Athletic Department Policy on Alcohol
In addition to Federal, State and College policies on alcohol use, the following policies have been developed by the Department of Athletics. It is important to understand that the purpose of these additional policies is to enhance athletic performance and to facilitate a safe environment.
(1) At no time will alcohol be permitted during an athletic team function sanctioned by the athletic department while a team is in season. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Practices and contests
- Team travel. There will be no use of alcohol by any team member from the start of an away trip to the conclusion of an away trip, including on a team bus, van or car. If a team travels off campus to a practice site, this also includes travel to the team practice
- Team trips include trips to any away contests including extended team travel during vacation periods
(2) Foreign trips must follow College policies on international travel. Coaches leading these trips have the authority to establish more restrictive guidelines as they deem appropriate. No alcohol consumption is permitted on any foreign trips taken in season.
(3) Alcohol possession and use will be prohibited at all team functions held in the Athletic Center with the exception of a served meal and then only to students who are at least 21 years of age.
(4) Each head coach has the freedom to establish additional guidelines and rules concerning the use of alcohol by their team members, provided that the additional guidelines shall be no less restrictive than the above stated rules.
*Violation of the above policies will result in immediate action ranging from suspension to expulsion from the team as determined by the head coach in consultation with the Athletic Director.
Community Responsibility: In 1995-96, a Trustee Commission on Alcohol examined the impact of alcohol at Colby, particularly with regard to its effects on residential and academic life. Its objective was to review policies and practices with regard to Colby and consider others; to provide a caring, healthy, safe, and civil environment in the residence halls and at all social events; and to support a social life that is not overly dependent on alcohol and which promotes responsible choices and deals effectively with abuse. The Commission developed a list of goals and standards for the several groups that comprise the campus community, including coaches, and asked each group to review its goals and standards and make suggestions for changes to the Student Affairs Committee of the Board by January, 1997;
The goals and standards established by the Commission for coaches are as follows:
- To promote team responsibility.
- To strongly encourage that team parties do not allow a culture of binging and substance abuse.
- To establish a “code of conduct” for team members on and off the field/court/ice/track, with sanctions for any violations.
- To communicate with the Dean’s Office about assistance/sanctions for students with alcohol-related problems.
- To promote the avoidance of substances and behaviors which negatively impact health, fitness, performance, and status (disciplinary/academic).
- To take steps to prevent any team member from being pressured to consume alcohol.
- To take steps to prevent recruits from being exposed to alcohol.
- To acknowledge that many students choose not to drink and that moderation and abstinence are indeed normal aspects of College life.
- To be mindful of remarks that might promote an atmosphere of substance abuse.
- To consult with the Athletic Director concerning substance abuse issues for athletes: education, proactive measures, sanctions, etc.
- To ensure when providing social functions, which include alcohol that alternate beverages are available and that alcohol is served only to those age 21 and older. Alcohol, when offered, is provided in moderation. Alcohol abuse and abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
