Coaches

If kids enjoy playing sports, they probably enjoy watching sports as well. They also probably listen to their coaches so they can get the most out of their game. So coaches’ words have some weight to players who want to do their best.

Coaches have the opportunity to re-enforce the reality that alcohol has a negative impact on athletic performance and the fact that it’s against the rules. Hearing that explained from a coach helps make it official in player’s minds – and may get them thinking about why they shouldn’t drink.

Sport Events

Alcohol companies buy a lot of commercial airtime during sports events and sponsor things like “The Play of the Game.” Many alcohol companies also sponsor sports events and facilities, even in small communities.

Then there are individuals. How many people have a beer while watching the game? For a lot of us, it’s a social aspect—and if people are drinking responsibly, there’s nothing wrong with that.

The problem is that some children perceive that you can’t enjoy sports without alcohol. As a parent, you can use your influence to change those perceptions in different ways:

• If your child is an athlete, talk about the importance of eating healthy and exercising—and about the negative impact alcohol has on athletic performance. Encourage your child’s coach to take a few minutes to do this too.
• When you’re watching the game at home or in the stands, skip the alcohol once in a while. That will show your child you don’t have to have a drink to enjoy a game. And if he asks why you aren’t drinking, use that opportunity to talk about alcohol in greater detail.
• When you’re watching a game, you may also notice that some element, such as the instant replay or the event itself, is sponsored by an alcohol company. Use that as an opening for a discussion about alcohol with your child.