March 17, 2007
Smoking Ban
Football is a sport where the health and well being of all participants is paramount. So why can’t the spectators sit in the stands without some inconsiderate person lighting up some filthy stinking weed and having it drift all over you?
The risk factors associated with second hand smoke is well documented so there is no excuse for having to put up with it.
I believe very strongly that FFT, the clubs, local councils (at council owned grounds), or a combination of all three, need to impose a complete ban on smoking at all sporting venues, especially at junior fixtures. If patrons want to smoke they should be able but only outside the grounds.
Football is a healthy sport so lets keep it that way. I’m sure I’m not the only person who thinks this way.
I agree with you completely mate. What kind of an example are they setting. I work at the RHH and you wouldn’t believe the lengths smokers will go to, just to have a cigarette.
Comment by tas_smurf — March 17, 2007 @ 7:47 pm
Ahhh Interesting debate! I am not a smoker and am truly repulsed by it! I was very glad that smoking in pubs was banned. However I do think this is a wider issue. How do you police it? How do you isolate it? I don’t think it is a feasible. However instead of total smoking bans policy could be created and implemented that smoking be banned with 20metres of a teams bench. Is smoking allowed in the stands at South and KGV? I think those areas should be no go
Comment by 1878 — March 17, 2007 @ 10:24 pm
a premier league coach has been observed smoking in the technical area this season already. who polices a ban in the stands? - the ‘match manager’ ?????
Comment by sj — March 17, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
Olympic coaches have been smoking on the line (in the box) and this is not appropriate.
It sets a bad example for all and poisons the players/officials.
I’m all for a blanket ban…it’s disgusting.
Maybe designated smoking areas can be arranged?
Perhaps at south hobart, for example, a smoking area could be around the grassy area next to the stand?
Comment by Keeper — March 18, 2007 @ 10:59 am
olympic have two coaches, farell and saad… neither of them smoke, so actually you havent seen any olympic COACHES smoking in the box
Comment by Billy Ray Cyrus — March 18, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
I have never seen any Olympic coach smoke, neither of the two at the moment do! Fletcher tracey is the one smoking on the bench, maybe if he started to put as much effort into his game as his smoking… he would be as good as he thinks he is!! Mr kelly from the Knights smokes on the bench, but because its the Knights it doesnt matter!!
Comment by canweunited — March 18, 2007 @ 10:23 pm
If you actually look closely canweunited, or mr.dobber…. Mr.kelly respects the law and walks out of his area to the gate and stands behind it when he’s smoking, harming no-one. “Because it’s the knights it doesn’t matter” grow up silly. lol
Comment by observer — March 19, 2007 @ 8:15 am
Hey i agree with the edict that i believe is part of the FFT Policies no smoking in technical area.
A simple memo re smoking areas from the CEO to clubs reinforcing the policy is called for, wouldn’t be surprised if the local council policies would cover smoking in stands ( it is banned ) know that it it does in Launceston .
As for policing , FFT could start at the cup finals coming up !!
Comment by Billy Jones — March 19, 2007 @ 8:21 am
I don’t think this is the direction blackjack envisaged the conversation going, personal attacks at people and clubs. I think this is a very good topic and like most things shows how we (tassie) are behind the eight ball. Yes, people have the right to smoke and shouldn’t be judged because of it……. However, in my opinion, when coaches, players, officials, supporters walk through that gate to the game smoking should be prohibited and limited to a designated ‘zone’. The opportunity should not be completly taken away, a subsitute environment should be created for the opportunity to smoke. There are new laws about this out there and I think you will find that smokers need to be certain distances away from buildings, etc when smoking.
Coaches, players smoking on game day on or around the field isn’t appropriate (if this happens) and clearly shows inappropriate professionalism and respect for players and supporters in that environment.
Comment by Observer — March 19, 2007 @ 8:42 am
People can we stick to the topic please? I’m referring to ANYONE smoking at a football venue. If FFT have a policy in place that does not permit smoking in technical areas (regardless of WHO), it should be enforced. There are any number of FFT committee, CEO, match managers, etc. to enforce this ruling.
But I am also suggesting smoking by the general public should be either banned totally (leave the ground if you want to smoke, a passout will be provided) or a designated area be set aside well away from the non-smoking public. I’d much prefer the former option.
Now, let’s have some input on these suggestions NOT on who does and who doesn’t smoke in or out of technical areas. Jeez, it’s like being at work, looking after all these kids!!! lol
Comment by Blackjack — March 19, 2007 @ 9:02 am
Not personally knowing the details of standards, legislation, requirements around smoking etc……… but all I would assume you could do is covered in appropriate documentation around this area. You couldn’t go outside these guidelines or it would be discrimination (guess you can but could be a costly risk). It’s not rocket science, a) FFT understand what the standards are and there will be different ones depending the situation, i.e. inside the clubrooms, or buildings [at the same time understanding what the risks of doing this are.....i.e. losing x number of supporters from each game, which could be mitigated by providing and promoting a healthy environment] b) review what other sports do in terms of this area c) plan what changes are to be done in consultation with clubs and legal representative (ensuring everthing is correct) d) implement….!!! Not hard I wouldn’t of thought………!! We are talking about FFT though….!!
Comment by Go the Pool!! — March 19, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
Refer to this website…. all questions answered…!
Comment by Go the Pool!! — March 19, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Thanks for the govt website link mate.
The sniping at other teams in an attempt to score points over this topic is pretty infantile. The bigger issue (in my opinion) is what sort of an example are the “grown-up’s” setting to the young kids that come to support the various teams in the league.
The league should take the players for a site-seeing tour at the Royal’s respiratory ward. Let them see the smokers that can’t walk to the bathroom without an oxygen mask.
Comment by tas_smurf — March 19, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
the link to the website proves that it is actually illegal to smoke in reserved seating…
Comment by Keeper — March 19, 2007 @ 9:26 pm
Keeper, Reserved seating means where seats have been ticket allocated (Sold, Numbered, and People Allocated to that particular seat for the duration of the game). Don’t think that happens in local matches….
Comment by Winston — March 20, 2007 @ 9:39 am
In real terms - good debate for once -
do you want to sit next to a smoker in the stands ?
Do you want coaches and or players smoking in the playing arena ?
Who polices ?
Should their be a designated smoking area away from stand and kiosk area ?
For Me !
1. No
2. No
3. Signage, FFT rulings - memo’s and home club
4. Yes
Comment by sent off — March 21, 2007 @ 10:36 am