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STETSON UNIVERSITY

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC DRUG SCREENING PROGRAM

 

Drug Policy Letter (.pdf file)

 

 

Statement and Philosophy:

 

The Athletic Administration and Coaching Staff of Stetson University condemns the use of any illegal chemicals and the abuse of any legal chemicals that endanger the safety of Stetson University athletes.

 

I. Philosophy:

The drug testing program’s major principle is that drug use or illegal abuse is not a desired behavior for any student-athlete competing in intercollegiate athletics. If drug use can be deterred for four years, hopefully, the athletes of Stetson University will be educated in their decision making and set in their living patterns. We then hope that our athletes will carry a “drug-free” atmosphere away with them when they graduate.

 

II. Program Objectives

1. To protect the health and welfare of all Stetson University athletes competing in intercollegiate athletics

2. To identify any athletes that may be using drugs and to identify the drug.

3. To educate any athlete so identified as to the effect(s) such drug use may have on the athlete and his/her team.

4. To see that any chronic dependency is treated and addressed properly.

5. To provide reasonable safeguards that every athlete is medically competent to participate in athletic competition.

 

III. Implementation of Program:

At the beginning of the academic year, a presentation will be made to all intercollegiate athletic squads at Stetson University to outline and review the Intercollegiate Athletic Drug Testing Program, its purposes and implementation. A copy of the Program will be given to each athlete. A copy of the Program will also be mailed to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the athlete. All athletes will then be asked to sign a form acknowledging that they have received a copy of the Program and understand what is expected of them. The athletes will be asked to voluntarily consent to the administration of urinalysis testing and a release of testing information to the following select group of athletic personnel: the Athletic Director, the Team Physician(s), the Head Coach of the athlete’s sport, the Director of Sports Medicine, and/or the supervising team Certified Athletic Trainer. A copy of the Program will be mailed to the parents or legal guardians of the athlete. A copy will also be given to each athlete.

Parents or legal guardians and athletes are encouraged to make suggestions or ask questions at any time with reference to the Program. The Athletic Department is very serious about this program and its success and expects equal concern and interest from the athletes and their parents.

IV. The Drug Screening Process

It should be fully understood, by each student-athlete and parent, that the Stetson University Drug Testing Program is being initiated expressly to identify, assist, and educate athletes with drug related problems and is not intended to be punitive. The Drug Testing Program relies on voluntary cooperation from all parties involved. An athlete’s refusal to sign the drug testing consent form or to submit a urine sample will be dealt with immediately by our Athletic Director.

A LACK OF COOPERATION ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE WILL JEOPARDIZE HIS OR HER MEDICAL STATUS RELATIVE TO AND THE PRIVILEE OF FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AT STETSON UNIVERSITY.

 

On an on-going basis, student-athletes will be subject to random drug screening to test for the following substances:

 

1. Amphetamine

2. Barbiturates

3. Cocaine

4. Opiates, Morphine, Codeine

5. Tetrahydrocannabinal (THC or Marijuana)

 

Stetson University reserves the right to add to the list of substances to be screened for at any time. Thereafter, all athletes will be randomly and regularly tested during the academic year. Those who, at any time, experience a positive test can expect further screenings to be done on a more regular basis.

 

Student-athletes will be notified prior to the drug screening as specified in the standard test protocol. Any scheduled dug screening that is missed by a student-athlete will be considered a positive test and will carry the same ramifications. Student-athletes unable to void at the time of the test will be required to remain at the testing area until a sample can be obtained.

 

The drug screening shall consist of the collection of a urine sample from the athlete under the supervision of the Team Physician(s), clinical laboratory technicians, or a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer. Each urine sample shall be analyzed for the presence of the above drugs by an outside agency contracted by the University to provide such service. The outside agency shall report all test results to the Director of Sports Medicine, who, in turn, will review such results to determine which if any, of the test results are positive. For purposes of this Program, a positive result shall mean a test result which indicates in the opinion of the outside agency performing such testing, the presence of one or more of the above listed drugs in the athlete’s urine. Theathlete will be immediately notified of a positive test result.

Every possible step will be taken to assure and maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of the test results including the maintenance of a documented chain of specimen custody to insure the identity and integrity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process. Additionally, precautions will be made to assure the randomness of the subsequent testing. Stetson University, through its Athletic Department, reserves the right to test any athlete at any time.

 

V. Effect of Positive Test Results:

First Positive: If the positive result is verified and confirmed, the Director of Sports Medicine will notify the Athletic Director, the Head Coach and the Team Physician(s). The athlete will be required to attend a mandatory drug counseling assessment, which shall be arranged by the Athletic Training Staff. The drug counselor shall determine the length and manner of said counseling to best suit the athlete. The Head Coach or the Director of Sports Medicine will initiate immediate contact with the athlete’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and/or spouse to advise them of the positive result. REFUSAL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COUNSELING PROGRAM, AS SET FORTH IN THIS PARAGRAPH, WILL BE TREATED AND HANDLED AS A SECOND POSITIVE TEST RESULT.

 

Second Positive: If the positive result is verified and confirmed, the Director of Sports Medicine will notify the Athletic Director, the Head Coach, and the Team Physician(s). Additionally, the athlete will be required to, as promptly as possible, participate in a conference telephone call between the athlete, his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or spouse, and the Head Coach wherein the athlete advises his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or spouse of the second positive test results.

 

The athlete will be required to participate in continued and further counseling as directed by the Team Physician(s) /Director of Sports Medicine and will be suspended from play or practice for a period of seven (7) consecutive days, to include a minimum of one varsity intercollegiate competition. REFUSAL TO PARTICIPATE AS SET FORTH IN THIS PARAGRAPH WILL BE TREATED AND HANDLED AS A THIRD POSITIVE TEST RESULT.

 

Third Positive: If the positive result is verified and confirmed, the Director of Sports Medicine will again notify the Athletic Director, the Head Coach, the Team Physician(s) and the athlete’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or spouse. At this time, it must be assumed that the athlete has a very serious problem and/or has made some conscious value judgments as to his/her own behavior and this must be treated very seriously. In addition to the requirements resulting from a second positive test as set froth above, the athlete will be suspended from athletic participation for a minimum of one (1) calendar year or until the beginning of the next competitive season as interpreted by the Athletic Director. Prior to the implementation of the suspension period, the athlete will have an opportunity to fully discuss the matter with the Athletic Director and present evidence of any mitigating circumstances which he/she feels important. Reinstatement of the athlete to athletic participation would be made only after the provision of proof of the successful completion of a certified Drug Rehabilitation Program. Additionally, the athlete could possibly face loss of his/her financial aid for the current academic year and/or non-renewal of financial aid for the following year.

 

VI. Conclusion:

It is believed and hoped that the implementation of this Stetson University Intercollegiate Athletic Drug Testing Program will serve to benefit all connected with intercollegiate athletics at Stetson University. Further, it is believed and hoped that participation in this Program will make the men and women who participate in intercollegiate athletics at Stetson University better students, better athletes, and better able to make individual, informed and intelligent decisions with reference to drug usage.