Alcohol And Youth Sports

By Fred Engh

In reviewing youth leagues around the U.S., there are several organizations—mostly private youth groups—that sell alcohol at the concession stands to raise money for their groups. And even where some programs don’t sell alcohol, it’s not uncommon to see parents and spectators bringing their own alcoholic beverages to tailgate before and after games and weekend tournaments—or even consuming it while watching from the bleachers.

Is selling alcohol at youth sporting events a great revenue-producing idea for an organization? Or is it a disastrous idea that is a conduit to even greater out-of-control behavior from spectators than we are already seeing across the country?

Here’s what several Certified Youth Sports Administrators (CYSA) had to say on this issue:

Kerry Sullivan, Program Coordinator, Waterford (Conn.) Recreation and Parks Department:
I cannot believe some organizations sell alcohol at youth events. Here in the town of Waterford, Conn., there are no alcoholic beverages allowed on town or school property; this includes our co-sponsored fields. Also, we have a men’s basketball league and men’s softball league on town property, and they are not allowed to drink or smoke on the property. After all, there are area bars that are sponsors for the teams—fans can go there after a game and patronize these establishments. Have we had alcohol on town property? Yes. We inform the individual(s) of the rules; if fans do not want to abide by them, the police are called and the individuals are taken away.

Stacy Green, Program Supervisor, Athletics for Decatur (Ga.) Active Living: Selling alcohol at kids’ events gives kids the wrong idea. Also, if a parent has too much to drink, he or she is more likely to display undesirable behavior. We do not allow alcohol at youth athletic events. I once had parents who decided to bring cheese and wine to a T-ball game. I politely asked them to put their alcohol away and reminded them they were at a youth T-ball game and that drinking and smoking were not permitted. Once I asked a spectator who was inebriated to leave the playing/spectator area. When he refused, I told him I would have the police department escort him from the park.

Kyle Susic, Recreation Sports Coordinator for the City of Monterey (Calif.): Alcohol is prohibited in all of our parks and facilities unless the city has issued a special “alcohol permit.” They are not issued to any youth sports organizations and/or during any youth events. In my opinion, selling alcohol at a youth event is completely unnecessary. It sets a bad example for the players, does not promote quality health for its spectators and participants, and at times can lead to a greater risk of conflict among parents and other spectators. A parent and/or spectator who arrives at a city facility carrying alcohol for a youth sporting event is informed that he or she must discard the alcohol before entering. Also, if a parent and/or spectator is intoxicated, he or she is prohibited from entering the facility.  

Carson Revell, Athletic Program Supervisor for the Columbus (Ga.) Parks and Recreation Department: My opinion is that alcohol should not be sold during youth sporting events. In Columbus, we have a local ordinance that alcohol is prohibited in all city parks. If we suspect someone has alcohol, we ask them to leave the park area, and if they refuse, law enforcement will be called.

LeAnn Williams, District Manager for the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District (Calif.): Alcohol shouldn’t be sold or consumed at events where the participant is a minor. We have a zero tolerance [policy] and honestly don’t have a problem with it.

Fred Engh is founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in West Palm Beach, Fla. He can be reached via email at fengh@nays.org. To join more than 3,000 communities by starting a NAYS chapter, visit www.nays.org or contact Emmy Martinez at emartinez@nays.org or (800) 729-2057.    

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