Why it’s important
Kids get one shot at adolescent brain development.
Substance use can slow down this process and can cause damage for some.
Youth prevention efforts
with the potential for greatest success:
Are multi-faceted
“No-use,” “cessation” and messages of “delay” come from a variety of perspectives (policy, mental and physical health, school, impact on community, team, friends, siblings, the future, now, etc…)
Come from many messengers
Rationale for “choosing not to use” comes from a variety of voices and stakeholders (teens themselves, parents, coaches, teachers, media, etc...)
Meet kids where they are
In this case - they are playing sports and most want to continue excelling on and off the field
Are on-going
It’s never just one conversation, it’s many conversations over time
SFA was built to focus on sports because:
On average, 60% of high school kids play a sport of some kind in America.
Athletes can influence culture even in the general population, so changing their opinions and behaviors around drugs and alcohol can reach beyond just the teams.
School districts tend to have strong guidelines supporting “substance-free athletics,” yet over time few involved, even coaches and administrators, know what the rules and regs actually are.
Coaches have a unique kind of influence in student athlete’s lives.
Youth prevention is a team effort - we are all in this together
SFA supports the NCAA’s definition of “Effective Prevention Partners.” We provide people with a common understanding about drugs and alcohol on athletic performance as well as ways to communicate and work together. We also look at how district, school and team policy supports athlete success.
