Setting a better example from the sidelines

Here in Somers, our youth sports programs are more than just extracurricular activities; they are the heartbeat of our community.

From brisk Saturday mornings on the soccer fields to packed bleachers under the Friday night lights, our town shows up for its young athletes. We are a community that cares deeply, fueled by dedicated volunteer coaches, tireless parents, and neighbors who understand that sports teach our children invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork and character. As a parent and coach here in Somers, I know firsthand how the pride, the glow and the strong sense of community are all met with equal parts sacrifice, exhaustion and dedication. I’ve surrendered to the fact that my Friday nights after a long week of work will likely always be met with a nearly impossible sports schedule. And how lucky am I for that. I am not always able to feel the gratitude, but as I sit and write this in reflection, I certainly am very grateful.

Youth sports are a powerful protective factor in a child's life. And as we cheer on our kids and celebrate their growth, we also have an opportunity to look closely at the sideline culture we are creating as adults.

At Somers Partners in Prevention, a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) funded coalition, our mission is to support the health, safety and well-being of our local youth. Part of that mission involves looking honestly at the environments where our children learn and play. For longer that any of us care to admit, there has been normalization of alcohol consumption at youth and family-centric sporting events—from tailgates in the parking lot to casual drinks on the sidelines.

It’s easy to view this as harmless adult socializing, but the data tells a different story. Despite shifting trends in substance use, alcohol continues to be the most frequently used substance among our youth. Furthermore, across all age groups, alcohol consistently accounts for the highest rate of negative health and social outcomes.

At our last Somers Partners in Prevention meeting, we were discussing the increasing rates at which our students are reporting getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking; the kicker (sports pun intended) is that when we followed up with students, its less often their peers who are driving intoxicated and more often a parent.

Kids are keen observers.

This brings us to a vital question we must challenge ourselves to answer as a community: What model are we providing for our youth and the larger community by making alcohol use so ubiquitous at community and youth sporting events?

When alcohol becomes an ever-present accessory for adults at a game or a post-tournament celebration, we unintentionally send the message that fun, connection and celebration cannot happen without it.

Somers is uniquely equipped to make positive changes on this issue. Our schools have invested in prevention and education programs to support not only our children, but the larger communities. Messages about both recreational substance use and substance use disorders have become ingrained into the curriculum at all of our Somers’ schools. Our community is strong, our sports programs are exceptional, and our parents are deeply invested in the success of their children. By making small, intentional shifts in our behavior, we can ensure our sidelines are as healthy as the activities happening on the field.

Here are a few actionable ways we can improve our sideline culture together:

• Keep the focus on the field: Let’s collectively commit to making youth games and practices completely alcohol-free zones. The focus should remain entirely on the athletes, their effort and the spirit of the game.

• Redefine the post-game celebration: When planning team parties or post-game gatherings, center the celebration on the kids. Opt for team meals, ice cream runs or community picnics that don’t rely on adult drinking as the focal point of the event.

• Model healthy boundaries: Show our young athletes that we can socialize, unwind and celebrate their victories without alcohol. Our presence and enthusiasm are the best rewards we can offer them.

• Open the dialogue: Talk to your fellow parents and coaches. Frame the conversation around our shared goal: creating the best, safest and most supportive environment for Somers athletes to thrive.

We have an incredible sports community here in Somers. Let’s harness that community pride to set a positive standard for our kids. By keeping youth sports focused on the athletes, we ensure that the lessons they take away from the field are ones that will positively serve them for a lifetime.

Lauren Johnson is a member of Somers Partners in Prevention.