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BELLOWS FALLS UNION HIGH SCHOOL ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO POLICY FOR ATHLETES

It is the policy of the Bellows Falls High School that possession and/or use of tobacco, Vape/Vape products, alcohol, and/or non-prescription drugs by any student is not permitted. In addition to any school consequences required by other school board policies, infractions of these rules by a participant in co-curricular activities will result in a hearing before a school administrator who will render a decision on the infraction relative to the student’s continued participation in co-curricular activities.  Due process will be followed as described in this policy with regard to a student’s rights.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, Drugs (use & possession)

First offense - school consequences as well as:

  • Suspension from 25% of the scheduled contests (if less than 25% of the scheduled contests remain, this suspension would also include any playoff contests to encompass the 25% of the schedule.) 

  • Social probation - suspension from participation in or attendance at school activity or athletic event(s) as determined by Athletic Director and Administration. 

  • Recommended referral for a drug/alcohol assessment - follow all recommendations.  

  • Referral to and successful completion of the N-O-T: Not On Tobacco program with Restorative Practices Coordinator (as appropriate)

  • Failure to complete the N-O-T program will be cause to extend suspension.

  • Students must continue to attend practice.

  • Athletes who voluntarily self-report an instance of substance abuse on the first offense (prior to being questioned about an incident) will have half of the participation penalty removed.

Second offense - school consequence as well as:

  • Suspension for the duration of the season or 45 days, whichever comes first.  
  • Recommended referral for a drug/alcohol assessment - follow all recommendations.  
  • Referral to and successful completion of the N-O-T: Not On Tobacco program with Restorative Practices Coordinator (as appropriate) 
  • Failure to complete the N-O-T program will be cause to extend suspension.

Third offense - school consequences as well as:

  • Suspension for 365 days from the date of the suspension. 
  • Recommended referral for a drug/alcohol assessment - follow all recommendations.  
  • Referral to and successful completion of the N-O-T: Not On Tobacco program with Restorative Practices Coordinator (as appropriate)
  • Failure to complete the N-O-T program will be cause to extend suspension.  
  • Students must continue to attend practice.

There will be no penalty for athletes who voluntarily seek assistance from any school personnel for a substance-related problem in the absence of a specific incident that has been properly reported by others.

If a participant in co-curricular activities is involved in an incident that requires police involvement and that
student fully co-operates with the law enforcement authorities, such cooperation may be used as a reason for reducing by half a student’s participation penalty.

THIS POLICY AGAINST USE/ABUSE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, VAPE AND DRUGS IS IN EFFECT REGARDLESS OF THE LOCATION OF THE OFFENSE, WHETHER OR NOT SCHOOL IS IN SESSION, AND WHETHER OR NOT THE ATHLETE IS “IN SEASON.” 

VIOLATIONS ARE CUMULATIVE GRADES 9-12. ANY COMBINATION OF THREE INCIDENTS (i.e. 1 smoking, 1 alcohol, 1 drug) CONSTITUTES THREE VIOLATIONS.

  • Any reports of suspected violations of this portion of the policy reported to school officials must be made in writing to the administration.  
  • There will be no penalty for athletes who voluntarily seek assistance from any school personnel for a substance-related problem in the absence of a specific incident that has been properly reported by others.
  • If a participant in co-curricular activities is involved in an incident that requires police involvement and that student fully co-operates with the law enforcement authorities, such cooperation may be used as a reason for reducing by half a student’s participation penalty.