New Behavior Policy For Athletes

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June 6, 2009 • Kaila Hammond  
Filed under Bucs Life

Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, seven days a week, and twenty-four hours a day you hold your athletic future in your hands. Athletes are now being held responsible for their behavior and actions on and off school grounds, due to the new policy Cobb County passed June 10, 2009. Board of Education Chairman, Dr. John Abraham, explained, “We want students to be clear that participation in sports or extracurricular activities is a privilege.” Under the new policy, if a student’s coach or school learns about any illegal behavior outside of or in school he or she will be subject to suspension of his or her sport or activity or receive appropriate consequences. Cobb County believes athletes represent the school at all times and should behave in a manner that represents the school in a first-class, positive way.

Under the new rules, athletes will receive appropriate consequences for using or acquiring illegal drugs, alcohol, inhalants, or prescription drugs in an abusive way. New guidelines have also been set for in-season tobacco use or possession. If they are arrested or charged with an act, suspension will range from one day suspension of activity to permanent suspension depending on the severity of the criminal act. However, if charges against the student are dropped or he or she is found not-guilty, he or she will be allowed to resume their position in their activity.

Participation in athletic programs comes with the expectation that athletes represent their school on and off the field. Remember, any illegal behavior that is discovered will have consequences, therefore act responsibly and save yourself the trouble. “Every action has a consequence and everyone sits down at their own banquet of consequences.”