Purpose
The Athletic Department believes that random drug testing and testing based on reasonable suspicion are appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes, to promote fair competition in intercollegiate athletics, to affirm compliance with applicable rules and regulations on drug and alcohol abuse, to identify student-athletes who are improperly using these substances and to assist them before they harm themselves or others. Furthermore, the Athletic Department recognizes its responsibility to provide educational programming that will support a positive decision making process and counseling services for those who test positive.
The intent of these policies is to prevent substance use and abuse by student-athletes through education, testing, and professional guidance.
• Education — providing student-athletes and athletic staff with accurate information about the problems associated with substance use in sport, promoting health and safety in sport;
• Testing — analyzing biological specimens to detect prohibited substances student-athletes may introduce to their bodies and enforce associated sanctions resulting from use detailed in this policy; and
• Professional Referral — facilitating appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of student-athletes.
