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Student Participation in Activities and Athletics: 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 extra-curricular 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 be 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  • Student will not be withdrawn from classes co-curricular with activities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 Violation  

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) schooldays out of the program, the student can return to the program but not compete in games or activities. On the 11th school day the individual can compete in games and activities. Summer school is not considered as school days for this policy.   

Second Violation (If a student can show completion of PIP)

Second Violation (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) school 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 Violation (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 Violation 

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 a program to support students and families.  As an alternative to suspension, when a student has a controlled substance infraction, the administrator will offer optional participation in PIP, a psycho-educational intervention provided by an APS Crossroads Counselor (school counselors with specialized training in the area of substance use/misuse). PIP creates a non-judgmental and supportive environment where the student and their parent/guardian are connected to information that will increase their knowledge and understanding of why people use substances, the impact of use on developing brains and life, refusal skills and alternatives to use. The Crossroads Counselor will share community resources and make outside referrals when appropriate along with being an ongoing resource and support themselves for the student and their family. The goal of PIP and Crossroads involvement is to equip the student to make better choices and decrease the likelihood of re-offense.

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 Violation 

Student’s loss of NMAA-sanctioned extra-curricular privileges and eligibility for five (5) school days from the date of the infraction.  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) Violation 

The student is ineligible to participate in NMAA-sanctioned extra-curricular activities for 10 school days.  The student shall retain the privilege to participate in practices during this time.

School Consequences/Disposition

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 extracurricular events for the remainder of the academic year or longer under special circumstances
  • 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 any school function, or on school property

Administrative Position: 

  • Chief Operations Officer          
  • Chief of Schools

Department Director:

  • Executive Director of Student, Parent, and Employee Service Center
  • Executive Director of Student Athletics & Activities

References:

Legal Cross Ref.:

  • Controlled Substances Act, Sections 30-31-1 et seq. and 30-28-1 NMSA 1978

Board Policy Cross Ref.:

Procedural Directive Cross Ref.:         

NSBA/NEPN Classification:     JJIE    

Introduced: July 7, 2022
Adopted: July 15, 2022
Reviewed:  June 5, 2023
Revised:  June 28, 2023