Philosophy Statement
The school system recognizes that the use of mood-altering chemicals is a significant health problem for many adolescents, resulting in negative effects on behavior, learning, and the total development of each individual. Adolescent use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs likewise affects the development of skills related to participation in extracurricular activities.
The school system supports education and awareness training for administrators, athletic directors, coaches, student advisors, athletes, and parents. This training would cover adolescent chemical dependence problems, including the symptomology of chemical dependence and special problems affecting athletic activities.
The school system recognizes that any athletic policy related to the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs needs to be incorporated within the context of a broader school and community effort to deal with tobacco, alcohol and other drug prevention programs and must be consistent with other school policies and procedures in order to be effective.
Policy
During the season of practice and competition, which ends with the athletic awards banquet for that season, a student shall not use, possess any paraphernalia, buy, sell, or furnish alcohol, tobacco (including smokeless tobacco), marijuana, inhalants, or any other substance defined as a drug. It is not a violation of this policy for a student to be in the possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his/her doctor. (Windham's Medication Policy, regulation #5420)
Activities covered by this policy and procedures include those school-sponsored athletic activities for which there is a schedule of interscholastic contests, recognized by the Maine Principals’ Association.
Procedures
Athletic policy is separate, yet consistent with general school rules and procedures. When a disciplinary referral occurs as a result of a violation in school or at a school related function, the administrative procedures defined in the current Windham Substance Abuse Policy, as well as those defined in the athletic policy will be followed. The Athletic Substance Abuse Policy pertains to off-campus activities.
A. Disciplinary Referrals
l. Possession/Use -- First Offense
a. verify incident by school official
b. notify administration of incident
c. administration to follow normal administrative procedures
d. discuss concerns with student
e. inform parent/guardian
f. suspend student for two athletic events or for two weeks, whichever is greater require student to attend awareness education group for a minimum of six sessions and/or other recommended services (failure to comply may lead to suspension for the season) encourage parents to attend an educational program on abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
2. Possession/Use &emdash; Second Offense
a. verify and discuss the incident with student
b. notify administration of incident
c. administration to follow normal administrative procedures
d. notify parent
e. suspend for remainder of season
f. require an assessment before participation in another team sport
g. require student to attend an educational group and/or other recommended services before participating in other team sport.
h. encourage parents to attend an education program on abuse of alcohol and other drugs
3. Selling or Furnishing
a. verify and notify administration of incident
b. administration to follow normal administrative procedures
c. notify parent/guardian, superintendent and police
d. suspend (from athletics) for-the remainder of the year
e. require a non-clinical assessment before student can participate in other activities
f. student to attend an educational group and/or follow other recommendations of the S.A.T.
g. recommend parents attend an educational program on drugs and alcohol
B. Concerned Person/Self Referrals
l. Concerned Person/Suspicion Only/First Report
a. consult with others to eva1uate student’s behavior
b. meet with student to establish relationship and discuss concerns over use (if student admits problem, follow self referral procedure &emdash; first report)
c. notify parents, if appropriate
d. review policy and procedures
e. refer to student assistance teams or community resources
f. follow up discussion to determine if resources were effective. .
2. Concerned Person/Second Report
a. consult with others and parents to investigate reports of use/abuse (if there is proof of use, follow disciplinary procedures A-l).
b. meet with student, review information and policy (give option of self referral)
c. recommend referral to student assistance team
d. invite parents to attend an education program
3. Self Referral
a talk with student
b. refer for a non-clinical assessment
c. monitor participation in recommended programs
d. encourage parents to attend an educational program
e. follow-up to determine if resources were effective and/or helpful