School After-Ball Hell – don’t let the actions of a few destroy precious memories!

For many senior students’ the Year 12 school ball is the highlight of the year and an opportunity for them to cut loose and have fun before the rigours of exam revision take their toll.

The ball is generally an accepted and well-organised activity on the school calendar. Organised by school staff and students, the majority are alcohol free and allow for restricted fun – or so says the kids. Thus, the continued popularity of the after-ball party. Largely organised by students, they have long been associated with excessive alcohol use and a range of alcohol related incidences. There have been reports of violence, drink driving crashes, property damage, unsafe and unwanted sex and other alcohol related injuries across the country.

People around the country, including health promoters, youth workers, road safety coordinators, liquor licensing staff and parents have worked alongside students to reduce these alcohol related harms. Although this approach is gaining popularity and is proving to be successful, the issue of after-ball parties continues to be a controversial one.

Schools have expressed different views about after-ball parties. Some have threatened to cancel the school ball if the after-ball goes ahead, some do not acknowledge these events take place, while others are very supportive. Schools can be put in a difficult position when they have not organised the event but are linked to any negative outcomes.

Hawk Eye Protection understands that parents want their kids to have a great time on ball night without being put at unnecessary risk. To help you throw an after-ball party we have written a checklist for you to read through and adapt to suit your circumstances.

Safe after ball checklist:

• Limit tickets to Ball attendees and partners only
• Limit numbers to the event
• Entry by ticket, sold prior to night
• Rubber stamp on entry (this is an extra security check)
• Agreed finish time with local police (0330 hours usual)
• Ensure rules are printed on tickets (highlighted in yellow)
• No refunds on ticket or bulk purchasing
• Police – after-ball host to provide police with time, date and place of after-ball party
• Venue to be known to as few people as necessary (this can stop gate-crashers)
• Door security by qualified personnel (1 guard per 50 students)
• Security on entry/exit points to building, driveway, car park
• Security presence by facilities and by DJ or band equipment (This helps to avoid any possible damage or vandalism)
• Parents are not to be used for security
• Sufficient food to be provided (BBQ, Sausage Rolls, Pizza etc)
• Non‐alcoholic drink options including water
• No alcohol to be included in the sale of ticket
• Alcohol to be provided only by the parent or guardian
• Persons arriving intoxicated refused entry
• No glass (only cans or plastic) – RTD’s only glass bottles permitted
• No open plastic bottles or premixed (homemade) drinks permitted
• Limit amount of alcohol (6x 330ml cans of beer or 4x RTD’s per person)
• Alcohol containing more than 7% alcoholic volume will not be permitted (including wine

An important part of the after ball is providing entertainment. Having the right music will create an impressive nightclub atmosphere. Students will tend to drink less if they are enjoying the music and having fun. Hiring the services of experienced professional DJs or bands is recommended.

Lastly, seriously consider hiring security personnel. It will put your mind at ease knowing there are experienced professionals onsite to act as incident deterrents.

For more information on Hawk Eye Protection’s after-ball party packages, contact us today.

(08) 9409 5466