Messages for Policy Makers

Chemical use problems affect individual performance, team morale, and team success.

Many chemical use problems can be prevented.

People can recover from chemical use problems.

Chemical dependency problems require professional help and ongoing support for recovery.

Policy makers should demonstrate concern for the overall health of members of the sports organization.

Policies and procedures need full support of organization, management and administration.

Policy and procedure guidelines will be more effective when developed cooperatively by management, coaches and athletes.

Policies and procedures to respond to problems will reduce the likelihood of litigation.

Policy makers are responsible for initiating health promotion, problem prevention efforts and programs to respond to chemical use problems.

Ongoing staff training is required to effectively implement programs.

Policy makers are responsible for encouraging community involvement and family participation in program development and implementation.

State and federal laws which restrict chemical use should be supported and confirmed.

Laws and rules alone will not deter all chemical use problems and will not ensure an organization will be free of problems.

Policy makers can be role models for coaches and athletes.

Policies and procedures need to be implemented and applied fairly and equally at all levels of the organization.

The wellness coordinator in your school is equipped to help prevent programs that will minimize problems in your school.

The MIAA accepts the responsibility for providing active support to all schools in implementing programs that will benefit the students.