UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ATHLETICS SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY. I. Drug Testing Policy

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1 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ATHLETICS SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY I. Drug Testing Policy A. Purpose 1. To educate student-athletes (SA) about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and performance supplements, to help them make the correct, informed decision in an effort to avoid their use. 2. In light of health, safety and social concerns, the Department of Athletics has implemented a policy consisting of a comprehensive alcohol, drug and performance supplement education program, drug testing, and counseling/rehabilitation to assist and benefit SAs. B. Definition 1. Controlled or Illegal Drugs include narcotics, hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, look-alike drugs or other substances which can affect or hamper the senses, emotions, reflexes, judgment, or other physical or mental activities. Included are controlled medications or substances not prescribed for current personal treatment by a licensed health practitioner in a medical setting to address a specific physical, emotional, or mental condition. 2. Legally Obtained Medication - includes drugs prescribed by a licensed practitioner and over-the-counter drugs which have been legally obtained and are being used in the appropriate amount solely by the individual and for the purpose for which the medication was prescribed or manufactured. *The use of any legally obtained medication without prior notification to the University of Cincinnati Sports Medicine staff is strictly prohibited and may result in a positive drug test result* 3. Banned Drug Classes - the University of Cincinnati will abide by the NCAA Banned Drug Classes list, which can be found in Appendix A. This list is not exhaustive that includes both performance enhancing drugs and street drug to protect the health of the SA and to ensure fair play. The University of Cincinnati reserves the right to amend or edit this list at any time. 4. Positive Drug Test - defined as a test result determined to be positive by a certified Medical Review Officer. A drug test will be performed on a biological specimen. SAs who fail to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification; fail to provide a biological specimen according to protocol; leave the collection station before providing a specimen according to protocol; attempt to alter the integrity or validity or the biological specimen and/or collection process; or are otherwise uncooperative with the administration of the test, will be treated as having a positive drug test. Proper documentation of notifying the SA will be noted on drug testing forms. 5. Student-Athlete/SA a person who is on an active roster and/or receiving an athletic grant-in-aid at the institution. C. Drug Education Policy 1. At a designated team meeting at the beginning of each semester, a presentation will be made to all SAs of each individual sport that will include but not limited to; the Department of Athletics Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, its purposes, its implementation, as well as the NCAA s Drug Testing Program to reinforce important information, and to ensure new and/or transfer SAs are all appropriately educated.

2 2. The NCAA list of banned drug classes and dietary supplements are available at the NCAA Resource Exchange Center (REC) at or at 3. The University will distribute NCAA banned substances information, and copies of this program will be sent out in electronic or hard copy format to all returning and known incoming SAs at a time when released by the NCAA. The University of Cincinnati, Department of Athletics Drug Policy will also be available on line through the official website of the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics, under the Sports Medicine tab. 4. All SAs will be required to sign a form annually acknowledging their receipt of the University s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy and a form acknowledging their understanding of the NCAA Drug Testing Program. In addition, they will be asked to consent to the administration of random urinalysis testing as required by the program, and permitting release of drug testing information to a limited group of medical and athletic administrative personnel, as well as parents/guardians. SAs who do not participate in the drug testing program or refuse to complete a drug test may not participate in team activities. 5. The Department of Athletics will require mandatory participation in drugs/alcohol educational programs for all SAs each year. Development of educational programs and overall compliance will be completed by the Sports Medicine Department, in conjunction with Student Athlete Support Services (SASS). Any SA not completing the educational program(s) on an annual basis will not qualify for the Bearcat Strong designation. Mandated Topics Include: i. NCAA banned drug classes NCAA drug testing policy and its consequences for testing positive i Risks of using nutritional/dietary supplements iv. NCAA Tobacco Policy v. Conference and Institutional drug testing programs vi. Street drugs use policies and institutional sanctions for violations as described below v Alcohol influence on behavior and personality vi Other topics as a need is recognized and/or requested D. Drug Testing Program 1. The Drug Testing Program is administered by the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine under the supervision of the Director of Athletics. 2. Drug testing is necessary both to deter drug use and to detect such use as it occurs, so that drug abusers, and the threat of injury or illness they represent to themselves and others, may be removed from the Department of Athletics. 3. Participants utilizing substances, in violation of this policy, are deemed physically unfit for intercollegiate sports because they pose a risk of serious injury to themselves and others in the course of practice and competition. 4. Drug Testing Programs, as designed by the NCAA and the University of Cincinnati, are intended to ensure that no one participant may have an artificially induced advantage over another teammate or opponent. 5. Drug screens may be announced and/or unannounced, during the year for any and/or all drugs listed on the NCAA Banned Substance list. 6. SAs may be required to submit a urine screen randomly, regularly, or for reasonable suspicion as individuals, teams, or portions of teams. 7. Individualized Reasonable Suspicion Process - if there is reasonable suspicion that a

3 SA is using or has used any Controlled or Illegal Drug(s) or Performance Enhancing Supplements or has misused/abused any Legally Obtained Medication(s), he/she may be subject to testing at any time during the year. Reasonable suspicion may be based on information presented to a coach, athletic trainer, or department administrator. Only with the written approval of the Head Team Physician, and Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine will testing proceed under reasonable suspicion. Examples which may constitute reasonable suspicion include, but are not limited to the following: i. Observed possession, social media indications, verbal report or use of controlled or banned substances, or substances, which reasonably appear to be controlled or banned. An arrest and/or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession, use, or trafficking of substances that are considered controlled or banned. i Observed activity, appearance or personality which varies from the normal routine of a SA. This includes but is not limited to, changes in physical appearance, conduct, behavior, or unusual/unexplained patterns of absence from class, training, or competition, which would be reasonably associated with the use of controlled or banned substances. iv. Violation of the Department of Athletics policies, the University s Student Code of Conduct or any other published University policy based on possession, use, or affiliation with alcohol and/or banned substances. 8. The urine screen shall consist of the collection of a urine specimen from a SA. A certified laboratory contracted by the Department of Athletics shall analyze each urine sample. i. The laboratory will analyze the samples using the standards of Health and Human Services (HHS) certified lab and report all positive test results to the Medical Review Officer (MRO). i Each SA sample will be identified by code rather than name, and the code and all records relating to testing will be kept in a safe, confidential location. Steps will be taken to maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of the test results, including maintaining a documented chain of specimen custody to establish the identity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process. In the event of a positive test, the MRO will contact the SA, to determine if there is a medical reason for the positive test. In the event of a positive test a SA, may request that the sample B be retested or tested at a different laboratory. HHS testing standards will be required on all re-tests. The number of re-tests will be limited to one, and will be at the expense of the SA. 9. The NCAA conducts year round and championship testing of all sports. SAs that have a positive test with the NCAA will have urine screenings on a regular basis and be subject to sanctions by the NCAA and the Department of Athletics. 10. Any SA, legally charged with the sale, purchase, transfer of, or possession of controlled or illegal drugs may be suspended from practice and competition until being cleared of those charges. Conviction of a SA for the sale, purchase, transfer of or possession charges will result in automatic and immediate dismissal from their team and in the loss of all athletically related financial aid. 11. The Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Office of Judicial Affairs and the University of Cincinnati Police Department will have mutual communication between departments for all incidents, both on- and off-campus.

4 II. Effects of a Positive Urine Screen Required by UC** A. Additional Departmental General 1. University of Cincinnati personnel or contracted affiliates may be notified to facilitate the implementation of this policy and program. University of Cincinnati personnel or contracted affiliates who facilitate the implementation of this policy and program include: athletic trainers, medical staff, coaches, senior-level athletic administrators, and other University academic and administrative personnel with whom the Department of Athletics may require consultation or assistance. 2. All suspensions will be categorized as a violations of team rules for public communications, unless made public by the SA. 3. The parents and/or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the infraction. 4. The SA will be subject to additional urine screens through the remainder of their eligibility. 5. The Head Coach and Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, may impose stricter sanctions than those outlined below if there are additional factors or circumstances that warrant such sanctions. 6. SAs who fail to report for a requested urine screen or who fail to provide a specimen as directed, will be treated as though they received a positive test result. B. First Positive Test 1. The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be conducted once it is determined that a positive drug test has occurred. The SAs or parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. 2. SA will be evaluated for addiction treatment (outpatient or inpatient) and may be referred to such treatment by a team psychologist and/or team physician based on results of an evaluation. 3. Random weekly testing may occur, for the SAs duration at the institution. 4. Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling. The SA may not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to team activities is recommended. i. Failure to complete substance abuse counseling will result in further action from the Department of Athletics. 5. Clean Slate: SAs with a first positive test that remains incident free for twelve (12) months will be considered to have a clean record. However, all subsequent incidents, regardless of the length of time between incidents, will be treated in a cumulative manner. C. Second Positive Test 1. The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be scheduled once it is determined a positive drug test has occurred. At this meeting, the SA will be given the option of having a representative present. The SAs parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. 2. An immediate seven (7) day suspension from all team-related activities will be imposed (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services) on a SA. This seven-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about his/her suspension. A loss of ten (10) percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed.

5 3. A Reevaluation for addiction (outpatient or inpatient) treatment will be conducted and the SA may be referred to such treatment by a team psychologist and/or team physician based on test results of evaluation. 4. SA will no longer be eligible for any potential summer school aid through the Department of Athletics. 5. SA will be subject to potential loss of financial aid through the Department of Athletics, for the next academic year, as determined by the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach. 6. SA will no longer be eligible for any post-eligibility financial aid through the Department of Athletics. 7. SA will be subject to random testing for the duration of their athletic eligibility at the University. 8. Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling will be required. SA will not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to activities is recommended. SA must provide documentation as evidence. i. Failure to complete substance abuse counseling will result in dismissal from the SAs respective team. D. Third Positive Test 1. The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be scheduled; once it is determined a positive drug test has occurred. At this meeting, the SA will be given the option of having a representative present. The SAs parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. 2. An immediate seven (7) day suspension from all team-related activities will be imposed (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This seven-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about his/her suspension. A loss of 25 percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. 3. Reevaluation for addiction (out-patient or in-patient) treatment may be prescribed. 4. SA will be subject to potential loss of financial aid for the next academic year as determined by the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach. 5. SA will be subject to random testing for the duration of their athletic eligibility at the University. 6. Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling will be required. SA will not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to activities is recommended. SA must provide documentation as evidence. i. Failure to complete substance abuse counseling will result in dismissal from the SAs respective team. E. Fourth Positive Drug Test 1. IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM ALL INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION. III. Alcohol Policy A. General 1. The University of Cincinnati does not condone the illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a progressive disorder in which physical dependency can develop. The negative physical and mental effects of the abuse of alcohol are well documented.

6 2. Even low doses of alcohol impair brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes. 3. Very high doses cause suppression of the respiratory system and can lead to death. B. Effects of Alcohol use or Abuse 1. All SAs involved in alcohol related incidents are subject to the rules and disciplinary policies of the University of Cincinnati. This is true for any violation of state law that occurs either: i. on University-owned or leased property, i at University-sponsored or supervised functions, or under other circumstances (i.e. off-campus incidents) involving a direct and substantial connection to the University. 2. The consumption of alcohol by SAs is prohibited in connection with any official intercollegiate team function. For the purposes of this policy, an official team function is defined as any activity that is held at the direction of, or under the supervision of, the team s coaching staff or sponsored by the Department of Athletics. i. Any SA found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to the entire range of University sanctions described in the University s Student Code of Conduct, including suspension and expulsion. Any SA who participates in underage drinking will be bound by this policy as an illegal activity. 3. Any off-campus incident, which violates state law, would be subject to trigger the University s Code of Conduct Policy. 4. Upon documentation provided in an official report from the Office of Judicial Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Police, or any other police agency, or observation by UC department of athletics employee, SAs who violate the Department of Athletics Alcohol Policy will be subject to the following sanctions: i. First Incident: a) Evaluation for addiction and treatment as deemed necessary by medical personnel. b) Alcohol education program. i Second Incident: a) Immediate five (5) day suspension from all team-related activities (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This five-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about their suspension. A loss of ten (10) percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. b) Evaluation for addiction and treatment as deemed necessary by medical personnel. c) Alcohol education program. Third Incident: a) Immediate fourteen (14) day suspension from all team-related activities (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This fourteen day period will begin as of the date the SA is informed about their suspension. A loss of 25 percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. b) Possible reduction or loss of financial aid for the next academic year as determined by the Director of Athletics. 5. FELONY OFFENSES related to alcohol usage will result in immediate suspension from all athletic-related activities pending resolution of the criminal justice process.

7 IV. 6. SOCIAL MISBEHAVIOR: Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling/rehabilitation program will be required of any SA found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when resultant social misbehavior occurs (e.g., DWI, destruction of property, assault).clean Slate: SAs with an alcohol related incident that remains incident free for twelve (12) months would be considered to have a clean record. However, all subsequent incidents, regardless of the length of time between incidents, will be treated in a cumulative manner Tobacco Policy A. The Department of Athletics does not condone the use of tobacco products. B. The use of tobacco is prohibited in connection with any intercollegiate team function. C. NCAA legislation prohibits use of tobacco products by SAs, coaches and staff during practices or competition. V. Safe Harbor Policy A. On exactly one (1) occasion during a student s term at the University, a SA may, on a voluntary basis, report their use/abuse of alcohol, Controlled, Legally Obtained Medication, and/or Banned Substances to their Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, Staff Athletic Trainer, or a team physician for the purpose of seeking evaluation for addiction and/or treatment for chemical dependency. At that time, the SA will be evaluated and/or tested and the result will be used in a treatment plan which will be provided to the SA in writing and they will not be subject to the sanctions which ordinarily accompany a first positive test or alcohol related incident. If, at any time, it is determined that the SA has violated the prescribed treatment plan they will be immediately removed from the Safe Harbor program and the initial safe harbor positive test will be treated consistently with any other first positive test. B. A SA is not eligible for the Safe Harbor program thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference post-season competition, once he or she has been informed of an impending test, or after having received notification of a positive test from either the University or the NCAA. C. At no time, does the Department of Athletics have the authority to withhold a SA from NCAA drug testing