Since 2016, The Carmalita Softball League has held a policy of no tobacco use in the area of softball fields. With all the families and children who come to watch or participate in the games, the league saw the importance of instituting the policy as part of their league regulations. The Tobacco Free Partnership of Charlotte County worked with the league to write and implement the policy. And, the policy has the support of parents and players.
Keri Murray, a parent in the league, says everyone “enjoys the fresh air…having a tobacco free policy has a very positive impact on families and friends attending the games because they do not have to worry about second hand smoke, children stepping on cigarette butts, or picking them up and putting them in their mouth. My family and friends love coming to the fields knowing the air is clean and a safe environment for our children who love to watch the game or play at the playground.”
The Partnership shares why having such a policy in place is something for any sports league to consider. Even outside, children can be especially sensitive to the effects of secondhand smoke, and too many youth are exposed to it. Children exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of getting bronchitis and pneumonia as their lungs grow less than children who do not breathe secondhand smoke. They are also more likely to have ear infections and severe asthma.
The Florida Clean Indoor Air Act prevents people from smoking in most public and private businesses, including restaurants. However, it does not cover public areas like parks and playgrounds. So it is important for organizations, like the Carmalita Softball League, to adopt tobacco free policies. Not only for the health of its players, families and supporters, but for the future of the children who grow up watching and playing at the fields.
Your local Tobacco Free Florida representatives are here to help your venue or program through its transition to becoming tobacco free. For more information, contact Michelle Wood-Stanley at prevention@drugfreecc.org.