Mothers Against Drunk Driving introduced a new Coaches' Guide on Oct.
6, 2026, in Irving, Texas, aimed at helping high school coaches prevent underage drinking and substance use among student-athletes.
The resource, sponsored by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, also focuses on fostering mental wellness and positive team cultures.
With about 60 percent of high school students participating in sports, coaches are positioned as highly influential figures in young people's lives.
Research shows that substance use risks rise during high school years unless healthy norms are actively reinforced.
Practical Tools for Coaches
The guide provides coaches with practical tools to establish team cultures centered on safety, wellness, accountability, and substance-free living.
"Coaches have an extraordinary opportunity to shape not only athletic performance, but the character, confidence, and choices of the young people they lead," said Stacey D.
Stewart, CEO of MADD.
The resource was informed by feedback from high school coaches through focus groups held alongside Coach Across America to ensure actionable, real-world application.
"Coaches do so much more than teach skills and strategy.
They help shape character, confidence, and decision-making," said Kimberly Crawford, Sr National Director, Government Programs at Coach Across America.
Crawford noted that the guide directly addresses the need for simple, practical implementation in athletic programs.
"The coaches who participated in our focus groups wanted resources that were practical, relatable, and easy to implement.
MADD listened, and the result is a guide that gives coaches actionable ways to support student-athletes now," Crawford added.
The resource builds upon foundational prevention strategies to help coaches guide student-athletes both on and off the playing field.
"Coaches are among the most trusted and influential adults in a young person's life.
Their positive impact on our youth continues long after the season ends and transcends into those important life lessons needed for a healthy and successful future," said J.
Neal Insley, NABCA President and CEO.
NABCA emphasized its commitment to backing programs focused on youth protection.
"That's why NABCA is proud to support resources like this that help address underage drinking and substance use prevention," Insley said.
The guide promotes parent-coach partnerships, citing research that ongoing parental discussions about alcohol reduce underage drinking likelihood by up to 80 percent.
It complements MADD's Power of Parents program to build a unified support system against social pressures.
"As we celebrate National Coaches Day, we want to thank the millions of coaches who invest their time, energy, and hearts into developing young people," Stewart added.
Stewart concluded by emphasizing that coaches' leadership extends far beyond game scores.
"Their leadership extends far beyond the scoreboard, and we're honored to provide resources that support their important work," Stewart said.
