PARIS – Summer vacation ends early for high school athletes as practices begin in 18 days.

Teens from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School who play football, field hockey and soccer will soon begin the rugged and sometimes two-a-day practice sessions.

They will also be facing something new this year – a mandatory seminar on substance abuse. The seminar is also for an athlete’s parent.

The seminar, set for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the high school, will be given by Daniel B. Switchenko, a Maine speaker noted for his presentations on substance abuse.

It was suggested by girl’s soccer coach Craig Jipson and health educator Jen Fitts and approved by Principal Joe Moore and Superintendent Mark Eastman.

On July 24 the school board was informed of the seminar.

The seminar was a reaction to the fact that about 15 athletes were suspended from sports teams last year for substance abuse or being in the area where substance abuse was occurring.

Athletes sign a contract prior to playing sports stating that they will not use alcohol or other drugs, or be in the vicinity of substance abuse.

“We see a problem and we’re doing our best to confront it in a constructive way,” Moore said. “We’re using sound educational strategies.

“The meetings are mandatory because we care about the kids,” he said. “We want everyone – kids, parents and community working together.”

A school board member questioned why the meeting was mandatory when there was no policy guiding the decision.

Moore said the seminar was made mandatory because it falls within the realm of school officials making decisions. He also said Eastman approved of the measure.

Athletic Director Jeff Benson, who left Edward Little High School in Auburn to begin at OHCHS on July 1, did not arrange the training, but is responsible for some of the administrative duties around it.

“What we’re mainly trying to do is promote healthy lifestyles and good decision making by athletes and students in general,” Benson said. “We’re also trying to send the message to the student-athlete that we’re here to help and we’re here to provide as many resources as possible to make the total education package well rounded.”

He realizes there are still some details to work out concerning reaching every athlete, but is confident those problems will be worked out by conversations with administrators, staff and coaches.

Benson said efforts were being made to videotape Switchenko’s presentation. He intends to have every coach do follow-up activities through their respective seasons and will depend on the athletes who play several sports to help promulgate the message.

“Keeping the kids connected throughout the year is equally as important as the message itself,” Benson said.

Benson said athletes sign the substance abuse contract because playing athletics carries extra responsibilities.

“Education is a right of every student, but playing athletics is a privilege,” he said.

jsmedley@sunjournal.com

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