Myth #1
Kids seeing adults using tobacco products decide tobacco use is no big deal.

Reality: Thousands of teenagers start smoking every day, in part because they see their adult role models use tobacco or allow its use in public places. How do children learn to walk? To talk? To play sports? From adults! Adult habits DO affect our children and youth.

Myth #2
Cigarette butts discarded on the ground do not really hurt anything.

Reality: Cigarette butts are not biodegradable, meaning they do not decay and cannot be absorbed by the environment. In fact, cigarette butts remain intact for about 10 years before breaking apart, which amounts to tons of litter. Also, toddlers and pets may ingest the butts that are discarded on the ground.

Myth #3
Policies that prohibit tobacco use during sporting events will restrict tobacco users from these facilities and events.

Reality: Tobacco-Free Sports policies do not restrict people from using these facilities or attending these events; rather, they only ensure that tobacco users refrain from using tobacco for a short period of time while at facilities where children and youth are playing.

Myth #4
Tobacco-Free Sports policies are needless regulations and a governmental interference.

Reality: Tobacco-free policies are similar to those banning alcohol or littering in public park and recreation facilities. It is the duty of policy makers to enact policies that protect the health and well being of the citizens of their community.

Myth #5
Tobacco-Free Sports policies for will be impossible to enforce.

Reality: 86% of all British Columbia adults do not smoke. Therefore, tobacco-free policies are largely self-enforcing and can be properly enforced with a combination of adequate signage and community education about the policy. Any infraction can be reported and handled in the same manner as an alcohol or litter complaint that may occur at these events.

  Association for Nonsmokers— Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health. (2002). Creating Healthy Communities: Using Recreation as a Tool   for Tobacco Prevention . St. Paul, MN.