Dissemination of responsible service of alcohol initiatives to rugby league clubs

OBJECTIVES: To determine the acceptability of intervention strategies that increase the responsible service of alcohol by nonmetropolitan rugby league clubs. METHOD: Rugby league clubs were provided an information kit and advice by l ocal public health workers, police and a lead agency regarding their respon sible service of alcohol practices. Rugby League clubs and public health wo rkers completed an acceptability survey at the conclusion of the study. RESULTS: Data were collected from 160 contactable clubs (100% consent) and 12 of 14 participating public health workers. Almost all clubs reported of contact with the lead agency, public health workers and police to be accept able. Fifty-nine percent of clubs reported contact with public health worke rs to be useful. One-third of the public health workers considered that the y were not the most suitable professional group to be involved in deliverin g the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of a suggested culture of harmful alcohol consumption among rugby league participants and spectators, non-metropolitan rugby lea gue clubs appear receptive to public health strategies that increase their responsible service of alcohol. IMPLICATIONS: The ability of the public health sector to meet this opportun ity appears limited, and may require additional strategies to increase the capacity of public health workers to develop/deliver inter-sectoral interve ntions in this setting.