MADD Unveils Coaches' Guide to Combat Underage Alcohol and Substance Abuse

MADD’s Innovative Coaches' Guide: A Game Changer for Youth Athletics

On October 6, 2026, in honor of National Coaches Day, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) launched a new Coaches' Guide, designed to serve as a practical resource for coaches striving to foster healthier lifestyles among student-athletes. This guide aims not only to combat underage drinking and substance abuse but also to promote mental wellness within the athletic community.

Recognizing the influential role coaches play in the lives of young athletes, MADD partnered with the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) to develop strategies that coaches can implement to reinforce positive team cultures. Approximately 60% of high school students engage in sports, placing coaches in a pivotal position as mentors and role models.

The Importance of Coaches in Young Lives

Research emphasizes that while participation in sports can reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, the high school years also pose increased risks for substance use if positive and healthy norms are not actively maintained. "Coaches have an extraordinary opportunity to shape not only athletic performance but also the character and choices of the young people they lead," said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD.

This guide was crafted based on input from actual high school coaches through focus groups organized in collaboration with Coach Across America. The intention was to address the genuine challenges coaches face while providing actionable solutions that can be easily incorporated into their coaching programs.

Insights from Coaching Experts

Kimberly Crawford, the Senior National Director of Government Programs at Coach Across America, noted that the participating coaches wanted resources that were practical and relatable. Their feedback led to the creation of a guide that arms coaches with the tools necessary to support student-athletes both on and off the field.

The aide offers evidence-based strategies focused on building effective communication and identifying warning signs that may indicate issues related to mental health or substance use. The guide underscores the need for coaches to foster environments that prioritize safety and wellness, promoting a substance-free lifestyle among their teams.

Collaborating with Parents

A notable feature of this guide is its emphasis on the necessity of collaboration between coaches and parents. Studies reveal that teens whose parents have ongoing discussions about drinking and drugs are significantly less likely to engage in these behaviors before reaching the legal drinking age. This collaboration enhances the protective factors against underage drinking and increases the efficacy of prevention initiatives, including MADD's Power of Parents® program.

"As we celebrate National Coaches Day, we want to express gratitude to the millions of coaches who dedicate their lives to developing young people," Stewart expressed. The initiative aims to extend beyond the sports field, with the goal of instilling vital life skills and fostering an environment of support and accountability.

The Coaches' Guide is available as a free download and represents MADD's ongoing commitment to reducing instances of impaired driving and supporting the youth community at large.

The Legacy of MADD

Founded in 1980, MADD has significantly contributed to reducing drunk driving fatalities, claiming to have saved nearly 500,000 lives. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to end impaired driving and provide support to victims and survivors of these preventable tragedies. The launch of such educational resources reinforces this mission, equipping those who shape the lives of young individuals with the knowledge and tools to encourage healthy choices.

For more information on the Coaches' Guide and to access this valuable resource, visit MADD's official website.