Guild and AU tackle sports drinking

Sixteen months after the tragic loss of Gavin Britton, it is unclear whether there have been change in the culture of drinking in sports clubs.

Exeposé has spoken to members of several Athletic Union clubs who claim that initiations are continuing in various teams, including the golf club.

In the days after Gavin’s death the Athletic Union pushed through a new code of conduct banning initiations. All members to clubs now have to sign up to the policy.

The Drinking Policy states, “Members of the Athletic Union will not apply peer pressure upon other individuals in social situations, or other wise. Clubs will not carry out initiation ceremonies. Clubs will not consume alcohol in minibuses, coaches, cars etc.”

Penalties for breaches of the code of conduct include a fine of £500, removal from BUSA competitions and expulsion from the Students’ Guild.

Louise Michael, Athletic Union President, said “I think that the tragedy has had a positive effect on the drinking culture in Exeter. The seriousness of the code of conduct hopefully highlights that there is a real risk on a night out and that everyone needs to take precautions.”

However several students have told Exeposé that they believe that the culture of pressurised drinking is continuing.

One student told Exeposé, “Initiations from my experience are now renamed ‘welcome drinks’ but it means exactly the same thing and although the claim is that you don’t have to drink, the case is that if you do turn up then you will be forced to consume ridiculous amounts of alcohol if you’re a fresher. In several big clubs they still happen.”

Another anonymous AU member said, “Horrific stuff is still happening and individuals are being pressurised into undergoing some pretty bad ordeals.”

No one from the golf club was available to comment on the allegation that they were still holding initiations.

Louise Michael told Exeposé that she was not aware of any clubs holding initiations but said she realised students could be canny. She urged students to let her know if they had concerns.

“My door is always open if people are aware of problems. Even if someone does not feel able to talk to me in person, if they drop off a note everything will be investigated.”

In the wake of the tragedy the Guild also launched partnerships to improve welfare standards for students on nights out in the city. The Guild is in partnership with both Arena nightclub and Illionaire promotions, who run Thursday night at Mambo. In return for Guild endorsement they have to follow high welfare standards and are in regular contact with the Guild who proofread their promotional material for appropriateness and discuss students’ concerns.

Tracey Costello, Students’ Guild Acting Permanent Secretary, said, “While our contract with Arena, who uphold an impressive corporate social responsibility statement, is holding strong we may soon walk away from our agreement with Illionaire as it is currently under review following concerns about welfare standards.”