DALLAS – The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) supports and formally endorses the new “Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention: An Athletics Tool Kit” produced by the NCAA Sports Science Institute.
According to NCAA, the kit was developed in collaboration with athletics stakeholders and campus substance abuse prevention experts. It provides recommended approaches and evidence-based resources for athletics administrators to address alcohol, marijuana and prescription drug abuse. The tool kit includes checklists and strategies, guided by the latest prevention science and deterrence strategies that support collaboration with campus colleagues and promote healthy choices, fair competition and a positive environment for college athletes.
“At the college level, athletic trainers are on the front lines with these athletes every day and can help recognize the initial warning signs of substance abuse,” said NATA President Scott Sailor, EdD, ATC. “We are proud to endorse this toolkit that provides vital resources for our members. Nothing is more important that the safety of student athletes, and having this document as a roadmap for care ensures the right protocols are in place to reduce and manage substance abuse in a safe and effective manner.”
NATA encourages its members to utilize the new resource, which can be downloaded from the NCAA website.