The State Community College Commission on Athletics...

The State Community College Commission on Athletics voted unanimously to ban any use of tobacco by a participant during athletic activities.

Stu Van Horn, director of information services for the commission, said the rule, which is effective July 1, is aimed mainly at baseball players who use smokeless tobacco.

“This motion is all part of a major emphasis by the commission to continually inform our community college administrators and student-athletes that the use of any form of substance will not be tolerated,” Horn said.

There are 106 community colleges in California, 96 of which have at least one athletic program.