Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Policy For Student-Athletes

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1 Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Policy For Student-Athletes DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Lourdes University believes that the use of drugs and alcohol can have a negative effect on the performance of the student athlete, both in the classroom and in athletics. This policy is designed to address drug use and alcohol abuse. In addition, individual team policies may provide more extensive sanctions. Amendments to this policy may be issued as deemed necessary by university personnel. Amendments will be effective upon notice to student athletes. This policy is not to be construed as a contract between the institution and the student athletes at Lourdes University. However, signed consent and notification forms shall be considered affirmation of the student athlete s agreement to the terms and conditions contained in this policy. A. Purpose of Drug Testing The overall goal of the Lourdes University drug and alcohol education and testing program is to promote a year round drug free environment in the Lourdes University athletic department. Although educational efforts will continue to be a major component of the athletic department s policy, urine testing for street drugs, performance enhancing drugs and frequently abused prescription drugs will be conducted. The purposes of drug testing are: 1) To identify student athletes who are negatively affected by the use of drugs and banned substances; 2) To promote education and to provide an opportunity to obtain treatment or rehabilitation by referral to an appropriate professional counselor or rehabilitation facility; and 3) To protect, preserve and promote the integrity of the individual student athlete, the athletic department and the university. B. General Principles 1. It is understood that an individual voluntarily joins the Lourdes University athletic community, and thereby assumes the obligation for abiding by the standards established by the athletic department. Participation in the department s drug and alcohol education and testing program is a mandatory condition of athletic eligibility. Drug testing is considered an extension of an ongoing physical examination, and may serve as a deterrent to use, abuse and experimentation with drugs and alcohol. 2. The Lourdes University drug and alcohol education and testing policy applies to student athletes and student athlete support personnel such as team managers, equipment managers, and statisticians. The policy also applies during recruitment activities. Student athletes are expected to be model ambassadors for Lourdes University and its athletic programs and may have an opportunity to host a recruit during an official or unofficial visit to campus. At any time during a prospect s visit to the Lourdes University campus, encouraging, arranging, providing or

2 placing a prospect in an environment for drug or alcohol use is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether or not the prospect is of legal drinking age (21). 3. Student athletes agree to participate in random drug testing, testing based on reasonable suspicion, and follow up testing by agreeing to provide urine specimen(s) during announced, unannounced or no notice collection. Multiple testing may be performed with each athlete. There is also a possibility that a student athlete will not be selected for random drug testing. 4. All positive test results are considered cumulative for a student athlete s career. 5. Any list of banned drugs is incomplete. Student athletes are responsible for checking ingredients of all nutritional and dietary supplements. Further, student athletes are expected to refrain from consumption of those foods that may cause a positive drug test result. 6. Ignorance of the legality of a substance is not a valid excuse for a positive drug test. 7. Any student athlete found guilty of distributing or selling any drug will be subject to immediate and permanent removal from the team, and any/all athletically related financial aid will be terminated. 8. If a student athlete does not report for a drug test, fails to provide a specimen, or attempts to alter a specimen he/she will be considered to be found positive and will be subject to the appropriate sanction(s). 9. If referral to an off campus drug or alcohol counseling/treatment program or facility is recommended, the Athletic Department will not assume financial responsibility for costs associated with this referral. 10. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and its agents will make every effort to keep all drug testing results confidential, and will oppose disclosure to any person within or outside of the University. 11. The athletic department s drug testing policy and related sanctions for positive drug tests or alcohol offenses serve as a minimum penalty for violations. Team policies may provide additional penalties. C. Education about the program On an annual basis, student athletes will be informed about the department s drug testing program. A copy of this program is available on the athletic department website at It can also be found in the student athlete handbook, and will be mailed to parents of incoming student athletes upon request. In addition, this policy, the procedure for collecting urine specimens, and possible sanctions for positive tests will be explained to each team by a member of the athletic training staff on an

3 annual basis. Each student athlete must sign, as a condition for athletic eligibility, a consent form permitting collection of urine, testing of urine for drugs or other banned substances, and a written authorization for limited release of information. Consent forms will be signed by each student athlete and kept on file in the ATS Documentation System. Students who choose not to sign the consent form and authorization will forgo participation in intercollegiate athletics and will forfeit any athletic financial aid. Student athletes who sign consents but then decline or refuse to submit to testing will be considered to have decided not to consent and will be removed immediately from all athletic activity. D. Safe Harbor Program A student athlete may voluntarily self refer for drug or alcohol evaluation/counseling without punitive sanctions. Any eligible student athlete may refer him or herself for evaluation and counseling. A student athlete may only request Safe Harbor once during his or her athletic career. Students may self refer to a member of the athletic administration or to the athletic training staff. Eligibility for this program is not available to student athletes: after being notified of an impending drug test, after being selected for a drug test or after testing positive for a drug or banned substance. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will assist the student athlete in preparing an appropriate treatment plan. This plan may include regular drug testing and counseling through the Sophia Counseling Center. If the student athlete tests positive for a drug or banned substance upon entering the program, that positive test will not result in any sanctions. The Head Athletic Trainer or other Team Physician may suspend the student athlete from practice or play if medically indicated. If subsequent testing does not reveal lower levels of substance, or, if the student athlete fails to comply with the rules and recommendations of the Safe Harbor Program, the student athlete will be removed from the program and will be subject to appropriate sanctions. For their first two weeks in the Safe Harbor Program, student athletes will be exempt from the random drug testing program. Thereafter student athletes will remain eligible to participate in the Year Round Testing Program. E. Method of Drug Testing Collection procedures will be outlined on a team and individual basis, and will remain consistent for each student athlete selected for drug testing. Tests will be conducted primarily for drugs of abuse, such as amphetamines, cannabinoids (substances contained in marijuana), cocaine and other controlled substances. Testing may also include procedures to detect commonly abused prescription medications, anabolic steroids and other performanceenhancing substances. All testing will be performed on urine specimens.

4 Student athletes may be contacted for collection during practices, individual or team meetings, strength training/conditioning sessions, or at other times throughout the day. Testing may also be conducted at off hour times (early A.M., meal times, and/or late evenings). The Center for Drug Free Sport will administer all drug testing procedures. An explanation of the drug testing procedures can be found in Appendix A. Lourdes Sports Medicine staff will be responsible for maintaining records on all student athlete drug tests including positive results. F. Notification of Testing Any student athletes may be selected for drug testing throughout the year, beginning on a season s first day of eligibility or the first day of class through the last day of spring classes as listed on the official university calendar, or through the last day of the season or year. The athletic department also reserves the right to conduct drug testing throughout the summer break. Notification for testing may be issued through the Athletic Director, head coach, or a member of the athletic training staff. No more than 24 hours prior to the test will be the primary method used to inform individuals that they have been selected for a drug test. (Appendix B) University Testing 1) Random Testing Periodic testing of a portion of the total student athlete population will occur at various intervals. This list will be randomly generated by computer from each active squad list. All athletes (including cheerleaders and students managers, and student assistants) are eligible for every test. 2) Total Team Testing Total teams may be tested upon the recommendation of either the head team physician, at the request of the head coach, and/or Lourdes University administration. 3) Reasonable Suspicion Testing Individuals may be selected for drug testing by the Athletic Director, coach or athletic training staff on a random basis, because of documented reasonable suspicion (Appendix B). This test will be used for studentathletes who demonstrate symptoms or behaviors, which are indicative of substance abuse. These cases will be reviewed by an Impartial Medical Committee to determine if testing is warranted. No notice of testing is required. 4) Follow up Testing Student athletes who have had a previous positive drug test will be tested individually or as part of a regularly scheduled test. This test will be used as part of the management plan. G. Reporting Results Maintaining confidentiality and protection of the rights of the student athlete is a goal in drug testing. All drug test results will be sent to the Head Athletic Trainer. The Head Athletic Trainer will notify the Athletic Director and the respective team s Head Coach. The Head Athletic Trainer will notify the Student Athlete in violation and will set up a meeting time with the Athletic Director and their respective team s Head Coach. Lourdes University also reserves the

5 right to inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student athletes who are in violation of the Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Policy. H. Medical Exceptions The Athletic Department recognizes that some drugs tested in the screening panel are used for legitimate medical purposes. Lourdes will allow an exception if there is a documented medical history demonstrating need for regular use of the drug and documentation of the prescription. Medical exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis by Head Athletic Trainer but will not be granted without the required documentation. I. Supplements and Substances That May Affect a Drug Test Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement, review the product and product label with a member of the athletic training staff. Many supplements are not well regulated and may contain banned drugs not listed on the label, which may result in a positive drug test. Any nutritional or dietary supplement is taken at your own risk. It is the student athletes responsibility to check with the athletic training staff before using any substance. In addition, certain foods may result in a positive drug test. Specifically, consumption of poppy seeds has been proven to frequently result in a positive drug test, closely mimicking the metabolite found in opium or heroin. All student athletes are advised to avoid the ingestion of poppy seeds, as consumption of this substance may result in a positive drug test. While there is no complete list of banned drugs or foods, ignorance of the legality of a substance is no excuse for a positive test! J. Positive Tests Per the drug testing authorization and consent agreement signed by each student athlete, the following individuals may be notified regarding a positive drug test: Team Physician, Athletic Director, sport supervisor, Head Coach, student athlete s parents/guardians. Individuals who test positive for drugs or banned substances will be required to meet with the Head Athletic Trainer to discuss test results, sanctions, and to develop a potential counseling/treatment plan and an additional testing protocol. In cases where hospitalization or off campus counseling may be necessary, the Athletic Department will bear no financial responsibility for these services, but will require authorization to communicate with these agencies. Drugs and substances banned for use by student athletes will be divided into categories. Sanctions will be imposed differently for each category. Category A: Marijuana, hashish (THC), stimulants (amphetamines, Ritalin and related compounds), depressants (methaqualone, barbiturates, diazepams and related compounds), hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, mescaline and related compounds). Category B:

6 Cocaine, heroin (and related compounds), anabolic steroids and other performance enhancers and related compounds. Category C: Alcohol A drug or related compound not specifically identified in the previously mentioned categories is subject to classification by the team physician and/or his designate for inclusion into a specific category. K. Sanctions for Positive Tests Category A Positive Test 1: Meeting with the Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer, and respective team s Head Coach to discuss test results and to develop a subsequent counseling, treatment and additional testing protocol. Notification of a positive test to parents/guardians. Evaluation by a qualified drug counselor, regular attendance to whatever program is recommended and ongoing communication with the Head Athletic Trainer regarding attendance. PROBATION: Ineligible to compete in 10% of regularly scheduled contests. (Immediately imposed following a positive finding, and may carry over to next season until sanction is fulfilled). Periodic follow up drug testing at the student athlete s expense (schedule to be determined by Head Athletic Trainer). Positive Test 2: Meeting with the Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer, and respective team s Head Coach to discuss test results and to develop a subsequent counseling, treatment and additional testing protocol. Notification of a positive test to parents/guardians. Evaluation by a qualified drug counselor, regular attendance to whatever program is recommended and ongoing communication with the Head Athletic Trainer regarding attendance. PROBATION: Ineligible to compete in 50% of regularly scheduled contests. (Immediately imposed following the second positive finding, and may carry over to next season until sanction is fulfilled). Periodic follow up drug testing at the student athlete s expense (schedule to be determined by Head Athletic Trainer). Positive Test 3: SUSPENSION from all competition and team related activity for 365 days from the date of the 3rd positive test. Academic assistance may continue during this period, however, scholarship/athletically related financial aid may be affected at

7 the request of the Head Coach/Athletic Director. Guidelines for reinstatement to the team will be established and discussed as part of an ongoing treatment plan. Periodic follow up drug testing at the student athlete s expense (schedule to be determined by Head Athletic Trainer). Category B Positive Test 1: Meeting with the Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer, and respective team s Head Coach to discuss test results and to develop a subsequent counseling, treatment and additional testing protocol. Notification of a positive test to parents/guardians. Evaluation by a qualified drug counselor, regular attendance to whatever program is recommended and ongoing communication with the Head Athletic Trainer regarding attendance. SUSPENSION from all competition and team related activity for a minimum of six (6) months. Academic assistance may continue during this period. Periodic follow up drug testing at the student athlete s expense (schedule to be determined by Head Athletic Trainer). Positive Test 2: All Category B sanctions listed above. SUSPENSION from all competition and team related activity for an additional 365 days. Academic assistance may continue during this period, however, scholarship/athletically related financial aid may be affected at the request of the Head Coach/Athletic Director. Guidelines for reinstatement to the team will be established and discussed as part of an ongoing treatment plan. Periodic follow up drug testing at the student athlete s expense (schedule to be determined by Head Athletic Trainer). *** If unable to remain drug free for the entire suspension period, the student athlete will be EXPELLED from the program. *** Category C Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug in our society. Abuse of this substance by a studentathlete while at Lourdes University will result in specific sanctions. For the purposes of this policy, sanctions will be imposed for student athletes who are found guilty of the following offenses: Class A Offenses: Public Intoxication Drunken and Disorderly Conduct Underage Drinking

8 Class B Offenses: Conviction of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Conviction of any other offense with DUI as one of the charges Destruction of Property while under the influence Assault while under the influence For Category C offenses, the following sanctions may be imposed: One Class A offense: Ineligible to participate in ONE contest. Two Class A offenses: Ineligible to participate in TWO contests. One Class B offense: Ineligible to participate in TWO contests. Two Class B offenses: Six month suspension from all team related activity *** All alcohol offenses require mandatory referral to and attendance at counseling. *** L. Appeals Process Student athletes who test positive for substances under the terms of this program may request an appeal hearing before the Drug Education & Testing Council. Members of the council may include the Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer, Dean of Students, Team Physician, a member of the university s counseling center, or their designees. Request for an appeal must be made in writing to the Head Athletic Trainer no tmore than 72 hours from the time of notification of a positive drug test. Additional time may be granted during holidays and university authorized breaks. The student athlete who tested positive must be present at the appeal hearing, and may be accompanied by individuals in an advisory capacity only. The Director of Athletics will notify the student athlete in writing regarding the decision of the council. The results of the appeal hearing are final and binding.

9 DRUG TESTING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have read Lourdes University s Athletic Department Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Policy and that I understand the information included in this policy. Further, I agree to submit to regularly scheduled or random, unannounced, witnessed drug screening conducted by the Athletic Department s medical staff or private consultants. I understand that my participation the athletic department s drug education and testing program is a condition of my continued participation in intercollegiate athletics at Lourdes University. In addition, I authorize the written or verbal release of information to athletic department staff members, parents/guardians and individuals involved in counseling and sanctioning as it pertains to positive test results. Finally, I agree to abide by all policies, procedures and potential sanctions outlined in the Drug Education and Testing Policy, and that this acknowledgement and consent shall remain in effect for my entire athletic career at Lourdes University. Name (print) SSN (last 4 digits only) Date of Birth_ Signature Date Date Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 18)

10 Appendix A College/University: Urine Collection Guidelines for Clients 1. Only those persons authorized by the institution will be allowed in the collection room. 2. When arriving to the collection room, the student athlete will provide photo identification or a client representative will need to identify the student athlete. The student athlete will then print his or her name and arrival time on the Roster Sign In Form. 3. The student athlete will select a Custody & Control Form (CCF) from a supply of such and work with the institutional collector to complete the necessary information before proceeding with the specimen collection process. 4. The student athlete will select a specimen collection beaker from a supply of such and will be escorted by the institutional collector (same gender) to the restroom to provide a specimen. The student athlete will rinse his or her hands with water (no soap) and then dry their hands. Then the student athlete will place a specimen barcode from the Custody & Control Form onto the beaker. 5. The institutional collector will directly observe the furnishing of the urine specimen to assure the integrity of the specimen. 6. The student athlete will be responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled. 7. Fluids and food given to student athletes who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers (approved by the institutional collector), opened and consumed in the collection room. These items must be free of any other banned substances. 8. If the specimen is incomplete, the student athlete must remain in the collection room until the sample is completed. During this period, the student athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled. 9. If the specimen is incomplete and the student athlete must leave the collection room for a reason approved by the institutional collector, the specimen must be discarded. 10. Upon return to the collection room, the student athlete will begin the collection procedure again. 11. Once an adequate volume specimen is provided; the institutional collector will escort the student athlete to the specimen processing table. 12. The specimen processor will instruct the student athlete to closely observe the specimen processing steps and will then measure the specific gravity. 13. If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.005, no value will be recorded on the CCF and the specimen will be discarded by the student athlete with the institutional collector observing. The student athlete must remain in the collection room until another specimen is provided. The student athlete will provide another specimen. 14. Once the specimen processor has determined the specimen has a specific gravity above the sample will be processed and sent to the laboratory.

11 15. If the laboratory determines that a student athlete s sample is inadequate for analysis, at the client s discretion, another sample may be collected. 16. If a student athlete is suspected of manipulating specimens (e.g., via dilution, substitution), the institutional collector will collect another specimen from the student athlete. 17. Once a specimen has been provided that meets the on site specific gravity, the student athlete will select a sample collection kit from a supply of such. 18. The specimen processor will open the kit, demonstrate to the student athlete the vials are securely sealed, open the plastic and open the A vial lid. The processor will pour the urine into the A and B vials and close the lids. The specimen processor should pour urine into vials above the minimum volume level (35 ml in A vial; 15 ml in B vial) and pour as much urine as possible into the vials using care not to exceed the maximum levels (90 ml in A vial; 60 ml in B vial). 19. The specimen processor will securely close the lids on each vial and then seal each vial using the vial seals attached to the CCF; assuring seals are tightly adhered to the vials with no tears or loose areas. 20. The specimen processor must then collect all necessary signatures (collector, donor, witness, and collector/specimen processor) and dates/times where indicated on the CCF. 21. The specimen processor will place the laboratory copy of the CCF in the back pouch of the plastic bag and the vials in the front pouch of the same bag. The bag should then be sealed. The sealed bag with vials will then be placed in the sample box. The box will then be sealed. 22. The student athlete is then released by the institutional collector. 23. All sealed samples will be secured in a shipping case. The collector will prepare the case for forwarding. When two split samples are collected and packaged, care must be taken to assure one sample is placed in the shipping container for shipment to the drugs of abuse laboratory and one sample is placed in the shipping container for shipment to the anabolic steroids laboratory. 24. After the collection has been completed, the samples will be forwarded to the appropriate laboratory and copies of any forms forwarded to the Sport Drug Testing Department. 25. The samples then become the property of the client. 26. If the student athlete does not comply with the collection process, the institutional collector will notify the appropriate institutional administrator and Drug Free Sport.

12 Appendix B Lourdes University Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Student Athlete Notification Form Student Athlete: Student ID: _ Sport: Date of Notification: Time of Notification: a.m./p.m. I,, the undersigned: Student Athlete Acknowledge being notified to appear for institutional drug and alcohol testing and have been notified to report to the drug and alcohol testing station at:, on at or before a.m/p.m I will be prepared to provide an adequate urine specimen and will not over hydrate. I understand that providing numerous diluted specimens may be cause for follow-up drug testing. I understand that I may have a witness accompany me to the drug and alcohol testing site. I understand that failure to appear at the site on or before the designated time will constitute a withdrawal of my previous consent to be tested as part of the Institutional Drug and Alcohol Testing Consent and will result in a penalty. By signing below, I acknowledge being notified of my participation in institutional drug and alcohol testing, and I am aware of what is required of me in preparation for this drug and alcohol-testing event. Signature: Date: _ Student-Athlete I can be reached at the following telephone number on test day: Institutional Representative retain top portion of completed forms Lourdes University Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Student Athlete: _ Location of Test: Date of Test: Report Time:

13 Appendix C Lourdes University Department of Athletics Drug Testing Reasonable Suspicion Reporting Form I,, under the reasonable suspicion clause that is Staff Name outlined in the Lourdes University Drug Education and Drug Testing Policy, report the following objective sign(s), symptom(s) or behavior(s) that I reasonably believe warrant be referred to the Director of Athletics or his/her designee Student Athlete for possible drug testing. The following sign(s), symptom(s) or behavior(s) were observed by me over the past hours and/or _ days. Please check below all that apply: The Student-Athlete has shown: irritability loss of temper poor motivation failure to follow directions verbal outburst (e.g. to faculty, staff, teammates) physical outburst (e.g. throwing equipment) emotional outburst (e.g. crying) weight gain weight loss sloppy hygiene and/or appearance The Student-Athlete has been: late for practice late for class not attending class receiving poor grades staying up too late missing appointments missing/skipping meals The Student-Athlete has demonstrated the following: dilated pupils constricted pupils red eyes smell of alcohol on the breath smell of marijuana staggering or difficulty walking constantly running and/or red nose recurrent bouts with a cold or the flu (provide dates ) over stimulated or hyper excessive talking withdrawn and/or less communicative periods of memory loss slurred speech recurrent motor vehicle accidents and/or violations (provide dates ) recurrent violations of Student Code of Conduct policy

14 Other specific objective findings include: Signatures: _ Name of Staff _ Signature of Staff Date Reviewed By: Director of Athletics/Designee _ Date Name of Counselor Consulted _ Date Consulted Reasonable Suspicion Upheld Reasonable Suspicion Denied Effective