SMHS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
San Marino High School is committed to providing a safe environment for all its students. The use of alcohol or other illegal drugs by a student increases the possibility of that student hurting him/herself or others and is, therefore, to be strongly discouraged.Participation in high school athletics is a privilege, not a right. Students must meet academic and citizenship standards to be eligible to compete. San Marino athletes are the most visible representatives of the school both within and outside the community. Accordingly, they are held to a higher standard of behavior in return for the privilege of participating in interscholastic sports. To encourage responsible and safe behavior by students, the following policies have been established:
ALCOHOL: Upon a first offense, a student found in possession or under the influence of alcohol will be suspended from school for a period of 2-5 days. Additionally, the student will be suspended from competition for a minimum of two interscholastic contests or two weeks, whichever involves the greatest number of contests. The student will forfeit the right to earn an athletic letter, and the student will be ineligible for any and all team, league, or CIF awards or recognition. A coach may establish stronger consequences for a particular sport, including removal from the team, and the school will support those consequences. Upon a second offense, in addition to schoolwide consequences, the student must be removed from the team for the remainder of the season. A third offense may lead to removal from the athletic program for the remainder of the student’s high school experience and possible recommendation for expulsion.
OTHER DRUGS: In accordance with California Education Code, the use of other illegal drugs will lead to school suspension, and a recommendation for expulsion will be made to the school board. As a minimum, the student will be removed from athletic competition for the remainder of the season of sport and forfeit the right to earn a letter or any other awards or recognition.
Please discuss with your child the importance of refraining from the use of alcohol or other illegal drugs. Discuss with your child the policies disclosed in this letter. We have a better chance of keeping your child and others safe if the school and you are providing a consistent message.