Tobacco-Free Sports and Recreation Policies

Tobacco-Free Sports and Recreation Policies
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since 2008, Ontario’s seven Tobacco Control Area Network (TCAN) regions have been engaged in
promoting tobacco-free sports and recreation (TFSR) policies. They have undertaken a variety of
initiatives to support sport and recreation organizations in the adoption of TFSR policies and in
developing signage. TCANs face particular challenges in local hockey settings where resources
are limited and communities rely on volunteers.
The main goal of this evaluation was to explore the implementation and impact of TFSR policies
within the sport of hockey in four Ontario public health units (PHUs) and examine the barriers
and facilitators in TFSR policy implementation. This report is intended to serve as a practical,
experience-oriented resource for the TFSR Community of Practice and other interested
stakeholders to consider when moving forward in the area of TFSR policy implementation.
Specific evaluation questions:
• What TFSR policies are being implemented in hockey organizations and teams within
PHUs in Ontario?
• What is the level of awareness and support of these policies within organizations, and
among team members, parents, coaches and spectators?
• What is the impact of implementing TFSR policies on individual behaviours and in
communities (e.g., player, parent and coach smoking behaviour, exposure to secondhand
smoke, social modelling, youth perceptions of smoking, environmental protection, and
smoking cessation)?
• What are the barriers and facilitators to implementing TFSR policies at the organizational
level?
• What are the barriers and facilitators to implementing and enforcing TFSR policies at the
team level?
The four case studies reflect a range of age, sex and geography in the Ontario hockey
community. They are:
• Case Study I–Peewee/Bantam teams (2 teams)
• Case Study II–Women’s League team
• Case Study III–Junior B team
• Case Study IV–University team
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit 1