Student athletes throughout Alaska are preparing for extra-curricular competition in the 2021-22 school year, in both athletics and activities; and as such, will all be accountable to the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) eligibility standards as set forward in the ASAA Activities Handbook.
Under the guidelines in the ASAA Handbook, students participating in extra-curricular activities must establish and maintain academic eligibility and agree to abide by the Play for Keeps-Tobacco, Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy (TAD). In addition, the Pre-Participation Orientation is required of each student participant and parent/guardian annually, at the beginning of the student’s first season of the school year, before the student is eligible to participate.
The ASAA Board, at the 2021 Spring ASAA Board Meeting, adopted changes to the TAD bylaws which will become effective in the fall of 2021.
Definition of Play for Keeps-TAD
Play for Keeps – Tobacco, Alcohol and Controlled Substances (TAD) Policy
In order to ensure adoption of consistent tobacco, alcohol and controlled substances policies by
member schools and districts, ASAA requires that member schools and districts adopt the
following policy for their enrolled and alternative education program students who are
participating in interscholastic activities. This is intended to set forth minimum restrictions and
penalties, subject to greater or additional restrictions or penalties which may be adopted by
member schools or school districts.
Key Changes To Play for Keeps – Tobacco, Alcohol and Controlled Substances (TAD) Policy (changes are in “red”)
Section 3: In the event a student and parent do not view the Pre-Participation Orientation and/or sign the Student/Parent/Legal Guardian TAD Acknowledgement Form, the student is still subject to the policy.
Section 4: The educational component is a critical part of the policy and is comprised of multiple parts; Pre-Participation Orientation, First Offense, Second Offense, and Subsequent Offenses
Section 6 First Offense: will be suspended from interscholastic competition and practice for ten (10) calendar days (as defined in number 11).
Section 6 Second Offense: will be suspended from interscholastic competition and practice for forty- five (45) calendar days and there will be no forgiveness of calendar days of the interscholastic
competition suspension.
• Both the student and parent/guardian must complete the Second Offense educational
component prior to the student’s return to competition.
• In addition, the student must complete 20 hours of community service and write an essay
on what they learned about this experience.
Section 6 Third Offense: suspension from interscholastic competition and practice for six (6) months and there will be no forgiveness of calendar days of the interscholastic activities suspension; make a presentation to the ASAA Board of Directors requesting reinstatement of interscholastic eligibility
Link to the entire document in the ASAA Handbook: Click Here!
Any athletes, parents/guardians with questions regarding any and all eligibility rules should contact the athletic director at their designated high school.
