ZERO DRUG TOLERANCE: BCAHA

An unwritten rule in minor hockey on drug and alcohol use by players has now
been put in writing by the B.C. Amateur Hockey Association (BCAHA).

The governing body of hockey in the province approved a zero tolerance
policy at its annual general meeting in Vernon last month. The policy
"prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol during activities sanctioned by a
minor hockey association or with the BCAHA."

Although disciplinary action is still left up to the individual minor hockey
associations, BCAHA has recommended a 30-day minimum suspension from all
activities, including practices as well as games.

The issue of penalties for drug and alcohol use in minor hockey arose last
November, when a player from a Midget AAA team from Kelowna committed
suicide in a Surrey hotel room, after being caught with a small amount of
marijuana. The player, who had played with his team earlier in the day
against a squad from the Surrey Minor Hockey Association, had apparently
feared he would be kicked off the team.

Part of the new policy requires coaches to remain with players caught
violating the zero tolerance rule, until those players are "released from
the coach's care by the parent or guardian."

Prior to the implementation of a province-wide policy, it was up to each
minor hockey association to handle the issue.

Surrey Minor Hockey made a specific reference to drug and alcohol abuse,
while other associations used a "common sense" approach, asking participants
to conduct themselves appropriately.