Partnership with parents is prevention in action. When you align your expectations, language, and follow-up with what parents are saying at home, you are helping to shape a circle of protection around your athletes. The message becomes clear and powerful: “Our team celebrates hard work, not risky choices. We play clean, live strong, and look out for each other. On and off the field.”
Develop Safe Celebration Plans
Share that parents who maintain open, warm, and consistent communication, not fear-based or punitive approaches, have teens who are far less likely to use substances. Invite Partners to Reinforce the Message • Invite MADD to present a brief Power of Parents or Power of You(th) session at your parent meeting or mid-season event. • Include local law enforcement/ school resource officers, school counselors, or mental health advocates as part of a “Safe Season” panel. • Frame it as equipping families, not policing them.
• Work with parents early to set up supervised, substance-free celebrations for end of season or post-event games. • Establish clear expectations for who will host, who will supervise, and what’s allowed. • Share MADD’s info about social host ordinances and local laws that make it illegal for adults to allow underage substance use, even at home. • Encourage a “if in doubt, leave it out” mindset when planning. Encourage Parent Monitoring and Connection Remind parents that monitoring is protection, not control. Encourage them to: • Know their teens’ plans: who, where, and how they’re getting home. • Follow their teens’ social media for context clues about stress, new friend groups, or risky environments. • Notice and talk early about warning signs (ex. secrecy, fatigue, withdrawal, or attitude changes.)
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Sample Invitation: This year, we’re proud to partner with MADD to help families strengthen communication around substance use prevention. Their free Power of Parents resources give parents and caring adults practical tools to keep teens safe and performing at their best.
Set a clear, collaborative tone:
“We see parents as partners in this work. When we communicate early and often, it creates the best environment for our athletes to succeed.” Encourage families to reach out with questions or concerns before small issues become bigger ones.
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