The consequences of violating the Shawnee Mission district policy are so severe that I believe the decision to not drink is made by most dedicated student athletes way before they are offered a drink or attend a party. As LancerM said, they choose to avoid any friends or parties where they could be at risk. This policy is so effective that years later, we still discuss Ryan Lilja, or the one or two athletes we know who have been dismissed from a team over the years for violating the policy. They serve as a warning for other student athletes for years to come.

Another thing to keep in mind is the emphasis in Johnson County by the law-enforcement authorities to catch and punish under-age drinking, including those adults who allow it. I believe they have a task force that actively seeks out teen parties through blogs, gossip, overheard conversations and by patrolling on Friday/Saturday nights looking for lots of cars in a neighborhood. Parents who host these parties or have even just been absent have been charged. Not sure of the outcome, but Johnson County is serious about catching teens who are drinking.