SMAC recognizes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children with regard to the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco / vaping products and that parents are primarily responsible for their children’s behavior in these matters. However, it is SMAC’s organizational policy that any behavior that could bring discredit to the club is a legitimate cause of concern and falls within the purview of club review.

SMAC is a competitive swimming organization committed to excellence at all levels. The club expects that all of its swimmers abstain from the illegal use of drugs and alcoholic beverages and the use of tobacco (including vape) products. The club will maintain a wholesome and safe environment in which swimmers can develop their athletic potential and grow into mature young adults.

To these ends, the club has adopted the following policies:

1. A swimmer shall not engage in any behavior involving the illegal use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs, or controlled substances, which tend to bring discredit to the swimmer or SMAC or knowingly remain in the presence of those engaged in such behavior(s). This prohibition shall apply at all times.
2. A swimmer shall not possess, use, or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage while on the club premises or during a team event.
3. A swimmer shall not possess or use a controlled substance on the club premises unless it has been prescribed for the swimmer by a physician and is in the original container with the prescription label attached. A “controlled substance” is any drug for which a prescription is required.
4. A swimmer shall not use, possess, be under the influence of, or distribute to another person any drug paraphernalia or any illegal drug. “Drug paraphernalia” means any device designed or used for the purpose of introducing a drug into the body, including, for example, rolling papers, bongs, and crack pipes. “Illegal drug” means any drug which is illegal under the laws of the State of North Carolina and any drug or substance which is banned by USA Swimming, the United States Anti-Doping Agency, the International Olympic Committee, or the World Anti-Doping Agency. Illegal drugs include, for example, marijuana, cocaine, and steroids. This prohibition shall apply at all times.
5. If it is discovered that a swimmer is in possession of, using, or distributing illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco / vaping, a parent or the legal guardian of the swimmer will be notified.
6. A “team event” includes any swim meet, travel trip, event, or activity in which the swimmer participates as a member of SMAC. “SMAC premises” includes any facility owned, leased, or used by SMAC for a meet, practice, or any other club-sponsored event or activity.

Registered SMAC members acknowledge receipt of and commitment to the Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy. Adherence to the policy and the penalties below are necessary to maintain membership at SMAC.

1. If the head coach determines that a swimmer has or may have violated the policies listed above, the head coach will determine the penalty/consequences for the violation after consultation with the swimmer’s coach and parent or legal guardian. The penalty or consequences for a violation of team policies will be at the discretion of the head coach and/or SMAC Board of Directors. The penalties or consequences may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:
2. Counseling by the coach or designee
3. Community Service
4. Restriction from team trips and/or swim meets
5. Loss of privileges
6. Probation
7. Suspension
8. Dismissal from the club
9. Removal from pool and instructed to sit out of pool for ______ amount of time
10. Dismissal from practice and required to call parent/guardian
11. In addition to any penalty imposed, a swimmer who is found to have violated a team policy relating to the use or possession of drugs or alcoholic beverages may be required to have an assessment to determine their risk for chemical dependency as a condition for remaining in the club. Upon request, SMAC will provide a list of assessing agencies from which the swimmer may choose. If a substance abuse problem is identified by an assessing agency, the swimmer must successfully complete the treatment program recommended by the agency as a condition of remaining in the club. Any costs associated with the requirements outlined in this paragraph will be borne by the swimmer and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian.
12. When the head coach determines a swimmer has violated a team policy that requires a penalty/consequence beyond counseling by the coach or designee, the head coach shall report such violation and the penalty/consequence as soon as possible to the SMAC Board of Directors. In those situations that call for a penalty/consequence beyond counseling by the coach or designee, the head coach shall also create and maintain a written record of the violation and penalty/consequence in each case.
13. In the event of suspension or dismissal, a swimmer, his parents or legal guardian may appeal the decision with the SMAC Board of Directors. The swimmer and his/her parents or legal guardian shall have the right to appear before the SMAC Board of Directors to argue against the suspension or dismissal and may have, at their election, an additional person appear with them to represent their interests. The Board of Directors may affirm, modify, or reverse the action of the head coach. While appeal is pending, the suspension or dismissal will be stayed.
14. If a swimmer is suspended from the club, there will be no refund or abatement of dues for the period of suspension. If the swimmer is dismissed from the club, the contract between SMAC and the swimmer’s parent or legal guardian will terminate on the date the dismissal becomes effective. However, the parent or guardian will be liable for the dues and fees incurred up to the effective date of the dismissal and for the remainder of the season.

If a swimmer is concerned about his/her own involvement in drugs or alcohol or that of another swimmer, the swimmer is encouraged to talk confidently with a coach. A swimmer who voluntarily discloses to a coach his/her involvement with drugs and alcohol will not be charged with a violation of the team policy as a result of such disclosure. The coach will contact the swimmer's parent(s) or legal guardian. The swimmer will be referred to substance abuse counseling or treatment at his/her own cost. SMAC recognizes the need for sensitivity in dealing with these matters and will make every effort to ensure that confidentiality is upheld and that the privacy of those involved will be maintained and respected.