GAA Smoke Free Policy Statement
(Including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping)
Toomevara GAA is committed to reducing the use of tobacco smoking due to its proven harmful health effects by adopting the GAA’S Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping).
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: Toomevara GAA recognises that second-hand smoke is severely harmful to health, in particular to the health of children. There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke. The Smoke Free Policy will help change social norms around tobacco use, encourage people to consider quitting and reduce the initiation of smoking tobacco or e cigarettes/vaping amongst young people.
Smoking tobacco 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 tobacco users will die from a tobacco related disease (HSE, 2019). In Northern Ireland smoking tobacco 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 tobacco (Public Health Agency, 2015).
The club has therefore introduced a Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarette/Vaping). 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, contractors, 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 01/08/2023
Enforcement and non- compliance: The club will use Smoke Free 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 Smoke Free Policy:
- Assume that the person is unaware of the Smoke Free 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.
Toomevara GAA is committed to following the GAA’S Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping)
Club Chairperson _____Denise Haverty_____________________________
Healthy Club Officer ____Maura Cleary____________________________
Date _____________26/07/2023_______________________________
