You Can Keep Your Team Drug Free
You are in a special position to prevent drug use.The "do's and
don'ts" below are common sense guidelines for handling situations that you
or your fellow coaches are likely to encounter at one time or another.
Don't --
Pretend that you did not hear an athlete
discussing plans for a party that will involve alcohol or drugs.
Do --
Immediately address the
problem with the athlete and tell him or her that the plans
are inappropriate and unacceptable for any member of your team. Tell the athlete that you are
concerned and that you care.Ask if he or she needs any help.
Tell him or her that drug use weakens an athlete's body and
increases the risk of motor vehicle and other accidents.
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It's important for coaches to take an active part
in their players' lives -- both on and off the field.
Positive role models are needed in our children's lives, and coaches have a
special opportunity to
deliver a powerful and consistent
message about the
dangers of drugs.
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Darrell Green
Defensive Back --
Washington Redskins #28
Six-Time Pro Bowler
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Don't --
Choose to ignore the smell of marijuana.
Do --
Confront the athlete immediately. Make sure that he or
she knows that you know. If you fail to act, the athlete may
assume that this behavior is OK or that you don't care. Explain
that marijuana is illegal and that the athlete can be arrested
or suspended from school and sports for using it.
Don't --
Avoid enforcing rules -- or enforce them selectively.
Do --
Be firm, set limits, and stick to them. Be sure that the rules
you set are helpful in changing an athlete's behavior. Don't
alienate or stigmatize athletes; engage them in the rulemaking.
Don't --
Ignore drug use because the team "needs" a particular
athlete to play.
Do --
Set rules and enforce them consistently. Once you look
away, team morale will suffer, as will your moral leadership. By
opting to look the other way, you also fail in your responsibility to
the athlete. If he or she gets hurt, how will you feel? Emphasize
that the same rules apply to all team members and that you, as
a coach, have a responsibility to enforce rules consistently.
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Don't --
Ignore drug use by the coaching staff.
Do --
Ensure that everyone on your staff sets a good
example. Your players will heed not just what you say, but what you do.
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