The New Mexico Activities Association, with the support of the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Bureau and the assistance of the Life of an Athlete Human Performance Project has implemented the Life of An Athlete program because alcohol is the leading drug of abuse amongst teens in our country today.

Statistics show that nearly 60% of all seniors and close to 50% of all juniors report regular drinking activity. Studies from the Life of an Athlete Human Performance Project have provided evidence that consumption of alcohol directly relates to decreased athletic performance. Alcohol consumption decreases speed, endurance, agility, strength, and concentration; all key factors in the success of an athlete.

Sadly, New Mexico currently ranks first in the nation for children who consume their first alcoholic drink prior to the age of 13 and alcohol related costs in New Mexico total more that $243 million per year.

In the United States, every 30 minutes someone is killed as a result of an alcohol related traffic crash.

Time is one of the most important aspects in a young athlete’s life. Athletes will not always have their “athletic ability.” Eventually, a person’s athletic ability will begin to diminish with age. Athletes have to accomplish in the first quarter of their life, what they will never have the opportunity to accomplish again- being an athlete.

The NMAA strongly encourages athletes, parents and coaches to take the FREE interactive Life of An Athlete program.