Great outcomes come from strong decisions.

Substance-Free Athletics (SFA) brings the latest scientific evidence about substances and sports to high school athletes and the coaches and parents that support them.  This information along with a quick look at local school district policy creates a common understanding that makes conversations and decision-making around underage alcohol and drug use more productive and empowered.

APS Handbook for Student Success 2022-2023  

https://www.aps.edu/schools/student-handbook

Proposed 2023-2024 APS Handbook for Student Success

Student Participation in Activities and Athletics: 

The Extra-curricular Substance Abuse and Tobacco Policy is in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at all times/locations from the first day of fall sports practices to the end of the school year. 

 “Controlled substances” is defined as any substance capable of producing a change in behavior or altering a state of mind or feeling. Controlled substances include but are not limited to alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, amphetamine, barbiturate, hallucinogens, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, synthetic drugs or intoxicants of any kind. This does not include tobacco or tobacco products.

Restrictions Related to Controlled Substance, Alcohol and Tobacco Use Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the educational process, providing students with opportunities to further develop their unique capabilities, interests, and needs beyond the classroom. Participation in an extracurricular activity is a privilege offered to and earned by students. Because participants are representatives of their school and community, their conduct is expected to exemplify high standards at all times. The Extra-curricular Substance Abuse and Tobacco Policy is in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at all times/locations from the first day of fall sports practices to the end of the school year. The policy applies to students who are active participants and student spectators. For the purposes of this procedural directive, “controlled substances” is defined as any substance capable of producing a change in behavior or altering a state of mind or feeling. Controlled substances include but are not limited to alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, amphetamine, barbiturate, hallucinogens, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, synthetic drugs or intoxicants of any kind. This does not include tobacco or tobacco products. Criteria for application of sanctions Circumstances when students may become subject to sanctions, includes, but is not limited to: 

● Any Minor in Possession (MIP) or Offense by a Minor Citation 

● Written documentation from legitimate law enforcement/school/security reports 

● Personal acknowledgment by the student in question or their parent/guardian Suspension of Extra-Curricular Privileges: 

● The suspension applies to all NMAA sanctioned athletic and non-athletic events and may include other school events (i.e., plays, concerts) at the discretion of the principal 

● Student will not be withdrawn from classes co-curricular with activities 

● A student serving a suspension cannot participate in a “try-out” during that suspension, however, a coach shall provide a tryout opportunity to a student once the suspension is complete. This extension does not guarantee membership on the team or activity. 

● Participation in summer programs for students on suspension will be interpreted in the same way as scholastic eligibility for athletics in the summer (i.e., students may participate in on-campus/intramural activities only) Use and/or Possession of Controlled/Illegal Substances and Alcohol 

● First Offense: Student’s loss of all NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular privileges and eligibility for 10 school days from the date determined by a site administrator and referral to the Parent Involvement Program (PIP). The loss of privileges includes practice and competition. After Five (5) calendar days out of the program, the APS Handbook for Student Success 2022-2023 student can return to the program but not compete in games or activities. On the 11th calendar day the individual can compete in games and activities. Summer school is not considered as school days for this policy: 

● Second Offense: (If a student can show completion of PIP.) Student’s loss of all NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular privileges and eligibility for 30 calendar days from the date determined by a site administrator. The loss of privileges includes practice and competition. After Ten (10) calendar days out of the program, the student can return to the program but not compete in games or activities. On the 31st calendar day the individual can compete in games and activities. Summer school is not considered as school days for this policy. 

● Second Offense: (If a student cannot show completion of PIP.) Student is ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the academic year or longer under special circumstance 

● Third Offense: Student is ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the academic year or longer under special circumstance. 

Parent Involvement Program (PIP) is an optional program to support students and families. PIP is considered a restorative practice and the intent is that the support might be offered in lieu of suspension. The student and parent can only participate once a school year. Parents/Guardians are required to attend with the student. Lesser consequences might be considered if the student and family are on a waitlist for PIP with a start date that has not been extended. Failure to complete PIP will result in reinstatement of further suspension days. 

Use/Possession and/or Distribution of Tobacco Products, E-cigarettes and/or Nicotine Liquid Containers. The term “tobacco product” means any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part, accessory of a tobacco product. This includes, among other products, cigars, cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine liquid containers. 

● First Offense: Student’s loss of NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular privileges and eligibility for five (5) calendar days from the date determined by a site administrator. The student shall retain the privilege to participate in practices during this time. Summer school is not considered as school days for this policy. Students will be required to complete the Tobacco Intervention Program (if available at that school) or other appropriate intervention program approved by the site administrator. 

● Second (and Subsequent) Offense: The student is ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular activities for 10 calendar days unless actively enrolled in a tobacco intervention program. Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities (Board Policy JJ) Interscholastic Activity Eligibility (Board Policy JJ1) Student Drug and Alcohol Use (Board Policy JL1) School Consequences Students may also be subject to school-level consequences in addition to restrictions placed on their participation in athletics or activities. School-level consequences may include suspension of extra-curricular activities, including but not limited to attendance/participation in school activities such as athletic events, open campus privileges, dances, clubs, and other privileged events (including graduation activities and commencement exercises), as determined by the site administrator. Senior students who receive consequences under this policy during the last quarter of the school year may be assigned community service, to be served prior to participation in privileged events such as graduation activities or commencement exercises. The site administrator will assign the community service. Sale or Distribution of Controlled/Illegal Substance 

● Student is ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned extra-curricular events for the remainder of the academic year or longer under special circumstances Page 47 of 52 APS Handbook for Student Success 2022-2023 

● Participation in extracurricular activities is not a student right, and suspension of such privilege does not require a due process hearing or appeal process. 

● The Extra-curricular Substance Abuse and Tobacco Policy is in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at all times/locations from the first day of fall sports practices to the end of the school year. 

● Additional sanctions may apply beyond this policy for violations that occur during the school day, at school function or on school property.