Tobacco-Free Sports and Recreation Policies

Tobacco-Free Sports and Recreation Policies
Accomplishments of the TFSR Evaluation
A central goal of collecting data from multiple PHUs and respondents of varied age, sex, and
roles in the hockey community was to capture a range of views about TFSR policy. The findings
further the understanding of TFSR policy implementation and provide evidence of progress
towards the “Play, Live Be…Tobacco-Free” intermediate and long-term outcomes.
This evaluation offered all participating public health units and hockey teams an opportunity to
revisit and stimulate TFSR policy and associated messaging. In addition, the evaluation provides
varied, case by case insights into TFSR policy impacts across different age groups.
From a capacity-building standpoint the evaluation strengthened, and in some cases was an
introduction to, the research process. Two of the Case Study sites engaged PHU youth in survey
collection and focus group data collection activities. PHU staff also spoke of their involvement in
data collection and fieldwork and reported that the evaluation had bolstered their focus group
facilitation skills and increased their research capacity. Such experience was deemed useful for
future research initiatives.
Key Lessons
The key lessons of the TFSR policy implementation experiences are:
• Hockey settings (organizations and venues) are perceived to be valuable and effective
sites to promote TFSR messages across prevention, protection and cessation areas.
• Impacts of TFSR policy implementation include a reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke.
• People want change, including smokers. There is general agreement that a smoke-free
sports and recreation environment is important and that a tobacco-free policy does not
infringe upon the rights of tobacco users.
• Change can be achieved but continuous and sustained efforts are not easy. Champions at
the local level are vital.
• One of the most salient findings of this evaluation was that TFSR messaging is very
important (e.g., signage, logos). The messaging can help to sustain the momentum of the
TFSR efforts even if the policy itself has received limited to no attention or review within
the hockey team setting.
• A final lesson from the case studies is that implementation and long-term change will not
be achieved without a multi-pronged approach (e.g., policy reminders, tobacco-free
events, logos/promotional materials, signage/ advertising, swag for players).
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit 62