Department of Athletics Drug Testing Policy and Procedure 2014/2015 [Type text]
WEBBER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Department of Athletics Drug Testing Policy and Procedures The Department of Athletics at Webber International University is committed to the physical and mental health and well-being, safety, and welfare of its student-athletes. The improper use of prescription drugs, use of illicit street drugs, use of diuretics, and use of performance enhancers/dietary supplements (legal or illegal) can have a negative effect on the health and performance of student-athletes. It is for this reason that random drug testing is conducted and attested to by student- athletes in the Drug Testing Consent form. Random drug testing is also conducted by the Webber International University Department of Athletics for the purposes of and in the manner herein defined. The purposes of drug testing and education are as follows: To serve as a deterrent to the use of illicit drugs and banned substances To identify those who are using these illicit drugs and banned substances To promote education for all student-athletes To provide counseling and treatment services for student-athletes To avoid harm to the reputation of Webber International University and all those connected with its intercollegiate athletic program Compliance and Eligibility: As a condition of eligibility, all student- athletes must sign the Webber International University Drug Testing Consent form to allow for testing and limited release of test results, as set forth in these procedures. Testing will be conducted for all student-athletes on the squad list, including student-athletes actively participating, student-athletes with medical limitations, student-athletes who are red-shirted, and student-athletes who are partial or non-qualifiers. Any student- athlete who refuses to sign the Webber International University Drug Testing Consent form will be declared ineligible for participation in intercollegiate athletics. Banned Substance List: The Department of Athletics at Webber International University utilizes the most current List of Banned Drug Classes referred to as banned substances for its drug testing policy. The list consists of substances generally believed to be performance enhancing and/or potentially harmful to the health and safety of the studentathlete. The drug classes specifically include: Stimulants, Anabolic Agents, Alcohol and Beta Blockers, Diuretics and Other Masking Agents, Street Drugs, Synthetic Drug Substances, Peptide Hormones and Analogues, Anti-Estrogens, and Beta- 2 Agonists. Any substance that is chemically related to the class of banned drugs, unless otherwise noted, is also banned. Medical Exceptions: Student-athletes who are taking prescription or non-prescription medications, under the direction of a licensed physician, are required to report any/all medication currently being taken to the Athletic Training staff via their medical history form as part of their annual pre-participation physical exam at the beginning of each Drug Testing (2013-14) 2
academic year. If, after reviewing this information, further documentation is necessary, the student-athlete will be notified and will have to provide further information from their treating physician as explained in the medical exceptions packet. Failure to report medications and provide necessary medical documentation from the treating physician can result in positive drug testing results, and Department of Athletics sanctions. DRUG TESTING PROCEDURE Random and Individual Testing Selection/Frequency: All WIU student-athletes are subject to drug testing. Selection for the drug testing will occur randomly throughout the academic year, by sport roster using a 10% draw (rounded up) of the total number of student-athletes on the roster. The policy will be followed throughout a student-athlete s eligibility with the WIU Athletic Department. The Director of Athletics, and/or his/her designee will determine the date, time, and site for testing. WIU will conduct random drug testing a minimum of one (1) time every four to six weeks, up to a maximum of once every twenty-four hours. All student-athletes are eligible for each testing cycle. Therefore, student-athletes may be tested multiple times per semester/year. Testing for Reasonable Cause: All student-athletes are subject to year round testing for reasonable cause. For purposes of this section, cause shall be defined as behavior, conduct, or performance by the student-athlete which leads the Assistant Athletic Director to conclude that there is the likelihood that the student-athlete is taking or is under the influence of illegal drugs and/or banned substances. Among indications which may be used in evaluation of a student-athlete s behavior, conduct or performance are: class attendance, significant GPA changes, athletic practice attendance, increased injury rate or illness, changes in physical appearance, academic/athletic motivational level, emotional condition, mood changes, and legal involvement. Reasonable cause may be based on information received that a student-athlete is using illegal drugs. In such cases, the determination that cause exists to require a studentathlete to submit to testing will be made after consultation between the Director of Athletics, Assistant Athletic Director, and Head Coach of the respective sport. The team physician will be consulted, if needed. The Director of Athletics or Assistant Athletic Director must agree that the observations, behavior, conduct or performance of the student-athlete are such that testing for cause is required to protect the health of the student-athlete, the health of others, and/or to protect the integrity of the sport program. In such cases, less than two hours notice for a drug test may be given. Team Testing: A team may be tested at any time without notice and without a reasonable cause. Notification Process: A. Upon selection for testing, student-athletes will be notified during practice by a member of the Athletic Training Staff (those athletes in the off-season will be notified during their designated time of weights). Drug Testing (2013-14) 3
B. Upon notification, the student-athlete will be asked to read and sign a WIU Drug Testing Notification Form, notifying him/her of the date, time, and site of the testing, as well as any other special instructions pertinent to the test. 1. The student-athlete will report to the test site and to bring with them a valid picture ID. 2. The student-athlete will not be allowed to practice or otherwise participate in team activities until he/she has reported to the testing site and supplied a viable sample. C. It is the Test Site Coordinator s responsibility to notify the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee) of those individuals who do not report for their test within the scheduled time periods. A "no show" will carry the same sanction as a positive test result, and the student-athlete will be subject to penalties and sanctions set forth in the WIU Drug Testing Policy and Procedures. Collection Procedures: Drug testing will be done by urinalysis. Every possible measure will be taken to ensure the identity and integrity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process and confidentiality of the test. Urinalysis A. Only those persons authorized by the WIU Director of Athletics and/or his/her designee and/or the Test Site Coordinator will be allowed in the specimen collection and processing area. B. An outside agency will be responsible for all specimen collections, processing, and transportation. C. The WIU Director of Athletics and/or his/her designee and/or the Test Site Coordinator may release a ill or injured student-athlete from the collection area or may release a student-athlete to return to meet academic obligations only after appropriate arrangements for having the student-athlete tested have been made and documented on the WIU Drug Testing Notification Form. D. Upon entering the collection station, the student-athlete will show his/her picture ID and will be identified by the Test Site Coordinator and/or his/her designee. The student-athlete will record the time of arrival and print his/her name on the WIU Drug Testing Roster Form. E. The chain of custody form (provided by the laboratory) will be completed by a drug testing crewmember and signed by the student-athlete. F. When ready to urinate, the student-athlete will be asked to remove any unnecessary outer clothing, and to leave outside the collection station his/her briefcase, purse, book bag, and/or other personal belongings that he/she may be carrying. G. The student-athlete will select a sealed collection container from a supply of such, will unwrap the container in the presence of a member of the drug testing crew, and will record his/her initials on the beaker s lid. Drug Testing (2013-14) 4
H. An Athletic Trainer will accompany the student-athlete to the restroom, and will monitor the furnishing of the specimen by direct observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen. (Any manipulation and/or adulteration of a specimen by the student-athlete may result in sanctions similar or identical to those imposed for a positive test). 1. A minimum specimen of at least 60 ml is required. 2. If a student-athlete has difficulty voiding, he/she may drink fluids approved by the Test Site Coordinator. Such fluids must be caffeine-free, alcohol-free and free of any other banned substances. 3. If the specimen is incomplete, the student-athlete must remain in the collection station with the sample until the sample is complete. During this period, the student-athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker controlled and visible at all times. 4. If the specimen is incomplete and the student-athlete must leave the collection station for a reason approved by the Test Site Coordinator, the specimen must be discarded. Upon return to the collection station, the student-athlete will be required to begin the collection procedure again. I. Once the specimen (at least 60 ml) has been provided, the student-athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker controlled and visible at all times. J. The collector, in the presence of the student-athlete, will immediately assure that the collection specimen is in the acceptable temperature range. (90-100 degrees) K. The student-athlete will witness the collector process the sample by sealing the lid of the container and placing the seal over the lid and having the student-athlete initial and date the seal. L. Any deviation from the procedures outlined must be described and recorded on the Chain of Custody and Control Form and the WIU Drug Testing Notification Form at that time. If deviations are alleged and proven, the student-athlete may be required to provide another specimen. M. The student-athlete will then sign-out on the WIU Drug Testing Roster, collect his/her belongings, and immediately vacate the collection area. N. After the collection has been completed, the specimens will be forwarded to the designated laboratory. O. The specimens are the property of the Webber International University Department of Athletics P. Failure to sign the WIU Drug Testing Notification Form, sign-in the WIU Drug Testing Roster Form, arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification, or provide a urine specimen according to the aforementioned protocol will result in a violation of the WIU Drug Testing Policy. The Test Site Coordinator will inform the student-athlete of these violations (in the presence of a witness) and will record such on the WIU Drug Testing Notification Form. Safe Harbor Program: The Safe Harbor Program is a program designed to offer a student-athlete the opportunity of self-referral for a potential drug and/or alcohol problem without fear of retribution. This program is available only one time to a student- athlete during his/her athletic eligibility (career) at Webber International University. A studentathlete that is eligible for the Safe Harbor Program may refer himself/herself for Drug Testing (2013-14) 5
voluntary evaluation and treatment for alcohol and/or drug use. This referral must be made through the Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance. A student-athlete is not eligible for the Safe Harbor Program after he/she has been informed of an impending drug test for a Webber International University drug test. If the studentathlete tests positive for a banned substance upon entering the Safe Harbor Program, that positive test result will not result in any administrative sanction. (The team physician may suspend the student- athlete from play or practice if medically indicated). A studentathlete will be permitted to remain in the Safe Harbor Program for a reasonable period of time as to be determined by the Assistant Athletic Director. A student-athlete will not be permitted to enter the Safe Harbor Program thirty (30) days prior to Conference or post-season competition. If a student-athlete tests positive for any banned substance while in the Safe Harbor program, or fails to comply with the Safe Harbor treatment plan, the student-athlete will be removed from the Safe Harbor Program. They will be subject to periodic testing, without notification, throughout their athletic eligibility at WIU. The studentathlete will continue to have access, on his or her own, to Counseling and Psychological Services for counseling. While in compliance with the Safe Harbor treatment plan, the student-athlete will be tested every thirty (30) days for the duration of their Safe Harbor treatment plan. After the initial drug test, while in the Safe Harbor Program, the student-athlete must maintain negative drug test findings or they will be removed from the Safe Harbor Program and will subject to sanctions explained in this policy. Any student-athlete seeking referral into the Safe Harbor Program must initiate a meeting with the Assistant Athletic Director. During this meeting it will be determined by the student-athlete exactly whom the student-athlete wants notified, if anyone, regarding their participation in the Safe Harbor Program. Notification of Results: Urinalysis A. The designated laboratory will use the specimen for its initial analysis, consisting of sample preparation, instrument analysis, and data interpretation. B. Upon verification of specimen the designated laboratory/medical Review Officer (MRO) will notify the Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance or his/her designee of the test results. C. Upon notification of a positive test result, the Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance and/or his/her designee will verbally notify the Director of Athletics, student-athlete s head coach, and the team physician. Sanctions for a violation of the WIU Drug Testing Policy: A positive test result does not include any such banned substance detection that is the result of medical treatment prescribed and documented by an WIU team physician or other qualified attending physician. Student- athletes must declare all medication use and provide supporting written documentation, when necessary, to the Head Athletic Trainer at the beginning of Drug Testing (2013-14) 6
the school year. FIRST POSITIVE TEST A. Assistant Athletic Director will be notified. B. Assistant Athletic Director will notify the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach. C. Head Coach, Director of Athletics (or his/her designee), Assistant Athletic Director will inform student-athlete of the positive finding. D. The student-athlete will be given the first opportunity to contact his/her parent(s)/legal guardian(s)/spouse and notify them of the positive test result. It will be the student- athlete s responsibility to have their parent(s)/legal guardian(s)/spouse contact the respected head coach within 48 hours of the official notification of the positive drug test. In the event the student-athlete s head coach does not receive a phone call from the parent, legal guardian, or spouse within (48) hours of the student-athlete being officially notified of the positive test, the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee) will notify the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or spouse. E. Mandatory monthly drug testing while the student athlete remains at WIU. F. The student-athlete will be subject to coach/team sanctions not to exceed suspension from competition equal to 10% of the total number of regularly scheduled contests in that sport. If the positive test is for performance enhancing drugs the suspension will increase to 20% of the total number of regularly scheduled contests in that sport. Any loss-of- competition sanction imposed will carry over into the following year, if a positive result occurs during the off-season or it is not possible to complete the sanction during the current season. Suspension from athletic contests does not relieve the student-athlete from any other responsibility as a team member, including but not limited to attendance at all practices or other team events. G. The student-athlete will be referred to the WIU selected Counselor for evaluation and plan of treatment. Recommendations for treatment from the WIU selected Counselor will be forwarded to the Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer. The student-athlete must comply with treatment recommendations in order to continue/return to competition. If the student athlete is required to complete multiple sessions, the sessions must be scheduled within a week of each other. Failure to comply will result in the student athlete being removed from any form of participation in practices /games/weight sessions or any other team events until the next scheduled session is completed. The student-athlete is responsible for any costs incurred for services not provided on campus or not covered by insurance. SECOND POSITIVE TEST A. Assistant Athletic Director will be notified. B. Assistant Athletic Director will notify Director of Athletics and will notify Head Coach. C. Head Coach, Director of Athletics (or his/her designee), and Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance will inform student-athlete of the positive Drug Testing (2013-14) 7
finding. D. The Director of Athletics (or his/her designee) will conduct a conference call between the student-athlete, and his/her parent(s)/legal guardian(s), or spouse, and the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Coach. E. Mandatory monthly drug testing while the student athlete remains at WIU. F. Immediate suspension upon positive notification for the number of the next scheduled athletic contests equal to 20% of the total number of regularly scheduled contests in that sport. If the positive test is for performance enhancing drugs the suspension will increase to 40% of the total number of regularly scheduled contests in that sport. Suspension from athletic contests does not relieve the student-athlete from any other responsibility as a team member, including but not limited to attendance at all practices or other team events. Any loss-ofcompetition sanction imposed will carry over into the following year if a positive result occurs during the off-season or it is not possible to complete the sanction during the current season. G. The student-athlete will be referred to the WIU selected Counselor for evaluation and plan of treatment. Recommendations for treatment from the WIU selected Counselor will be forwarded to the Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer. The student-athlete must comply with treatment recommendations in order to continue/return to competition. If the student athlete is required to complete multiple sessions, the sessions must be scheduled within a week of each other. Failure to comply will result in the student athlete being removed from any form of participation in practices /games/weight sessions or any other team events until the next scheduled session is completed. The student-athlete is responsible for any costs incurred for services not provided on campus or not covered by insurance.. H. Mandatory (10) hours of community service. THIRD POSITIVE TEST A. Assistant Athletic Director will be notified. B. Assistant Athletic Director will notify Director of Athletics and will notify Head Coach. C. Head Coach, Director of Athletics (or his/her designee), Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance will inform student-athlete of the positive finding. D. The Director of Athletics will conduct a mandatory conference call between the student- athlete, and his/her parent(s)/legal guardian(s), or spouse, and the Assistant Athletic Director for Health Performance and the Head Coach. E. Termination of team membership. F. Recommendation for cancellation and non-renewal of athletics scholarship at the earliest possible moment consistent with Conference rules. Immediate Termination from Team Membership: A student-athlete will be terminated by the Director of Athletics from team membership upon conviction of trafficking/dealing of any illegal substance. It will also be the decision of the Director of Athletics to seek immediate termination and/or cancellation of any athletics scholarship Drug Testing (2013-14) 8
awarded to the convicted student-athlete. Appeal of Positive Test Results: A student-athlete who tests positive for a banned substance by the laboratory retained by the University may, within (24) hours following receipt of notice of the laboratory finding, contest the results of the finding. HEARING PROCESS Student-athletes who test positive under the terms of the Webber International University Department of Athletics Drug Testing Policy will be entitled to a hearing. Appeals will be heard by a two person Appeals Committee comprised of the Head Athletic Trainer and acting Athletic Trainer. The committee will make a recommendation on the appeal to the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee). Requests for a hearing must be made within (48) hours of notification of the confirmed positive test result. If the (48) hours would end on a weekend, the request must be made by noon on the next business day. Requests must be in writing and received by the Appeals Committee. The student-athlete may have an advocate or other representative present, if the student-athlete desires. However, the student-athlete must present his/her own case. The hearing should take place no more than (72) hours after a written request is received. The student-athlete may request an extension of this time to the Director of Athletics, who will consider whether to grant the extension upon showing of good cause. These proceedings shall include an opportunity for the student-athlete to present evidence, as well as to review the results of the drug test. The proceedings shall be confidential. During the appeals process, the student- athlete may continue to compete until a final decision has been rendered by the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee). The decision by the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee) regarding the sanction to be imposed is final. Confidentiality: Except as required by law or this policy, the WIU Department of Athletics will treat as confidential any information relating to a student-athlete s alleged or confirmed use of a banned substance. All members of the WIU Athletic Department are expected to respect a student-athlete s privacy. It is essential that anything seen, heard, read, and/or otherwise obtained remain confidential by all parties involved. All WIU Athletic Department personnel are expected to adhere to the Confidentiality Policy at all times. Violation of the policy may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Director of Athletics. Policy Statement on the Use of Illicit ("Street") Drugs: It is the policy of Webber International University to provide for a drug free workplace and learning environment for students and employees. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance by student-athletes, as well as, all Athletic Department personnel is prohibited. Violations will result in disciplinary action, possible criminal prosecution, and referral to an appropriate detoxification and counseling group. It is to be noted that Webber International University does not condone the use of illicit "street" drugs in any form, including, but not limited to: marijuana, cocaine, "crack," barbiturates, LSD, amphetamines, PCP, heroin, hashish, mescaline, DMT, mushrooms, Drug Testing (2013-14) 9
ecstasy, and inhalants. Research has shown that the use of illicit "street" drugs, in any form, is addictive and can lead to: cardiac arrhythmias, impaired physical abilities, impaired judgment, mood alterations, hallucinations, circulatory problems, and possibly death. Webber International University, its agents, officers, and employees disclaim liability and will not be held liable for any detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by past, present, and/or future use of illicit ("street") drugs in any form. By signing WIU s Drug Testing Consent Form, the student-athlete: 1. Acknowledges the aforementioned policies and statements with regard to the use and/or abuse of illicit ("street") drugs, and fully recognizes the detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by the use of illicit ("street") drugs; 2. Fully acknowledges that they have been made aware of the Webber International University policies with regard to the use of illicit ("street") drugs; 3. Accepts any and all liability if they have, in the past, used and/or abused, continue to use and/or abuse, or use and/or abuse at any time in the future, illicit ("street") drugs in any form; and 4. Releases and holds harmless the Webber International University Board of Trustees, its officers, employees and agents of any and all responsibility and liability to the student- athlete for damages, injuries, etc caused by the studentathlete s use of illicit drugs. Policy Statement on the Use of Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids: Webber International University does not accept or condone the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids. The student-athlete will be made aware of the Webber International University policies with regard to steroid use, as well as the detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by the use of steroids. Furthermore, it is to be acknowledged that steroid use can cause injury as well as aggravation or delayed healing of a present injury. Webber International University, its agents, officers, and employees disclaim liability and will not be held liable for any detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by past, present, and/or future use of anabolic/androgenic steroids by student-athletes. By signing WIU s Drug Testing Consent Form, the student-athlete: 1. Acknowledges the aforementioned policies and statements with regard to the use of anabolic /androgenic steroids and fully recognizes the detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids in any form; 2. Fully acknowledges that they have been made aware of the Webber International University policies with regards to the use of anabolic/ androgenic steroids; 3. Accepts any and all liability if they have in the past used, continue to use, or use at any time in the future, anabolic/androgenic steroids; and 4. Releases and holds harmless the Webber International University Board of Trustees, its officers, employees and agents of any and all responsibility and liability to the student-athlete for damages, injuries, etc caused by the studentathlete s use of illicit drugs. Policy Statement on the Use of Supplements/Ergogenic Aids: It is to be noted that Webber International University does not condone the use of Drug Testing (2013-14) 10
supplements, ergogenic aids, creatine powder, amino acids, etc. Supplements and other ergogenic aids do not undergo the same quality control as do prescription and over-thecounter medications. These are considered food supplements and do not require the same strict control as medications. The product claims that are made have not been based on scientific evidence in most cases, and many of these substances have had no research performed to substantiate their claims. The potential adverse and/or harmful effects of these substances have not been studied, but serious adverse effects have been reported in some instances. These substances are sometimes mislabeled. There have been instances of substances not listed on the label being contained in the product. It is truly a "BUYER BEWARE" market. It is important for student-athletes to remember that THEY WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH AND EVERY SUBSTANCE THAT ENTERS THE BODY. Webber International University, its agents, servants, trustees, and employees disclaim liability for any detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by past, present, and/or future use of ergogenic aids and/or nutritional supplements in any form by student-athletes. By signing WIU 's Drug Testing Consent Form, the student-athlete: 1. Acknowledges that he/she understands that they are to list all supplements and ergogenic aids on the Chain of Custody Forms at the time of any drug test; 2. Acknowledges the aforementioned policies and statements, and fully recognizes the detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by the use of supplements/ergogenic aids; 3. Fully acknowledges that he/she has been made aware of the Webber International University policies with regard to the use of supplements/ergogenic aids; 4. Accepts any and all liability if they have in the past used, continue to use, or use at any time in the future, supplements / ergogenic aids in any form; and 5. Releases and holds harmless the Webber International University Board of Trustees, its officers, employees and agents of any and all responsibility and liability to the student-athlete for damages, injuries, etc caused by the studentathlete s use of illicit drugs. Policy Statement on the Use of Diuretics: Some student-athletes have used diuretics or water pills in the past to lose weight so that an assigned weight might be reached and mask banned substance usage. The use of diuretics or "water pills" for weight loss or as a masking agent is not considered medically safe, and is not permissible under NCAA Drug-Testing Guidelines. Webber International University, its agents, officers, and employees disclaim liability and will not be held liable for any detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by past, present, and/or future use of diuretics in any form. Any test result of a diluted sample will result in a positive drug test. By signing WIU 's Drug Testing Consent Form, the student-athlete: 1. Acknowledges the aforementioned policies and statements with regard to the use and/or abuse of diuretics, and fully recognizes the detrimental and possibly permanent defects caused by the use of diuretics; Drug Testing (2013-14) 11
2. Fully acknowledges that they have been made aware of the Webber International University policies with regard to the use of diuretics; 3. Accepts any and all liability if they have in the past used and/or abused, continue to use and/or abuse, or use and/or abuse at anytime in the future, diuretics in any form; and 4. Releases and holds harmless the Webber International University Board of Trustees, its officers, employees and agents of any and all responsibility and liability to the student- athlete for damages, injuries, etc caused by the studentathlete s use of illicit drugs. Drug Testing (2013-14) 12