Alcohol and Student Athletes

You don't see much written about this important topic as it applies to student athletes.  Everyone talks about the epidemic of what I will call under age "binge" drinking.  But what about student athletes?

Although a bit naive, I give a lot of credit to this young writer, Michelle Berman, for bringing up the topic.  Of course if Michelle told the whole truth and nothing but the truth, she might be kicked off of her team (or maybe get a teammate kicked off). 

Here's an excerpt from her article.

"RIGHT or wrong, whether you like it or not, alcohol is an inescapable part of the college experience, and the majority of the population at a university will wind up participating in it. It is simply a fact of life on most college campuses."

Here's what I witnessed in college swimming.

Drinking was a major part of the team.  After meets.  On the bus.  During recruiting trips.  There were a few folks on the team who did not partake, but they were in the 1% minority.  Here's some realistic ideas for a college program.

Part 1

• No drinking the week of a meet.
• No drinking the month of a championship meet.
• Don't even think about getting in a car.  A DUI should have you permanently removed from the team.
• No drinking in the presence of a recruit.
• If you drink, you better show up with your A game.  If you can't handle a workout, and there's alcohol on your breath.  You miss two meets.

Part 2

Parents and coaches need to have clear open discussions about alcohol.  Realistic discussions that might include information like one or two drinks might be ok.  Eight drinks is a good way to wind up somewhere you don't want to be, doing something you would not ordinarily be doing.

Read Michelle's complete article on Swimming World.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I in no way condone underage drinking.