About Good Sports

Good Sports operates in over 12,000 local clubs and reaches nearly 3.2 million Australians. 

Good Sports clubs are community leaders, helping to disrupt the link between alcohol and sport, reducing risky drinking and children’s exposure to alcohol. 

With the free Good Sports program, clubs can create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Objectives of the Good Sports program

1. Guide clubs to develop, commit to and maintain policies and practices that prevent alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm.
2. Build knowledge and confidence to prevent or reduce risk of AOD harm and how to access help.
3. Prevent or reduce risky alcohol consumption and behaviours.
4. Increase awareness of mental health supports and how to access help.
5. Prevent or reduce children’s exposure to alcohol use in sport.
6. Contribute to the creation of a safer and inclusive environment for members. 
7. Build diversified and sustainable funding to prevent reliance on alcohol sponsorship. 

The benefits of Good Sports for your club

• Your club can be a role model in your local community. By joining Good Sports, you can reduce the harms from alcohol and other drugs for your members and families and set an example for your community. 
• Prevent or reduce children’s exposure to alcohol use at your club with easy tips.
• You’ll get expert support from the Good Sports team to build a club policy around tricky topics such as alcohol management, illegal drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport. 
• Improve club governance around issues like liquor licensing, attract more members and volunteers, and get support to improve funding opportunities.
• We’ll also work with you to identify strategies that work in your unique club environment, to affect the change needed to make your club the best it can be.
• The program is designed for busy volunteers to make a positive difference, in less time, with less stress and at your own pace. 
• The Good Sports online portal is your hub for exclusive resources, training modules and access to free merch. 
• Plus, you’ll get expert support from a dedicated Good Sports team member every step of the way.
• There’s no cost – it’s free for all Australian community sporting clubs!

Evidence behind the program

Research over the last two decades shows that Good Sports works for community clubs. 

• Clubs see a 37% reduction in risky drinking and a 42% reduction in alcohol related harms 
• Clubs have a 8% reduction in the odds of drink-driving compared with non-Good Sports clubs, for each season a club was in the program.  
• 89% of participating clubs reported an increase in their confidence to manage illegal drug issues and 70% reported an increased awareness of mental health issues. Eight in ten club members report increased intention to seek help for mental health issues when it was needed. 
• Good Sports clubs also saw their membership numbers grow by 9%, expanding junior teams by 12% and female players by 11%. Volunteer numbers also grew.