VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE/SAFE HARBOR
Student-athletes who, prior to notification of any drug test, voluntarily seek help, or disclose that they have a drug or substance abuse issue shall receive all reasonable support and assistance appropriate to facilitate retention and academic, athletic, and social success.
Voluntary disclosure must come prior to any notification of drug testing. After an athlete has been notified of an upcoming drug test, the safe harbor no longer applies. Student-athletes who are willing to accept help will be ineligible for competitions during their treatment, but may still continue to practice if deemed safe by the Director of Athletics, a full-time trainer, and/or team physician.
Student-athletes may seek counseling either on campus or with an outside source of their choice. Once rehabilitative steps have begun, prior to returning to competitive eligibility, the student-athlete must provide a negative drug test. All costs for rehabilitative assistance will be the responsibility of the student-athlete. The first re-entry test will be paid by Ottawa University. Should more testing be necessary, it will be the responsibilty of the student-athlete. If a student-athlete fails to comply with their treatment plan, he/she will be removed from the Safe Harbor Program and be tested. If the test results are positive, the student-athlete will be subject to the sanctions as set forth in this policy.
A student-athlete may only self-disclose and avoid policy sanctions one time during his or her tenure at Ottawa University. After the first self-disclosure, Ottawa University recommends that the student-athlete still voluntarily report if he or she has a drug or substance abuse issue, but sanctions will be followed as outlined in this policy i.e. considered a first or second violation.
If the student-athlete regains his or her eligibility to participate in intercollegiate sports, he/she may be required to undergo unannounced follow-up tests at the discretion of the Director of Athletics in consultation with the professional counselor. A mental health release from the professional counselor must be received by the full-time athletic trainer and Director of Athletics prior to the student-athlete resuming competitive eligibility.
