About NMAA
The New Mexico Activities Association was formed in 1921 as a private/non-profit organization whose principle purpose is the regulation, direction, administration and supervision of interscholastic activities in the State of New Mexico. The NMAA prides itself in its leadership, providing educational and social experiences for the students and communities of New Mexico. The NMAA has taken a leadership role nationally in several areas, including sportsmanship, media relations, coaches preparation, corporate development and interscholastic activities.

Contact Us:
Dusty Young
NMAA Assistant Director
505.923.3268 (office)
dusty@nmact.org

The New Mexico Activities Association, with the support of the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Bureau and the assistance of the American Athletic Institute 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 American Athletic Institute 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.

Life of an Athlete
Life of an athlete was developed by John Underwood, President and Founder of The American Athletic Institute (AAI) in cooperation with the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). Mr. Underwood is a former NCAA-All American distance runner and World Masters Champion. An athlete all his life, John has been an Olympic level coach, teacher, trainer and scientist, and is a crusader for drug-free sports.