Background Excessive alcohol consumption has been reported among members and spectators of community sporting clubs. Regulating and modifying the drinking environment is one strategy to reduce the risk of excessive alcohol consumption at sporting grounds.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose To determine the extent to which characteristics and practices of community football clubs are associated with risky alcohol consumption by club members.

Methods Cross sectional surveys of club representatives and members were conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to test associations between alcohol consumption by members and the characteristics and practices of clubs (size, football code, location, responsible service of alcohol, drinking games/promotions, sponsorship).

Results/Outcome Members of Rugby Union (OR 2.64) and Rugby League (OR 1.95) clubs were at significantly greater odds of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to Australian Rules Football club members. Members of Rugby Union clubs were also at significantly greater odds (OR 2.1) of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to soccer club members. Members of smaller clubs (less than 150 players) were at significantly greater odds (OR 1.45) of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to members of larger clubs. This was also the case for members of clubs who served alcohol to intoxicated people (OR 2.23), had happy hour promotions (OR 2.84) or had alcohol-only awards (OR 1.80). Risky consumption at football clubs is associated with a combination of club characteristics and potentially modifiable club practices.

Significance/Contribution to the Field Public health strategies that may be effective in modifying such practices range from regulatory enforcement to accreditation schemes.