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If you’re planning to attend or watch any CU football games this season, there are some behaviors you’ll need to avoid if you want to make the most of each game. While some students associate football games, tailgates and watch parties with partying and drinking, it’s important to not let things get out of hand. You’ll save yourself a lot of time, money and trouble, and help ensure that you and everyone around you can have a fun time cheering on the Buffs.Ìý ÌýÌý

Here are some of the most common things Student Legal Services has found students get in trouble for during football games.ÌýÌýÌý

1. Underage drinkingÌý

Did you know 95% of Ãå±±½ûµØ students surveyed support choosing not to drink at a party? If you are under 21, possessing and consuming alcohol is a crime. If you choose to drink or use other substances, be sure to set limits. Plan ahead and look out for your friends with these tips.ÌýÌý

2. Driving while intoxicatedÌý

Driving in the busy traffic before and after a CU Buffs football game can be tricky enough already. Adding alcohol or other substances into the mix could lead to injury or arrest. It is illegal in Colorado to drive, scoot or bike while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and even one drink can put you over Colorado’s BAC limit of 0.05.ÌýÌýÌý

If you plan onÌýdrinking, know how you are getting to and from gametime events to stay safe and avoid trouble.ÌýIf you don’t have a designated driver, Ãå±±½ûµØ students can take public transportation with yourÌýBuff OneCardÌýor the free serviceÌýCU NightRideÌýin the evening.ÌýServices like Uber, Lyft and other rideshares are also great options. If you drive after even one drink, it may cost you much more than a taxi.Ìý

3. Rushing the fieldÌý

In the moment of a big win, excitement is high. We’ve all seen the videos of people rushing the field afterwards. However, rushing the field is trespassing, so you should focus on other ways to celebrate instead. If you notice your friends engaging in risky or unlawful behaviors, you may want to pull them aside to share your concerns or get them involved in a different activity. ÌýÌýÌý

4. Breaking or stealing thingsÌý

This should go without saying, but do not break or take things that don’t belong to you. It’s important to remember that a theft case on your record can have big impacts on your future. It can get in the way of future jobs far more often than many other types of cases, and cause visa issues for international students. ÌýÌýÌý

5. Overdrinking at the gameÌý

Even if you are over 21 and follow all the rules, if you become so drunk that you can’t care for yourself during a game, you could be taken to a hospital or detox center until you are sober. While this can help keep students safe, detox can cost several hundred dollars, and hospitalization can cost thousands.ÌýÌý

Potential consequencesÌý

These behaviors can have serious consequences. If you end up in court, there will be fines and court costs, with outcomes often including probation supervision, education such as Student Conduct & Conflict Resolutions’ Restorative Justice Program or Off-Campus Life’s Community Living class, community service and reimbursement for any damage caused.Ìý

The penalties could be higher depending on the circumstances. You could face consequences surrounding your driver’s license, student loans or immigration status. Jail is also possible in aggravated cases.Ìý

Even if you avoid a criminal charge, many of these behaviors violate the Student Code of Conduct and could lead to a referral to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. Violating the Code of Conduct could impact your ability to participate in Education Abroad, serve in leadership positions or attend class.ÌýÌý