BAKER UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

DRUG EDUCATION AND TESTING PROGRAM

PURPOSE

The improper use of drugs and alcohol has become a matter of deep concern in the athletic arena. Baker University believes that there is no place in intercollegiate athletics for substance abuse that can alter safe performance or endanger the student-athlete. The purpose of this program is to respond to problems directly related to the improper use of any inappropriate substance by establishing policies and procedures that guide an intervention program. It is a privilege, not a right, to participate in the athletic programs and represent Baker University. The student-athlete is expected to acknowledge that this privilege has expectations for compliance with the university drug education and testing program as outlined in this document. Research shows that most athletes are drug free. Therefore, we will, at all times, treat athletes with dignity and respect, and above all else we will protect their privacy.

OBJECTIVES

1. Adhere to the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character Program:

a. Respect your teammates, your opponents, and the game.

b. Behave responsibly and make appropriate decisions.

c. Promote and preserve the integrity of NAIA athletics and the welfare of student-athletes.

d. Model good sportsmanship.

e. Servant Leadership is sharing your enthusiasm for drug-free participation with teammates and the community.

2. Provide educational experiences in order to have informed athletes who are aware of the consequences of substance abuse.

3. Institute a screening and testing program to detect possible use of prohibited substances that may be used to enhance performance or alter behavior.

4. Develop intervention programs to provide athletes with a support system for rehabilitation and educational awareness.

5. Retain student-athletes in athletic programs by encouraging them to accept the responsibilities and consequences of the university drug education and testing program.

PROHIBITED DRUGS

Any drug that is procured illegally or is prohibited by law including the sale, purchase, or possession of said drug will be prohibited by the university. Drugs obtained by medical prescription or purchased over the counter that are incompatible with the integrity of the athletic program or are used inappropriately will be banned by the Department of Athletics. If these drugs represent a possible risk to the student-athlete or jeopardize the health of the individual, the Department of Athletics can mandate drug screening or testing to preserve the integrity of the program.

No officer, employee, or agent of Baker University may supply any student-athlete with any drug or substance that may endanger the health of the athlete or affect athletic performance in any way. Stated personnel cannot encourage or induce any student-athlete to use prohibited substances except as prescribed by qualified medical personnel for treatment of the student-athlete.

PROCEDURE

All student-athletes are required to adhere to the conditions of the screening and testing program and will be required to sign a copy of this policy. An independent organization will randomly select up to 12 athletes each month for testing. The athlete will be personally notified and MUST report to the testing site. The sample will be delivered to Quest Diagnostics and the results will be returned to the Office of the Director of Athletics. The results of the test will be communicated to the athlete by the Office of the Director of Athletics and confidential drug test results will be kept on file in the Office of the Director of Athletics.

The Department of Athletics reserves the right to mandate testing when there is reasonable suspicion of inappropriate drug use. Samples of this suspicion include but are not restricted to the following:

(1) Reported possession and/or use of prohibited substances;

(2) An arrest or conviction related to prohibited substances;

(3) University disciplinary action related to prohibited substances; or

(4) Documented unusual patterns of absence from training and/or competition that could be related to use of prohibited substances.

TEST RESULTS

If a sample is negative, the results will be communicated to the athlete. Failure of the athlete to cooperate with the testing procedure by not appearing for the testing process, not producing a sample, or attempting to alter or destroy the sample will all be equivalent to a “positive” test result.

If the sample is positive, the following steps will be followed:

(1) An independent “Medical Review Officer” will review the positive test result and may consult with the student-athlete. The MRO will report the result of the investigation to the Director of Athletics.

(2) The athlete will be notified in person of the results of the test.

(3) The athlete will be allowed to appeal the results of the test to the Substance Abuse Council.

(4) If a student-athlete has used a prohibited substance and self-reports this conduct prior to the notification for testing; he/she will be tested for reasonable suspicion.

CONSEQUENCES OF A POSITIVE TEST RESULT

(1) First “positive” test result

(a) The student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports Medicine, and the Head Coach or Coaches’ of the respective sport(s).

(b) The student-athlete will be asked to notify his/her parents or guardians in the presence of the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports Medicine, and the Head Coach or Coaches’ of the respective sport(s).

(c) The student-athlete will be suspended from the athletic program until compliance with the consequences is complete.

(d) A student-athlete will be required to participate in a drug education program and get a personal assessment through DCCCA (Douglas County Citizens Committee on Alcoholism) to regain athletic eligibility and eligibility for financial aid. The expense of this participation will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.

(e) The student-athlete MUST have a negative test result before he/she can be reinstated on the team roster. This new test will be randomly assigned and will be the expense of the athlete.

(2) Second “positive” test result

(a) The student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports Medicine, and the Head Coach or Coaches’ of the respective sport(s).

(b) The student-athlete will be asked to notify his/her parents or guardians in the presence of the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports Medicine, and the Head Coach or Coaches’ of the respective sport(s).

(c) The student-athlete will be suspended from the sport team and other related Department of Athletics events following the official notification of the second positive test result. All athletic related financial aid will be terminated at the end of the semester in which the second “positive” test result is recorded.

(d) A student-athlete may apply for reinstatement to the sport team and the athletic department by completing a drug education program and a personal assessment through DCCCA. The expense of this participation will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.

(e) The student-athlete MUST have a negative test result before he/she can be reinstated on the team roster. This new test will be randomly assigned and will be the expense of the athlete.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

(1) Any athlete legally charged with the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of an illegal substance will be suspended from the team until he/she is cleared of those charges. The student-athletes will be held accountable to the university through the university judicial system.

(2) Any athlete convicted of the aforementioned charges will be immediately dismissed from the program and all athletic related financial aid will be terminated at the end of the semester in which the athlete is currently competing.