There are many good reasons why smoking should not be permitted at a program. A policy will affect leaders as well as participants. It may be difficult for participants to accept a no smoking policy as they may think that their freedom and right to decision making is being restricted. Your organisation will have a policy in this area.
It is important to handle this area sensitively. The coordinator should discuss smoking with leaders prior to the program. If all leaders agree to a no smoking policy, the coordinator should ensure that the same provisions apply for mature age participants and that normal workplace procedures are implemented.
People in a place of employment have the liberty to smoke in certain designated areas. In the school environments, for example, this designated area must be out of the view of students. In the sport or active recreation program situation this is good model to adopt. If a leader wishes to smoke it should be in a designated area that is not in the view of participants. Mature age participants should also be able to use this area. Before a leader leaves to have a smoke in the designated area, this must be communicated with another leader and alternative supervision must be organised. If a participant wishes to smoke, the participant should inform the leader. The participant’s whereabouts should be known at all times. Where a number of mature age participants choose to smoke it may be desirable to give a leader who smokes the task of supervising those participants.
