Action line 81008 - Smoking at the IUS football field

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

I understand the Incirlik Unit School football field is an alcohol-free area. I would like to know if the same can be done for smoking?

All entry ways on base have a 50-foot rule where smoking is prohibited, it would be nice if the same could be done for areas where children and non-smokers alike congregate. People utilizing the field for sporting events should not have to sit in or run through a carcinogenic haze, it's unhealthy and not at all conducive to healthy living for those who choose to do so.

It is now intramural flag football season and many family members go out to support their spouses and squadrons and bring along small children, while we try not to sit near the smokers, it's hard when a majority of the smokers stand on or near the field or sit in the bleachers and smoke with no regard to infants and children within range of the smoke.

While I do understand that choosing to smoke is a freedom, it would be great if there were an area for the smokers to stay, ensuring non-smokers and smokers are separated during sporting events and physical training times. Thank you for your time.

Response: 

Great question and this is an easy one. DoDEA policy is clear: There is no smoking on school grounds when children are present.

And my policy is even clearer: No tobacco use on the IUS Field at any time. Signs will be posted in both English and Turkish to remind folks of this.

Additionally, everyone needs to remember that smoking is not permitted at any youth related sports event sponsored by 39 FSS. Our Youth Program strives to establish and maintain the highest standards of health and safety in youth sports. The Youth Sports Director solicits help from coaches and parents to provide a smoke free environment at all youth sports events.

Thanks for bringing this up and giving us the opportunity to emphasize our smoking policies.