Coaches' Guide to Drugs and Sport

Coaches Guide to Drugs and Sport describes practical steps that will help coaches tackle the problems of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use among their athletes.
Drawing on decades of work in drug education and prevention, authors Kevin R. Ringhofer and Martha E. Harding explain how coaches can become effective advocates for prevention in their schools and communities. They also provide useful advice and corrective measures for coaches who suspect an existing drug problem on their team.
Coaches Guide to Drugs and Sport also helps coaches identify school and community resources they can use to prevent problems, respond to troubled students, and promote healthy lifestyles. The book provides practical information on using student assistance programs, planning educational sessions, and determining whether to implement a drug-testing program. The book also contains a listing of educational resources and a reference guide to common drugs.

Kevin R. Ringhofer and Martha E. Harding are codirectors of Harding, Ringhofer & Associates, Inc.(HRA), an organization that educates coaches, school staff members, student leaders, and parents about how to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use among students. They are also consultants for the National Federation of State High School Associations TARGET drug prevention program.

Kevin and Martha have worked with TARGET and other organizations to develop and moderate three national satellite teleconferences: The Spitting Image, which focused on preventing the use of smokeless tobacco; Everybody’s Business, which provided prevention training for teachers, coaches, and other youth workers; and HIV and Sports: Understanding Our Responsibility, which explored the role of sports organizations in preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens.

Kevin earned a PhD in physical education from the University of Minnesota in 1991. Before working at HRA, Kevin was program supervisor of the Hazelden-Cork Sports Education Program, project and research assistant at the University of Minnesota, and consultant for the International Diabetes Center and the Park Nicollet Medical Center. He has provided training and technical assistance to schools, businesses, and other community organizations on such topics as tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use issues; physical activity and fitness; and stress management.

Kevin is a member of the National Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates and the Minnesota Prevention Network. His leisure activities include playing softball and baseball, biking, and participating in church youth group activities.

Martha, who has a BA in English and education from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, has worked in health and human services for more than twenty years. Before becoming codirector of HRA she was a national trainer and consultant in prevention and health promotion for the Hazelden Foundation. She is a member of the National Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates, the Community Partnership with Youth and Families, and the Minnesota Prevention Network. Martha's interests include hiking, camping, biking, music, and drama.