Wait to Gate
A Scarsdale movement
Wait to Gate is a community movement to keep high school games alcohol-free.
It’s a simple idea: when we show up for our students, we leave alcohol at home.
Because the environment around our teens matters. What they see shapes what feels normal. And in a community like Scarsdale, we have the ability to set a clear, consistent standard together.
High school sports are about our students.
Our teams.
Our community showing up for them.
Why it matters
Developing teen brain
The brain continues developing into the mid-20s, especially areas tied to decision-making, impulse control, and judgment. Delaying alcohol use supports that growth.
Mental health
Alcohol can increase anxiety, disrupt mood, and interfere with emotional regulation during a critical stage of development.
Academics
Alcohol use is linked to decreased focus, memory, and academic performance.
Sports performance
Alcohol impacts reaction time, coordination, sleep, and recovery. All essential to student athletes.
Future addiction risk
The earlier alcohol use begins, the higher the risk of long-term dependency.
Behavioral consequences
Alcohol increases the likelihood of risky decisions, including unsafe driving and poor judgment.
Violence and safety risks
Alcohol use is associated with increased aggression, fights, and a higher likelihood of being involved in or affected by violence.
Sexual safety
Alcohol impairs judgment and awareness, increasing vulnerability to unsafe situations, including sexual assault and situations where consent cannot be clearly given or received.
Social norms
Teens are influenced by what they believe is normal. Keeping alcohol out of student events reinforces that most teens are choosing not to drink.
Parental modeling
What we model matters. When we set clear, consistent expectations, teens are more likely to follow them.
Wait to Gate. Game on.
A small shift.
A shared standard.
A stronger Scarsdale community.