Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jul 2005
Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

NEW DRUG RULES FOR SPORTS?

Week-long suspensions for first-time offenders and a season-long athletics 
ban are possible under proposed amendments to School District 73's drug and 
alcohol policy.

Discussion on possible changes to the existing policy will occur at the 
next school board meeting, on July 4 in Kamloops.

There are many changes we are looking at with this new policy," said Ross 
Spina, director of secondary schools for the district. There were two 
reasons we felt the need for a change.

The first came from a recommendation of a committee chaired by Tim 
Dinsdale, one of our vice-principals.

That committee was looking into the problems surround drugs and alcohol and 
included our RCMP liaison officer, Const. Connie Buckle, as well as others 
in drug and alcohol counselling groups, such as the Phoenix Centre."

The second reason, Spina said, is the ambiguous wording of the policy as it 
relates to student athletes.

Our solicitor told us we needed to make some clearer guideliness in regards 
to athletics and sports events," he said.

One of the bigger changes could be in the way schools deal with students 
caught with drugs or alcohol or found impaired by these substances on 
school property.

The proposal is to create a more supportive environment for the student," 
Spina said. Instead of just punishing them, the new policy would create a 
support system for the student and help them deal with addictions and other 
consequences of drugs and alcohol."

Spina said most of the changes will be to further clarify the board's 
stance on drugs and alcohol.

According to the proposed document: The Board of School Trustees believes 
in providing students with a learning environment conducive to maximizing 
their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. The 
presence of alcohol and other drugs interferes with that learning environment.

If the new policy is accepted and implemented by the beginning of the 
2005/2006 school year, as is the goal, the first offence for drug or 
alcohol-related infractions would result in a five-day suspension.

The principal or vice-principal, in consultation with the board 
superintendent or a designate, could recommend counselling through the 
school or a community services program.

Based on reports from the community services program, the suspension could 
be reduced.

Those who re-offend would be subject to a disciplinary hearing with the 
superintendent of the board or the designate.

In regards to drug-related incidents, principals or vice-principals would 
be in a position to report this crime to the RCMP and turn over any 
evidence for a police investigation.

Those caught selling drugs on school property will be suspended and 
referred to the office of the superintendent for a hearing.

Additionally, that student will not be allowed to enter any property owned 
by School District 73 during the ban.

In the sports realm, the rules are more clearly defined.

The Board of School Trustees believes there is no place for alcohol or 
other drugs in sport, the document reported.

As a result, the proposal would see student athletes caught with drugs or 
alcohol banned for one calendar year. If the athlete is caught breaking the 
rules at a non-athletic event under the jursidiction of any school 
district, he or she could be suspended for the remainder of their season as 
defined in the B.C. School Sports Handbook.

The proposal adds that a parent meeting with the school's athletic director 
must occur before that student is allowed to return to any sports team.

The student would not be barred from participating in physical education 
classes during his or her ban.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom