PJ45 Restrictions Related to Controlled Substances, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use for Students Participating in Activities and Athletics

PJ45 Restrictions Related to Controlled Substances, Alcohol, and Tobacco/Nicotine Use for Students Participating in Activities and Athletics

 

 

Extracurricular activities are integral to the educational process, providing students with

opportunities to develop their unique capabilities and further their interests 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 rules and expectations outlined in this procedure are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at all locations from the first day of fall sports practices to the end of the school year. They apply to students who are active participants and student spectators.

 

For the purposes of this procedure, “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,

amphetamines, barbiturates, 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 include, but are not limited to:

● Any Minor in Possession (MIP) or Violation by a Minor citation

● Written documentation from legitimate law enforcement, school, or security reports

● Personal acknowledgment by the student in question or their parent/guardian

Suspension of Extracurricular Privileges

● The suspension applies to all NMAA-sanctioned athletic and non-athletic events and

may include other school events (i.e., plays, concerts, dances) at the discretion of the principal

● The student will not be withdrawn from activities required by co-curricular classes

● A student serving a suspension cannot participate in tryouts during that suspension; however, a coach will provide a tryout opportunity to a student once the suspension is complete. This extension does not guarantee membership on the team or in the activity

● Participation in summer programs for students on suspension will be interpreted in the

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 or Illegal Substances and Alcohol: First Violation  

Student’s loss of all NMAA-sanctioned extracurricular privileges and eligibility for 10

school days from the date determined by a site administrator and referral to the Parent

Involvement Program (see below). The loss of privileges includes practice and competition.

After five school days out of the program, the student can return to the program but

may not compete in games or activities. On the 11th school day, the individual can compete in games and activities. Summer school days are not considered school days for this policy.  

 

School administration may offer Parents/legal guardians the option to participate in the Parent Involvement Program (PIP) through the Crossroads program. Participation in PIP is not mandatory.

 

Second Violation: If the parent/legal guardian was offered and completed PIP

Student’s loss of all NMAA-sanctioned extracurricular 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 school days out of the program, the student can return to the program but may not compete in games or activities. On the 31st  calendar day, the individual can compete in games and activities. For this procedure, Summer school days are not considered school days.  

Second Violation: If Parent Involvement Program is not completed

Under special circumstances, the student is ineligible to participate in NMAA-sanctioned extracurricular activities for the remainder of the academic year or longer.

 

Third Violation 

Under special circumstances, the student is ineligible to participate in NMAA-sanctioned extracurricular activities for the remainder of the academic year or longer.

Parent Involvement Program (PIP) 

 

The Parent Involvement Program 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, is an optional psycho-educational intervention provided by an APS Crossroads counselor (school counselors with specialized training in the area of substance use and misuse) as an alternative to reduce or replace school suspension days. 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, make outside referrals when

appropriate, and will be an ongoing resource for the students and their families. The goal of PIP and Crossroads involvement is to equip the student to make choices that decrease the likelihood of reoffense.

 

Use/Possession and/or Distribution of Tobacco and Nicotine Products, E-cigarettes, and/or Nicotine Liquid Containers

 

The term “tobacco and nicotine product” means any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part, or 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 extracurricular privileges and eligibility for

five school days from the date of the infraction. The student may still participate in practices during this time. Summer school days are not considered school

days for this procedure. Students will be required to complete a tobacco intervention

program (if available at that school) or another appropriate intervention program approved by the site administrator.

 

Second and Subsequent Violations 

The student is ineligible to participate in NMAA-sanctioned extracurricular activities for

Ten school days. The student may participate in practices during

this time.

 

School Consequences and 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 extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, attendance and 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 and in accordance with the APS Student Success Handbook. Senior students who receive consequences under this procedure during the last quarter of the school year may be assigned to community service to be served before they can participate in privileged events such as graduation activities or commencement exercises. The site administrator will assign the

community service.

 

Sale or Distribution of Controlled/Illegal Substances

 

• The 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's right, and suspension of such

privileges do not require a due process hearing or appeal process.

• The rules and expectations outlined in this procedure are in effect 24 hours a

day, seven days a week, at all locations from the first day of fall sports practices through

the end of the school year.

• For violations that occur during the school day, at any school function, or on school property, additional sanctions may apply beyond this procedure.

 

 

Administrative Position:

 

●Chief of Staff 

 

 

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

 

 

Procedural Directive Cross Ref.:

 

● APS Handbook for Student Success

● Student Discipline and Standards of Behavior

● Suspension, Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion and Due Process Procedures (Exclusionary Discipline)

 

NSBA/NEPN Classification: JJIE

 

Introduced: July 7, 2022

Adopted: July 15, 2022

Reviewed: June 5, 2023

Revised: June 28, 2023

Reviewed: February 23, 2024

Revised: February 23, 2024

Reviewed: June 23, 2025

Revised: June 23, 2025

 

This page was last updated on: July 19, 2022.