At Volleybalvereniging Sovicos, we believe it’s important that everyone enjoys a friendly and sporty atmosphere, both on and off the court. This season, we’ve introduced a new alcohol policy with clear guidelines to ensure that we handle the serving of alcohol responsibly as a club. In this blog, we explain the new policy and what it means for our members and visitors.
Why an alcohol policy?
The introduction of an alcohol policy is an important step, not only to comply with Dutch laws but also to maintain a healthy balance between sports and socializing at Sovicos. While we don’t promote alcohol consumption, we understand that many members enjoy a drink after a match. This is why it’s essential to set rules that ensure a safe and responsible environment.
The rules at a glance
During our home matches, which always take place on Friday evenings at the Steenwijklaan sports hall, alcohol is served in the small canteen. To ensure this is done responsibly, we’ve established a few key rules:
- Age check: We do not serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Our members who are on bar duty are required to strictly enforce this.
- No alcohol in the sports hall: Alcohol is not allowed in the sports hall or locker rooms. We want our players to stay focused on their matches, and to maintain a sporting and professional atmosphere in the hall.
- Responsible alcohol use: Members working behind the bar are encouraged to monitor alcohol consumption and, if necessary, have a conversation with any member or visitor who may have had too much to drink.
- Bar duty responsibility: Each team is responsible for bar duties during home matches. This means you are not only serving drinks but also ensuring compliance with the alcohol policy.
Support and assistance
The Sovicos board is happy to support its members in following this policy. Our Verenigingszaken board member, along with the VerenigingsCommissie and ActiviteitenCommissie, have all completed the ‘responsible alcohol serving’ certification. They can assist if members need help enforcing the policy during their bar duties.
Link to guidelines
For more details on how we serve alcohol responsibly and what is expected from you when you are on bar duty, you can refer to our document Alcohol Serving Guidelines.
A shared responsibility
At Sovicos, it’s not just about volleyball; it’s about community. We expect everyone—from players to volunteers and visitors—to follow the rules surrounding alcohol use. Together, we ensure a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone can appreciate both the sport and the socializing that follows.
With this new policy, we aim not only to meet legal requirements but also to raise awareness among our members about the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. Let’s work together to keep Sovicos a place where sportsmanship and fun go hand in hand!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to board member Club Affairs.