When we send our teenagers to school, we hope they follow the rules and play fair. If they do, we tend not to hear about it. If they don’t, the school administrators take over. My house, my rules, their house, their rules. Makes sense.
What happens when athletes are required to sign a commitment policy in order to play on a high school team? The commitment is around healthy behaviors and decisions outside of the practices and games. How could a Varsity Parent NOT embrace this positive message?
Very black & white – you do “x” and we will …suspend you from sports for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, whatever the “y” is for your school. Well, parents generally do embrace it, until it hits home. Right?
Your highly recruited volleyball player found herself in the middle of a party where alcohol was being served. She was not drinking. Many commitment policies require the athlete to leave a gathering if alcohol or drugs are present. She was not drinking or doing drugs. Her parents said she did not know there was alcohol at the party, but the police stated it was out in the open. This is a tough situation.
How about the freshmen hockey boys, drinking away on a town playing field? The reason they got “caught “ was because one boy drank so much the others thought he might die. The other boys did the right thing and called for help.
Sadly, exposure to alcohol and drugs are a reality. Whether it’s through peers, films, music, advertising, or home life, teens process the “exposure” and then make choices.
Commitment Policies can help YOU start a discussion with your athlete about drugs and alcohol.
Time to Talk.org can help YOU find the right words to discuss drugs and alcohol with your teen. Check it out; you are not alone.
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