The NCAA News - News and Features

January 6, 1997

TEAM session designed for facilities staff

Personnel at sports facilities where NCAA institutions compete in athletics are being invited to participate in a workshop planned by TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management).

The Facility Alcohol Management (FAM) Instructor Development Workshop will be February 18-20 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The workshop will teach participants to facilitate management-assessment sessions at their facilities and to successfully conduct FAM employee training.

The FAM program helps facilities control alcohol-related incidents before they become a problem, relying on increased staff communication and interaction. As a result, events are more fun for fans, who notice and appreciate the improved atmosphere. FAM training also may result in reduced insurance liability for facilities.

The NCAA is a member of TEAM, a national coalition that includes the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and other national organizations.

TEAM's coalition is committed to assisting organizations in developing policies and promotional/educational programs regarding alcohol consumption at athletics events.

TEAM training sessions are conducted by the National Safety Council, which has extensive experience in assisting athletics facilities in developing and implementing alcohol-management programs.

Ideally, participants in the February workshop already will possess a general knowledge of public-assembly facility operations and employee responsibilities, public speaking experience, good conceptual and organizational skills, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to answer questions and accept criticism.

The workshop's cost is $350 for the first registrant from a facility and $300 for each additional registrant.

The registration deadline is Janaury 13 or upon receipt of 20 paid registrations. Further information can be obtained from Harold Thompson of the National Safety Council, telephone 800/621-7615, extension 2383.