Participating in sports or other structured activities can be a life-altering experience for youth. It is a good way to keep them engaged in supervised activities that have a number of benefits, including the chance to interact with a caring adult. Structured activities also help keep youth off the streets during those afternoon hours when they are most likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs. We know that when youth are active in sports and other recreation activities, they are less likely to engage in unprotected sex, get into trouble or commit acts of violence. Physical activities can also help youngsters master challenges, learn to tolerate frustration and solve problems. That's why urban, rural communities alike may want to offer structured activities -- including team sports -- that youth can be a part of this summer. Now is also a good time to look ahead to the fall and start planning for after-school activities.

Young athletes develop important skills to help them resist peer pressure, gain confidence in their abilities, learn how to set goals and work hard to meet them. Working as part of a team is also a valuable experience for youth, who benefit from interacting with peers and learn how to win -- and lose -- graciously. Many young people also benefit from one-on-one attention from coaches or other adults, who can serve as important role models. Often young athletes hold their coaches in high esteem and look to them as mentors to guide them through the maze of difficult choices.

While professional athletes may inspire some youngster's goals, those who work directly with kids are in the best position to truly impact them. Because of this, coaches and other adults who work with kids and teenagers need to be well-trained in not only how best to teach youngsters the rules of the game but also in how best to impart valuable life skills to them. This can help give kids the self-confidence they need to make smart decisions, lead healthy and productive lives and reach for their dreams.

Too often we hear in the news about professional sports figures who drink too much, do drugs and get into trouble. These stories leave an impression on youth, who look up to these athletes as their heroes. What effect do these negative examples have on kids? It often depends on how they process the information and use it to guide them in making their own decisions. Teachers, coaches, religious leaders and others who work with youth can talk about these situations with them and get them to list some of the harmful effects that will result. Kids can also take a proactive approach by suggesting some better ways the athletes could have prevented the problems from occuring. In this way, young people can learn from others' mistakes and make healthy choices in their own lives.

* Get the class to list some role models. Many will be sports figures and entertainers.

* Ask what kind of influence famous role models have on ordinary kids' lives.

* Acknowledge that while these people do impact kids' lives, it is only in a second-hand

way.

* Ask kids to name some people they look up to in their own families, school or community. (teachers, coaches, religious leaders, etc.)

* How do these people exert a different type of influence than famous people?

* Ask the class what qualities they look for in selecting their role models.

* Why are these qualities important?

* Do the athletes, movie stars and other popular figures spotlighted often in the news have these qualities?

* How about the people closer to home?

* Do students ever try to be role models for younger siblings or friends?

* In what way do they think they could be positive role models for others?

* Suggest students write an essay describing a role model or hero that they interact with every day.

Adults who coach young athletes have a special relationship with them and can play an instumental role in communicating crucial information about the harmful effects of using alcohol and other drugs. They can also strongly promote a no-use message and enforce penalties against players who violate this rule.

Create a Successful Team Drug Prevention Program

* Talk to team leaders on a regular basis about the use of alcohol, steroids or other drugs. Ask them to make a commitment to work together to ensure that their teammates resist using these drugs.

* Make sure that the athletes know the consequences of alcohol and drug use so they can make educated and healthy decisions. Communicate to your athletes that you care about their health and reinforce this message throughout the year.

* Ask your athletes to turn negative peer pressure around and pressure their friends to avoid using alcohol and drugs.

* Enforce training rules. Be firm but empathetic to any youth who is reprimanded. After you discipline an athlete, offer him or her your help.

* Develop clear zero tolerance policies for your team with specific consequences.

* Be a good role model.

* Mood swings

* Personality changes

* Loss of coordination

* Listless behavior

* Missing practices or games

* Identifying with a new group of friends

* Dropping out of activities

* Neglecting hygiene

* Excessive sweating

* Sudden drop in grades

* Hyperactivity

* Talking about alcohol or drugs

* Develop a concrete plan on how you will handle it if you find out one of your athletes or students has a problem with alcohol or drugs. Be familiar with local resources you can call on for help.

* Talk to the youth who you think has the problem and make it clear that this behavior is unacceptable. Steer the student to the appropriate avenue to get help for the problem.

* Excessive sweating

* Sudden drop in grades

* Hyperactivity