LYNN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DRUG EDUCATION AND TESTING
POLICY
Lynn University student-athletes are representatives of the University and role models for the
student body and the community. The Athletic Department believes that the use of controlled
substances and performance-enhancing drugs, and the abuse of alcohol threaten the integrity of
intercollegiate athletics and represent a danger to the health, safety and well-being of the studentathletes.
The Lynn University Athletics Department does not condone the use of illegal drugs and alcohol,
and will honor the guidelines and policy set forth in the Lynn University Student Handbook. To
this end, the University has created a Drug Education and Testing Program in compliance with
NCAA recommendations. Lynn University’s testing program is separate and distinct from
the NCAA testing program even though it may ban the same drug classes. Lynn University
reserves the right to alter, amend and/or modify this Drug Education and Testing Program at any
time without notice to the student-athletes, coaches or compliance officers. The goal of this
Program is:

To educate student-athletes about the effects and consequences of drug and alcohol use
and to provide educational and counseling services. Through the program, studentathletes will learn about the negative physical and psychological effects of substance
abuse as it relates to them personally and to the team as a whole.
Program Implementation
In order to participate in intercollegiate athletic programs at Lynn University, student-athletes
must comply with the following:
1) Attend the Student-Athlete Orientation;
2) Provide a written consent (parent/guardian consent, if applicable) to urinalysis testing,
both random and on reasonable suspicion basis;
3) Provide written consent permitting testing information, including results, to be
reviewed by the Athletic Director, and those deemed necessary by the Athletic
Director;
4) Provide a urine specimen upon request of the Head Athletic Trainer or Athletic
Director;
5) Attend and/or participate in workshops, seminars, lectures, counseling, medical
follow-up and other educational activities required for all intercollegiate studentathletes.
Student-athletes who do not comply with these requirements will be rendered ineligible for
competition according to NCAA guidelines. Lynn University reserves the right to amend the list
of requirements referenced above at any time without prior notification to the student-athlete.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SELECTION
All intercollegiate student-athletes are subject to announced and unannounced drug screenings
throughout the academic year either on random or reasonable suspicion basis. Reasonable
suspicion can be defined, but not limited to, one of the following:
1) Previous arrest or conviction for the use of an illegal substance.
2) Seen carrying or using a substance on the banned list.
3) Changes in appearance, behavior, or conduct that may be symptomatic of drug use.
4) Previous positive drug test.
Lynn University shall have the right to test any student-athlete who is listed on the official team
roster, or is participating in athletic related activities with the team. This includes studentathletes who may be academically ineligible, who are not receiving athletic-related aid, or who
are injured. All substances on the NCAA banned substance list are subject to be measured
during the screenings. All intercollegiate student-athletes participating in NCAA championships
or post-season events may be screened prior to or following participation in the event.
Student-Athlete Notification
Student-athletes chosen for drug testing will be notified no earlier than 24 hours prior to the
scheduled test date. Notification of the test date and time will occur either by direct in-person
contact or by direct telephone communication from the Head Athletic Trainer or Director of
Athletics. Student-athletes will read and sign the Drug Education and Testing Program
Notification Form prior to being tested.
If a student-athlete fails to show up for a drug test, or attempts to manipulate the results of
a drug test, the test will be considered a positive.
Urine Specimen Collection Procedures
The drug screening will consist of the collection of urine samples from each student-athlete
either under the supervision of a Lynn University Sports Medicine Staff member, a Lynn
University Security Staff member, or NCAA recommended independent laboratory personnel.
Each sample will then be analyzed for the presence of substances on the NCAA banned
substance list by an independent licensed medical laboratory contracted to provide such services.
The following is a protocol for specimen collection procedures:
1. Only those persons authorized by the client representative and certified collector will be
allowed in the collection room. The certified collector and client representative will determine
the release of a selected student-athlete from the collection room prior to completing the
specimen collection process.
2. Upon arrival, student-athlete will provide photo identification and/or a client representative
will identify the student-athlete. The student-athlete will then print his/her name and arrival time
on the Roster Sign-In Form.
3. The student-athlete will select a Custody & Control Form (CCF) from a supply of such and
work with collector and client representative to complete necessary information before
proceeding with the specimen collection process.
4. The student-athlete will select a specimen collection beaker from a supply of such and will be
escorted by a collector (same gender) to the restroom to provide a specimen. The student-athlete
will place a unique barcode onto the beaker. And then rinse his/her hands with water and then
dry hands.
5. The collector will directly observe the furnishing of the urine specimen to assure the integrity
of the specimen.
6. The student-athlete will be responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
7. Fluids and food given to student-athletes who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed
containers (approved by the collector) that are opened and consumed in the station. These items
must be free of any other banned substances.
8. If the specimen is incomplete, the student-athlete must remain in the collection station until
the sample is completed. During this period, the student-athlete is responsible for keeping the
collection beaker closed and controlled.
9. If the specimen is incomplete and the student-athlete must leave the collection station for a
reason approved by the certified collector and client representative, specimen must be discarded.
10. Upon return to the collection room, the student-athlete will begin the collection procedure
again.
11. Once an adequate volume specimen is provided; the collector will escort the student-studentathlete to the specimen processing table.
12. The specimen collector will instruct the student-athlete to closely observe the specimen
processing steps and will then measure the specific gravity.
13. If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.005, no value will be recorded on the CCF and the
specimen will be discarded by the student-athlete with the collector observing. The studentathlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The studentathlete will provide another specimen.
14. If the urine is concentrated (1.005 SG or higher), the specimen processor will record the
specific gravity value on the CCF and then measure the urine’s pH If in range (4.5-7.5 inclusive),
the specimen processor will record the pH value on the CCF in the appropriate area. If the
student-athlete has a pH greater than 7.5 or less than 4.5, the specimen will be discarded by the
student-athlete with the collector observing. The student-athlete must remain in the collection
station until another specimen is provided. The student-athlete will provide another specimen.
15. Once the specimen processor has determined the specimen has a specific gravity above 1.005
and a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 inclusive, the sample will be processed and sent to the laboratory.
16. If the laboratory determines that a student-athlete’s sample is inadequate for analysis, at the
client’s discretion, another sample may be collected.
17. If a student-athlete is suspected of manipulating specimens (e.g., via dilution, substitution),
the collector will collect another specimen from the student-athlete.
18. Once a specimen has been provided that meets the on-site specific gravity and pH
parameters, the student-athlete will select a sample collection kit from a supply of such.
19. The specimen processor will open the kit, demonstrate to the student-athlete the vials are
securely sealed, open the plastic, and open the A vial lid. The processor will pour the urine into
the A and B vials and close the lids. The specimen processor should pour urine into vials above
the minimum volume level (35 mL in A vial; 15 mL in B vial) and pour as much urine as
possible into vials using care not to exceed the maximum levels (90 mL in A vial; 60 mL in B
vial).
20. The specimen processor will securely close the lids on each vial and then seal each vial using
the vial seals attached to the CCF; assuring seals are tightly adhered to the vials with no tears or
loose areas.
21. The specimen processor must then collect all necessary signatures (collector, donor, witness,
and collector/specimen processor) and dates/times where indicated on the CCF.
22. The specimen processor will place the laboratory copy of the CCF in the back pouch of the
plastic bag and the vials the front pouch of the same bag. The bag should then be sealed. The
sealed bag with vials will then be placed in the sample box. The box will then be sealed.
23. The student-athlete is then released by the collector.
24. All sealed samples will be secured in a shipping case. The collector will prepare the case for
forwarding. When two split samples are collected and packaged, care must be taken to assure
one sample is placed in the shipping container for shipment to the “drugs of abuse” laboratory
and one sample is placed in the shipping container for shipment to the “anabolic steroids”
laboratory.
25. After the collection has been completed, the samples will be forwarded to the laboratory and
copies of any forms forwarded to the designated persons.
26. The samples become the property of the client.
27. If the student-athlete does not comply with the collection process, the collector will notify the
client representative and Drug Free Sport.
Notification of Test Results
The results of the drug tests will be sent to the Director of Athletics and the Head Athletic
Trainer via e-mail. Student-athletes who test positive for a banned substance will be notified by
the Athletic Director and/or the Head Athletic Trainer in a direct, in-person meeting. At this
time the student-athlete will be informed of the results of the drug test, the resulting
consequences, and the implications of future positive tests. In addition, the parents/guardians,
the Head Coach, the assigned athletic trainer, the team physician, and the Dean of Students may
be notified at the discretion of the Director of Athletics. Only student-athletes receiving positive
test results will be notified of drug testing results.
Safe Harbor Program
Lynn University encourages voluntary admission of illegal drug use and abuse of alcohol and
legal drugs. A student-athlete eligible for Lynn University’s Safe Harbor Program (“Program”)
may refer to himself or herself to the Program for voluntary evaluation, testing and counseling.
To enter the Program, the student-athlete must notify the Director of Athletics and/or the Head
Athletic Trainer, and complete the Safe Harbor Program notification form. However, there are
circumstances in which a student-athlete is not eligible for the Program. They include, but are
not limited to the following:
1) A student-athlete who has received a previous positive Lynn University or NCAA
drug test.
2) After drug test notification has been initiated. For example, once a student-athlete or
coach has been notified of a drug test, the Program is no longer available for that
particular test.
3) Thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference postseason competition.
4) Previously entered him/herself into the Program at any time during their athletic
eligibility at Lynn University (regardless of the substance).
Lynn University will work with the student to prepare a Safe Harbor treatment plan, which may
include confidential drug testing. The student-athlete may be tested for banned substances upon
entry into the Safe Harbor Program and such a positive initial test will not result in any
administrative sanction except those listed in this section (the team physician may suspend the
student from play or practice if medically indicated). A student will be permitted to remain in
the Safe Harbor Program for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, as
determined by the treatment plan.
Failure to comply with the Safe Harbor Program treatment plan or evidence of new
substance use (as determined by follow-up testing) after entering the Safe Harbor
Program, will result in a positive drug test and be subject to appropriate sanctions as detailed
in the Lynn University Drug Education and Testing Program. The student-athlete will also be
removed from the Safe Harbor Program.
While in compliance with the Safe Harbor Program treatment plan, the student-athlete will not
be included in the list of students eligible for random drug testing by Lynn University. Students
in the Safe Harbor Program may be selected for drug testing by the NCAA.
The Director of Athletics, Dean of Students, Head Athletic Trainer, the student-athlete’s Head
Coach, and the Team Physician may be informed of the student’s participation in the Safe
Harbor Program. The athletic trainer assigned to that sport also may be notified, if medically
appropriate. The assistant coach(es) also may be informed at the discretion of the head coach.
Other university employees may be informed only the extent necessary for the implementation of
this policy.
Dietary Supplements
The Lynn University Athletic Training staff discourages the use of over-the-counter dietary
supplements. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the supplement
industry, therefore purity and safety of dietary supplements are not guaranteed. Impure
substances can lead to a positive drug test. Athletes who choose to use dietary supplements do so
at their own risk and should consult with a member of the Athletic Training staff before doing so.
The National Center for Drug Free Sport Inc. hosts the Resource Exchange Center (REC), which
provides information on banned substances and dietary supplement information. The Division II
password is ncaa2.
POSITIVE TEST RESULTS
Lynn University will honor any NCAA positive drug test when determining the total number of
positive results. As an example, if student-athlete “A” tests positive on an NCAA drug test, and
subsequently tests positive on a Lynn University drug test, this will be deemed a second positive
drug test.
Failure to report for a drug test will result in a positive test result.
First Positive Test Result
The following are actions that will be taken by the Director of Athletics as a result of the first
positive test result:
1) The student-athlete will be referred to Lynn University Student Counseling Services.
The student-athlete’s attendance, participation, and compliance with counseling
recommendations will be monitored closely by the Head Athletic Trainer and/or
Director of Athletics. Any additional costs incurred by outside counseling will be the
responsibility of the student.
2) The Director of Athletics will verbally inform the parents and/or guardians
of the student-athlete of the positive test results;
3) The student-athlete will be suspended from 10% of competition according to their
respective sport as follows:
Baseball: 5 contests
Softball: 6 contests
Swimming: 2 dates
Basketball: 3 contests
Tennis: 3 dates
Lacrosse: 2 dates
Golf: 2 dates
Volleyball: 3 dates
Soccer: 2 contests
Cross Country: 1 date
The suspension will begin with the next scheduled competition following notification
of the positive result, unless there is an appeal, in which the suspension will begin
following the appeal ruling. The number of competitions missed, in accordance with
the list above, will run consecutively and occur during the championship season,
including all scheduled golf competitions. Lynn University reserves the right to retest
the student-athlete at any time during or after the suspension period;
The Athletic Director, Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, and/or Counselor
reserve the right to suspend the student-athlete immediately and indefinitely if the
safety, health and well-being of the student-athlete are deemed in jeopardy as a result
of intake of the banned substance.
4) The Athletic Director will prepare a confidential written reprimand informing the
student-athlete that future positive test results could render the student-athlete
ineligible for competition for one calendar year (365 days) or permanently and affect
financial aid and/or scholarship support;
5) The Head Coach will be notified of the positive test result and its implications.
6) If the positive test result shows that the drug is an illegal drug in the United States*,
then the student-athlete will also be referred to the Dean of Students.
*This includes medications that are illegal without a prescription (i.e. Tylenol with codeine).
Second Positive Test Result
1) The student-athlete will be referred back to his/her certified drug and alcohol
counselor for further treatment and/or medical follow-up. Attendance, participation,
and compliance with Counseling recommendations will be monitored closely by the
Head Athletic Trainer and/or Director of Athletics;
2) The student-athlete will be rendered ineligible from any athletic participation for one
calendar year (365 days). The suspension will begin on the date of notification,
unless there is an appeal, in which the suspension will begin following the appeal
ruling.
3) The Director of Athletics will inform the student-athlete’s parents to discuss the
positive drug test and the implications that may result;
4) The Director of Athletics reserves the right to take any other action as is deemed
appropriate under the circumstances;
5) Financial aid and scholarship support may not be renewed;
6) The Head Coach will be notified of the positive test and its implications.
7) If a second test result is found to be positive, is on the NCAA or University banned
substance list, and is illegal in the United States*, then the remainder of the studentathlete’s eligibility will be lost at Lynn University and athletic scholarship support
may be lost as well. The student will be referred to the Dean of Students.
*This includes medications that are illegal without a prescription (i.e. Tylenol with codeine).
Third Positive Test Result
On a third positive test result reported, the following actions will be taken:
1) The student-athlete will be referred back to their certified drug and alcohol counselor,
and to Student Health Services for further treatment and/or medical follow-up.
Attendance, participation, and compliance with Counseling and Health Services
recommendations will be monitored closely by the Head Athletic Trainer and/or
Director of Athletics.
2) The Director of Athletics will declare the student-athlete ineligible from any further
participation at Lynn University.
3) The Director of Athletics will notify the student-athlete’s parents and/or guardians of
such suspension and its implications.
4) Athletic scholarship support will not be renewed.
Appeals
A student-athlete who tests positive on a Lynn University sponsored drug test is entitled to an
appeal. However, an appeal cannot be based solely on the results of the test. Appeals must be
based on the fact that the testing protocol was not followed according to the prescribed
procedures as set herein or by the testing center. To initiate the appeal process the studentathlete must submit a letter of appeal to the Director of Athletics within 24 hours of notification
of the positive test result and before the next scheduled competition. The letter should include a
detailed description of the basis of the appeal and provide evidence supporting such. In turn, the
Committee Chair (the Dean of Students) will be notified of the appeal request. The Committee,
which will consist of the Dean of Students, the Associate Dean for Student Wellness, and the
Director of the Student Health Center, will hear the appeal within five business days. The
student-athlete’s suspension and/or sanction will begin immediately following the ruling by the
Committee.
Medical Exemptions Policy
The banned substance list used for the Lynn University Drug Education and Testing Policy was
created to protect student-athlete health and safety and to ensure a level playing field. Even
though the banned list contains substances designed for performance enhancement and/or
substances that put a student- athlete’s well-being at risk, there are substances on the list that are
used justifiably to treat certain medical conditions.
Accordingly, the medical exceptions policy is created for student-athletes who have a welldocumented history demonstrating the use of such drugs. Examples of such drug classes
include: stimulants, beta blockers, diuretics, anti-estrogens, anabolic agents, and peptide
hormones.
In conjunction with NCAA drug testing, use of anabolic agents and peptide hormones must
be approved prior to participation in intercollegiate athletics at Lynn University. Failure
to notify the athletic training staff may result in a denied Medical Exemption and cause for
further sanctions.
In order for a student-athlete to be granted a medical exemption for the use of a banned
substance, the following documentation must be provided from the treating/prescribing
physician, as described in the NCAA Medical Exception Documentation Reporting Form (see
Appendix A):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Diagnosis.
Medication(s) and dosage.
Blood pressure and pulse readings and comments.
Note that alternative non-banned medications have been considered, and comments.
Follow-up orders.
Date of clinical evaluation: _________________
Attach written report summary of comprehensive clinical evaluation:
a. The evaluation should include individual and family history, address any
indication of mood disorders, substance abuse, and previous history of ADHD
treatment, and incorporate the DSM criteria to diagnose ADHD. Attach
supporting documentation, such as completed ADHD Rating Scale(s) (e.g.,
Connors, ASRS, CAARS) scores.
b. The evaluation can and should be completed by a clinician capable of meeting
the requirements detailed above.
8. Copy of current prescription
It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to notify the athletic training staff and to submit the most
recent documentation related to their respective diagnosis as soon as possible. This includes a
copy of a current prescription.
The submitted documentation will be kept in the student-athletes chart and utilized in the event
of a positive drug test. In the event a positive drug test does occur, the student-athlete may apply
for a medical exemption by notifying the Director of Athletics in writing with the supporting
medical documentation within 48 hours of the positive test result notification. If this notification
is not presented within 48 hours, the sanctions of the positive test result will commence until the
appropriate documentation is provided and reviewed by the Director of Athletics. If a medical
exemption is not granted, the student-athlete will have the opportunity to appeal this decision
following the protocol established in the “Appeal Process” section of the Drug Education and
Testing Policy.
Examples of common conditions in which treatment plans may constitute a medical exemption
include:
A) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a common condition that is often diagnosed as a child, but may be diagnosed
later in life. Two common medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate
(Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall), both of which are included in the banned
substance list. As a result, a student-athlete must undergo a standard assessment before
being granted a medical exemption.
B) Male-pattern Baldness
There are several medications used to treat Androgenic alopecia that are not banned
substances. However, there is a medication called Finasteride (Propecia) that is
sometimes used and included in the banned substance list as a masking agent for steroid
detection. The appropriate documentation must be provided to receive a medical
exemption for use of this medication.
C) Hypogonadism
This condition is classified as a testosterone deficiency. The treatment for the condition
may include testosterone medication, which is an anabolic agent and banned substance.
As stated above, use of this medication will require prior approval before participation
is allowed.
Understand that these are common examples and not the only exceptions. It is highly
recommended that you consult with your physician regarding the banned substance list before
taking any prescription medication.