Just for Athletes

You Deserve to Live Above the High

Protect Your Game

The Protect Your Game program is a substance use prevention initiative designed to educate and empower athletes to make healthy, informed choices. This program focuses on providing athletes, coaches, and parents with the facts on how substance use directly affects athletic performance, therefore directly affecting how well you can play the game. Through interactive workshops, educational materials, and team-focused strategies, Protect Your Game equips athletes and the adults who support them (and cheer them on!) with the tools to avoid substance use, build team unity, and prioritize their physical and emotional health.

The Central Virginia Addiction and Recovery Resources (CVARR) Coalition partners with Horizon Behavioral Health and Heroic. Young. Powerful. Energic. (HYPE) Club to provide the Protect Your Game program at Lynchburg City Schools.

For more information on the Protect Your Game Program, please visit: Substance-Free Athletics

The Impact of Substances on Athletic Performance

As a young athlete, staying in top shape – both physically and mentally – is super important. Using stuff like alcohol, weed, or nicotine can seriously mess with your performance and overall health. You might think it’s no big deal, but even short-term use can have lasting effects on your success – in sports and in life. Make smart choices now, so you can reach your full potential and achieve your dreams.

The Effects of Different Substances on Athletic Performance

Alcohol

Impairs reaction times, coordination, and endurance.
Increases risk of injury and recovery

Marijuana

Affects focus, motor skills, and memory
Can impair decision-making and reaction time which is crucial in sports.

Nicotine

Decreases lung capacity and endurance
Increases heart rate, which can hinder stamina and recovery

Why is a special focus on high school athletics important?

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60% of students play high school sports nationally

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Culture created in athletics can spill into the general population

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Teams benefit when every athlete is at their best

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School policy already supports “substance-free athletics”

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Coaches have a unique influence in our kids’ lives – how can we build upon this relationship

Remember, as an athlete, you are a leader in your school community. You have the power to help influence others in a positive way. By protecting your own health, you are also helping protect the health of your peers and younger students. Protect Your Game, protect your potential, protect your future.

Role of Coaches

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Discourage substance use across the entire team.

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Encourage open communication with your players.

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Know where to refer athletes for help and reach out quickly.

Role of Parents

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Reinforce healthy lifestyle choices through role modeling and positive encouragement.

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Be involved in conversations with your child about the dangers of substance use.

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Communicate with your child about your expectations regarding substance use and enforce consequences when necessary.

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There are many resources available to help children who are struggling with substance use or mental health

More Resources

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