Enforcing and Reinforcing the Policy

To help reinforce your tobacco-free policy, a non-compliance strategy should be included. This strategy should outline steps to take if someone uses tobacco industry products during your tobacco-free activity. Since every organization is unique, it is important to ensure the non-compliance strategy meets your specific needs and fits within your organizations policy framework and appeal guidelines.

Sample Non-Compliance Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

We ask that you refrain from using tobacco industry products during activities sanctioned by [name of the Association]. On [date], the [name of association] adopted a tobacco-free policy prohibiting the use of all forms of tobacco during association activities and events. This means that all games, activities, tournaments, competitions, sponsored events, and other activities sanctioned by our organization will be tobacco-free. Tobacco-free means no smoking, snuffing, dipping, or chewing tobacco by players/participants, coaches/leaders, parents, spectators, and officials.

The [name of association] recognizes that there is plenty of research showing the health effects caused by the use of tobacco industry products. The [name of the association] acknowledges its leadership role in the sport of [name of sport] and aims to be a role model for youth and other community members. The move to go tobacco-free also complements the [name of the association]’s desire to create a healthy family and community friendly environment.

Patrons who do not follow the tobacco-free policy will be advised of the policy and asked to stop using tobacco industry products during the association’s activities. We ask that you support our tobacco-free policy as doing so will provide a good example for our youth and show that our community supports and values a tobacco-free lifestyle.

The [name of association] would like to thank you for your cooperation and help in creating a tobacco-free environment. If you would like additional information about the policy, please contact the [name of the association] at [phone number].

Sincerely,

[Name of Association] Executive Committee