.
The following strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the tobacco free policy:
- Assume that the person is unaware of the non-smoking policy
- A committee 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
- If the offence continues a senior member of staff will intervene
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed six months after its introduction and then on an annual basis thereafter by an Executive Committee representative. This will ensure that the policies adherence is sustained, effective and up to date.
Kilmacud Crokes GAA is committed to following the GAA’S Smoke & Vape Free Policy.