Substance Abuse
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The substance abuse policy exists because the athletic department wants to steer students away from situations and surroundings that could have a detrimental effect on their life.
The athletic department wants what is best and most healthy for the athletes in our care. It is our desire that every athlete make healthy and God pleasing decisions. We believe that the decisions that an athlete makes regarding drugs and alcohol not only effect their performance in the playing arena but could even have lasting effects for a healthy and productive life. It is our desire to do all that we can to influence our athletes to make wise decisions. The purpose of this policy is not to try to eliminate athletes from competition but rather to have clearly defined guidelines so athletes will steer clear of potentially harmful situations. The outlined penalties are designed to bring consistency throughout the department. These guidelines reflect the serious stance the athletic department has taken out of concern for our athletes.
POLICY
During the school year, regardless of the quantity, a student/athlete shall not:
PART 1: USE AND POSSESSION
Use, consume, have in their possession, buy, sell, or provide any beverages containing alcohol or any other controlled substances designated by law to be illegal for the general public or a specific age group.
PART 2: IN THE PRESENCE
Be in the presence of an illegal possession by a minor and/or the use of any beverage containing alcohol or any other controlled substance designated by law to be illegal. (e.g.: parties, friends house, etc.; NOT with parents present)
** NOTE: Beverages containing alcohol include: beer, wine, wine coolers, mixed drinks, and hard liquor; Controlled Substance includes: drugs, all tobacco products, inhalants.
This rule applies to the entire school year and includes any school sponsored activity, either on or off campus. This rule includes any portion of a school sponsored activity which occurs prior to the start of a school year (camps, etc.) or after the close of the school year (athletic events, etc.). This rule does affect athletes who decide to go off campus, either before or after school, and violate either of the two parts previously described. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a controlled substance specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her physician.
Each contract will cover one year (365 days) from the date of the contract and any further indiscretions during this time will be treated as a second offense.
Definition of Terms
IN-SEASON – is defined from 1st day of practice until the team is eliminated from competition or wins the TAPPS State title. (Golf is considered a spring sport and will use Baseball/Softball start dates for defining "in-season" until TAPPS issues an official start date.)
OFF-SEASON – is defined as the remainder of the 365 calendar year not involved directly with an athletic team.
“OFFICIALLY DETERMINED” – the date that the Principal, and Athletic Director verify that a violation of a policy has occurred and evidence or student admittance produces proof of guilt.
STATUE of LIMITATIONS – from the “officially determined” date, the athletic department will only recall the past 120 days for use in policy enforcement. This is only for athletic policies.
CONTEST – consist of the entirety of one day’s events, e.g.: Cheerleading for both girls and boys basketball games on one night constitutes one (1) contest. Regardless of how many games or matches are played by a team in one day in a tournament format all of the day’s events constitute (1) contest.
SCRIMMAGE – Scrimmages do not count when determining the length of an athletic suspension from play. A scrimmage is defined as a competition or practice involving another school with or without officials where the results do not count in any official team record or standings. No athlete under suspension (academic or otherwise) is allowed to take part in any inter-school scrimmage. “Inter-squad scrimmages” do not apply to this rule as they only involve Dallas Lutheran students.
Violation of PART 1: “USE AND POSSESION”
Use, consume, have in their possession, buy, sell, or provide any beverages containing alcohol or any other controlled substances designated by law to be illegal for the general public or a specific age group.
1st Offense – In Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has been in possession of and/or used a controlled substance, the student will be immediately REMOVED from the team. The athlete will forfeit the right to any Varsity letter(s) that might have been earned and also forfeits the right for recognition at the Dallas Lutheran School Sports Recognition Evening.
1st Offense – Off Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has been in possession of and/or used a controlled substance, the student will meet with the Athletic Director to write up a contract that is valid for 365 days (1 year) from the officially determined date. The athlete will be suspended from playing in any contests for (14) calendar days. (Minimum of 2 contests and a maximum of 5 contests will be missed) The suspension will be served in the first sport season the said athlete will compete in following the violation. If (5) contests are missed before the 14 days has passed the athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics. In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)
2nd Offense – Off Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has violated the controlled substance rule for the second (2nd) time within the 365 day contract period, by being in possession of and/or consuming a controlled substance, said athlete, with their parents, shall meet with the Athletic Director and Principal to write up a one (1) year suspension from participation on any athletic teams while enrolled as a student at Dallas Lutheran School. If the violation occurs outside the 365 day contract, (after the original contract expires) said athlete, with their parents, shall meet with the Athletic Director and Principal to write up a contract that covers the said student’s remaining enrollment period at Dallas Lutheran School.
Violation of PART 2: “IN THE PRESENCE”
Be in the presence of an illegal possession by a minor and/or the use of any beverage containing alcohol or any other controlled substance designated by law to be illegal. (e.g.: parties, friends house, etc.; NOT with parents present)
1st Offense – In Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has been “in the presence of” a controlled substance, the student will meet with the Athletic Director to write up a contract that is valid for 365 days (1 year) from the officially determined date. Said athlete shall lose the privilege of participation in contests for seven (7) calendar days. (Minimum of one (1) contest and a maximum of two (2) contests) If two contests are missed by said athlete before seven (7) calendar days have passed the athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics. The suspension shall be imposed immediately following the officially determined date. . In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)
2nd Offense – In Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has been in the presence of the illegal possession of or the illegal use of a controlled substance, within 365 days of the first violation, the student/athlete shall be immediately REMOVED from the team. Furthermore, the athlete will forfeit the right to any Varsity letter(s) that may have been earned and also forfeits the right for recognition at the annual Dallas Lutheran School Sports Recognition Evening.
1st Offense – Off Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has been in the presence of the illegal possession of or the illegal use of a controlled substance, the student/athlete will meet with the Athletic Director and Principal to write up a 365 day (1 year) contract from the date of the occurrence. The athlete will be suspended from playing in any contests for seven (7) calendar days. (Minimum of one (1) contest and Maximum of two (2) contests) If two (2) contests are missed before seven (7) days has passed the athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics. This shall occur in the first sport season chosen by the said athlete to compete in since the violation. . In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)
2nd Offense – Off Season:
When it has been officially determined that a student/athlete has violated the “in the presence” rule for the second (2nd) time within the 365 day contract period, by being “in the presence” of possession of and/or consuming a controlled substance, said athlete, with their parents, will meet with the Athletic Director to write up a contract that is valid for 365 days (1 year) from the officially determined date. Said athlete shall lose the privilege of participation in any contests for the duration of 14 calendar days once competition begins. The duration of the suspension is for a minimum of two (2) contests and a maximum of five (5) contests. If (5) contests are missed before the 14 days has passed the athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics. The suspension will be served in the first sport season the said athlete will compete in following the violation. . In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)
** The Athletic Director will write up a contract describing the details of the event, get it signed by the student/athlete, his/her parents, the Principal and himself and then file this contract for future reference.
ATHLETE’S INITIATIVE:
In keeping with the philosophy of Dallas Lutheran School, the athletic department wants to encourage our athletes to do the right thing and to take ownership for their own actions. The athletic department wants to encourage honesty and reward it whenever possible.
When an athlete comes forward on his/her own, (prior to any school involvement or knowledge) and admits to poor decision making relative to controlled substances and is seeking help and guidance, the following penalties will serve as our guide:
1st Offense – Off-Season:
The athlete along with his/her parents will meet with the Athletic Director and the Administrator to establish a plan of assistance and to draw up a contract outlining the conditions of probation. The athlete’s coach will be given an opportunity for input for any additional contract conditions.
The athlete will be suspended from playing in any contests for seven (7) calendar days. (Minimum of one (1) contest and Maximum of two (2) contests) If two (2) contests are missed before seven (7) days has passed the athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics. The suspension will be served in the first sport season the said athlete will compete in following the violation. In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)
1st Offense In-Season:
The athlete along with his/her parents will meet with the Athletic Director and the Administrator to establish a plan of assistance and to draw up a contract outlining the conditions of probation. The athlete’s coach will be given an opportunity for input for any additional contract conditions.
The athlete will be suspended from playing in any contests for (14) calendar days. (Minimum of 2 contests and a maximum of 5 contests will be missed) The suspension will be served immediately following the officially determined date. In addition the athlete will meet all the conditions listed in his/her contract. (Remember that playing time is in the control of the coach and returning to full-service is not guaranteed.)