UC Riverside Policy Statement on Drugs and Alcohol
Substance Abuse
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics considers substance use and abuse issues to be extremely important in the development and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment. The abuse of legal substances and the use of illegal substances can create a wide variety of health and safety concerns. Therefore, the Department attempts to do everything possible to educate student-athletes, coaches, and other staff about these issues and concerns. We also work toward creating an environment that encourages and supports the overall safety and well-being of players, coaches, staff, officials, and fans. To this end, the following policies and procedures serve as a means to accomplish these goals.
Tobacco
The severe health risks of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke have become a societal concern. While we recognize that tobacco is a legal substance and people have a right to make their own personal choices, our concern is the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and officials, as well as the creation of a safe environment for our fans. To support these concerns, the NCAA, Big West Conference, and UCR Athletics Department have adopted several policies to address these issues.
In regard to smokeless tobacco, both the NCAA and Big West Conference prohibit the use of smokeless tobacco products by all official participants, including student-athletes, coaches, game officials, athletic trainers, and managers during all organized sports activities (e.g. practices, games, etc.). It is the responsibility of coaches and other department staff to make sure that this policy is known by anyone the policy applies to, and enforced by the appropriate people.
In an effort to create the safest possible environment for everyone enjoying Highlander athletic events, smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are prohibited at all athletic venues/facilities. Venues/facilities are defined by all areas within the perimeter fencing, or what can reasonably be considered as part of the facility. This includes the space within 50 feet of entrances and spectator areas (bleachers, grandstands, concession/ticket stands, etc.). Public service announcements will be regularly made to remind spectators of this policy, and any questions or reporting of violations should be directed to game management staff.
Alcohol
While alcohol is also a legal substance for those who are at least 21 years of age, society and specifically college campuses have become less tolerant of the negative affects that abuse of alcohol can bring. Like tobacco, we realize that people have the right to personal choice in regard to the use of alcohol, but again, we want to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, game officials, and fans. The following policies, regulations, and guidelines will help us to achieve this goal. It should also be understood that all federal, state, and local laws, as well as NCAA, Big West Conference, and UCR policies and procedures are to be strictly followed.
1. Student-athletes shall not drink, be under the influence, or be in personal possession of alcohol during any intercollegiate event or Athletics practice.
2. Unlawful consumption, possession, and/or dissemination of alcohol on University premises or on road trips associated with athletic events will result in disciplinary action.
3. Teams are strongly encouraged to develop clear policies and expectations regarding the use of alcohol during their season. This recommendation especially applies prior to practices and games, as well as road trips. These policies and expectations should be both realistic and enforceable.
4. The consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited at UCR contests. Although some athletic contests may include a “hospitality” room/area for special guests, where alcohol may be served to those of legal age, these areas are separate from the actual event and alcohol is not permitted outside of these areas.
5. Special events/receptions may include the service of alcohol. These events must be approved by the appropriate department and/or University officials, and alcohol will only be served to those of legal drinking age. Service of alcohol to student-athletes is strictly prohibited, regardless of their age.
Illicit Drugs
Any use, possession, and/or distribution of illegal drugs are prohibited by federal, state and local laws, as well as UCR policy. Violations will be handled through appropriate procedures.
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