MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
DRUG TESTING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM
I.
PURPOSE
The Mississippi State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
recognizes that drug and alcohol use and abuse is a significant problem in
modern society. The abuse of chemical substances, including diuretics and
masking agents, poses a serious threat to the physical and psychological well
being of student-athletes.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has also recognized this
issue and requires that all athletes under its jurisdiction be placed under its drug
testing policies and program. The NCAA has established a year round drug
testing program that includes on-campus testing as well as testing at all NCAA
Championship events.
To ensure both the wellbeing of our student-athletes and compliance with NCAA
drug use regulations, Mississippi State University has established a year-round,
comprehensive drug education and screening program. This program is
designed to provide student-athletes with a means of obtaining support,
assistance, and direction in dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
The drug testing and education program operates under the following guidelines:
1.
EDUCATION: Education will be provided to student-athletes to ensure
awareness of the physiological, psychological, and legal ramifications of
drug abuse. Education will also be provided to coaches and staff
members who are in a position to identify drug abuse in student-athletes.
2.
PREVENTION: The drug-screening program has been developed with
the intent of preventing student-athletes from drug experimentation,
possible drug abuse, and chemical dependency. Testing is a necessary
and effective drug use prevention tool to develop student-athletes who are
committed to success on and off the field.
3.
REHABILITATION: The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will assist
student-athletes who want or need rehabilitation programs through referral
to the appropriate providers.
II.
METHODS, PROCEDURES, AND TESTING
1.
The Director of Sports Medicine will coordinate the drug screening
program and all follow-up action from positive drug screens.
2.
All student-athletes are subject to drug testing and will participate in the
drug testing program.
This includes scholarship, non-scholarship,
redshirts, medical redshirts and disqualifications, student-athletes who are
academically ineligible and student-athletes who have exhausted athletic
eligibility but are still receiving athletic financial aid. Such monitoring is
considered an extension of the ongoing physical examination of the
student-athlete and is in the best interests of both the student-athlete and
MSU.
All student workers and graduate assistants- including but not limited to
athletic trainers, managers, film crew, and office workers- can be tested
based on reasonable suspicion. Any positive test can result in penalties
up to possible dismissal.
Each individual is required to sign a notification form stating they
understand that they are consenting to drug testing and that the results
will be provided to their Head Coach/Supervisor and/or other appropriate
Coaches, the Director of Athletics, the Team Physician(s), the Director of
Sports Medicine, their parents/guardians, mental health professional(s),
and other appropriate University officials.
3.
Individuals may be selected for drug testing in the following ways:
a.
Random selection – computer generated from squad lists; however,
the selection of individuals will occur such that all student-athletes
can expect to be tested at least once during the academic year.
b.
Reasonable suspicion or probable cause – in the opinion of the
Director of Athletics or Director of Sports Medicine. Individuals
working with student-athletes (i.e. coaches, academic advisors,
professors) are encouraged to express concern and report
reasonable suspicious actions or symptoms, in writing,
confidentially to the Director of Sports Medicine.
A prior positive test for any banned substances is considered
reasonable suspicion for more frequent follow-up testing.
Any student-athlete involved in an alcohol- or drug-related incident
on or off campus will be subject to reasonable suspicion drug and
alcohol testing and will be referred for evaluation by a certified
mental health professional.
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c.
Group testing – by team, position, etc. upon the recommendation of
the head team physician or at the request of the head coach.
4.
The Director of Sports Medicine will distribute the names of individuals to
be tested directly to the head coach or his/her designee. To protect the
integrity of the process, athletes will be notified less than 24 hours prior to
the scheduled test. However, no notice testing is permissible.
5.
The testing will begin with the collection of a urine sample from each
individual under the supervision of representatives of Behavioral Health
Systems (BHS), Inc. of Birmingham, Alabama, or another company
selected by the athletic department. The collection and coding of these
samples will be completed in a manner that will ensure proper
identification and total confidentiality of the sample from analysis
personnel. The following collection and transportation procedures, or
similar procedures adopted/approved by the athletic department, will be
used:
a.
Student-athlete will be given a collection cup that has been
previously sealed in a plastic bag by the cup’s manufacturer;
b.
The selected individual will provide an observed urine sample. The
BHS observer will require the individual to remove enough clothing
to allow a clear view of the sample given;
c.
The collection cup will be closed, sealed, and initialed;
d.
The individual will complete and sign the proper documentation for
shipment to a BHS testing facility;
e.
The sample and documentation will be transported to a BHS
designated facility by a BHS courier.
6.
All specimens will undergo urinalysis screening. Positive drug analysis
will be confirmed by GCMS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry).
Experienced and qualified personnel will perform testing.
7.
Detection of alcohol, amphetamines and methamphetamines, MDMA,
barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoid (marijuana), synthetic
marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and anabolic steroids can be
sought in the screening process as well as any drugs on the current NCAA
Banned Drug list (see “NCAA Drug Testing” below for more information).
8.
Mississippi State will use the following sample screen cut off levels:
amphetamines and methamphetamines (1000ng/mL), MDMA (500ng/mL),
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barbiturates (200ng/mL), benzodiazepines (300ng/mL), cannabinoid
(20ng/mL), cocaine (300ng/mL), opiates (300ng/mL), and phencyclidine
(25ng/mL). These levels are recommended by BHS and will be updated
as new information becomes available.
9.
A student-athlete’s refusal to provide a sample, failure to report, giving a
sample without sufficient concentration or volume, or inability to void for
testing can be considered a “possible positive” and subject the studentathlete to disciplinary actions and/or appropriate evaluation. A studentathlete may not participate in any athletic activity until an acceptable
sample has been provided. An individual unwilling or unable to
provide an acceptable sample within 8 hours of the initial test will be
considered to have a positive test.
If a student-athlete cannot give an acceptable sample while the testers are
on campus, the student-athlete or a representative from their coaching
staff may be expected to provide transportation to the LabCorp office in
Columbus, MS.
The athletic training room cannot guarantee
transportation.
III.
10.
Any attempt to adulterate, manipulate, or substitute a urine specimen will
not be tolerated and will be treated as a positive.
11.
The analysis results will be returned to the Director of Sports Medicine.
12.
An individual may request that an aliquot of their sample be sent to a
second lab for any appeals. That lab will be at the recommendation of
BHS and will often be Elsohly Labs. Elsohly Labs is under the direction of
Dr. Mahmoud A. Elsohly, an internationally recognized expert on drug
testing. Appeals must be requested within 48 hours of notification of the
student-athlete by the Director of Sports Medicine.
SANCTIONS PROCEDURES FOR MARIJUANA, ALCOHOL, AND OTHER
DRUGS
General Guidelines for Sanctions
1. All offenses are cumulative throughout the student-athlete’s eligibility.
2. Upon notification of a failed drug test, the student-athlete will meet with the
Director of Sports Medicine to discuss the positive test and consequences as
outlined below.
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3. The Director of Athletics will meet with the student-athlete and will be
responsible for setting any sanctions applied to the athlete. These sanctions
are listed below and any departure from them will be documented.
4. All student-athletes with positive test results are subject to these sanctions;
these actions are applied across all sports and are not intended to replace or
affect normal disciplinary measures of coaches in their respective sports.
Head coaches have the option to enact additional penalties; the following
penalties are the minimum standard for the MSU Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics.
5. When determining sanctions, a positive test for synthetic marijuana is treated
the same as a positive test for marijuana.
6. Game suspension will not be applied during a redshirt season or during a
medical hardship. In these cases, the student-athlete’s suspension will begin
during the next season’s competition. Game suspension cannot be served
during exhibition games, spring games, scrimmages, or summer tours. A
suspension cannot be served concurrently with an injury or illness. A
suspension cannot be served during any other ineligibilities.
7. Substance abuse counseling may include drug education and personal and/or
group counseling. Furthermore, community service projects may also be
used if the counselor feels this would be helpful for the student-athlete.
8. During treatment, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as any
outpatient or inpatient facility used by the department, reserves the right to
perform routine, unannounced drug tests. If a drug test reveals the
existence of any drugs after an 8 week period of treatment, the studentathlete shall receive an additional violation under the MSU substance
abuse program and is still expected to successfully complete treatment.
This 8 week period begins from the date the student-athlete meets with the
Director of Sports Medicine.
9. As part of the evaluation process, the individual may be referred by the
certified mental health professional to the G.A.I.N. program, an alcohol and
drug abuse education program provided by the Mississippi State University
Longest Student Health Center. If referred, the individual must complete this
program within the program’s stated time protocol.
10. An MSU team physician may suspend a student-athlete from all athletic
participation if medically indicated following a positive drug test result.
11. When a student-athlete will miss competition, a statement should be released
by the Director of Athletics and/or the Head Coach through media relations
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that the student-athlete “has been suspended from (indicate number)
competitions due to a violation of team rules.” Suspensions will not be
attributed to injury or illness.
12. A positive is a positive. Defenses such as passive inhalation, being in the
company of others smoking marijuana, or someone putting something in an
individual’s drink are not accepted. All student-athletes should be careful of
any association with others involved in drug or alcohol use.
PHASE I – 1st positive for marijuana, no void, or no show
1.
The Director of Sports Medicine will notify, in writing, the following
individuals of a positive test result and any applicable sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Student-Athlete
Director of Athletics
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
Suspension: The length of the suspension is equal to 10% of the team’s
regular season schedule where the student-athlete represents
Mississippi State University. The suspended events will be the next
consecutive events on the schedule. Post-season events are also
included in the suspension (e.g., SEC Championships, NCAA
Championships, Bowl Games, Post-season Invitational events).
If a first positive for marijuana occurs during the off-season or summer, the
10% suspension will occur in the first 30% of the next season at the
discretion of the Director of Athletics and the head coach. Once begun,
the suspension will still be served in consecutive competitions within the
first 30% of the season.
3.
A drug abuse evaluation by a certified mental health professional is
mandatory and attendance will be monitored by the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete must attend an evaluation session within 2
weeks of notification by the Director of Sports Medicine. Allowances will
be made when there is a conflict with the University Calendar.
The counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete is expected to comply with treatment
until released by the counselor. If the student-athlete fails to promptly
schedule the evaluation, fails to attend the evaluation, or fails to comply
with treatment (e.g., missing appointments, arriving late, leaving early), an
additional 10% suspension of a season will be incurred. Failure to
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successfully complete recommended treatment may result in loss of
athletic scholarship and/or participation.
4.
Follow-up, non-random drug testing is mandatory.
5.
If a team completes its competition schedule while a student-athlete is
under Phase I sanctions, the student-athlete’s suspension will be carried
over into the next season’s competition.
PHASE I – 1st positive for other drugs
1.
The Director of Sports Medicine will notify, in writing, the following
individuals of a positive test result and any applicable sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Student-Athlete
Director of Athletics
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
Suspension:
competition.
The student-athlete is suspended immediately from
The length of the suspension is equal to 50% of the team’s regular
season schedule where the student-athlete represents Mississippi State
University. The suspended events will be the next consecutive events in
the schedule. Post-season events are also included in the suspension
(e.g., SEC Championships, NCAA Championships, Bowl Games, Post
season Invitational events).
3.
A Drug Abuse Evaluation by a certified mental health professional is
mandatory and will be monitored by the Director of Sports Medicine. The
student-athlete must attend an evaluation session within 2 weeks of
notification by the Director of Sports Medicine. Allowances will be made
when there is a conflict with the University Calendar.
The counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete is expected to comply with treatment
until released by the counselor. If the student-athlete fails to promptly
schedule the evaluation, fails to attend the evaluation, or fails to comply
with treatment (e.g., missing appointments, arriving late, leaving early), an
additional 10% suspension of a season will be incurred. Failure to
successfully complete recommended treatment may result in loss of
athletic scholarship and/or participation.
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4.
Follow-up, non-random drug testing is mandatory.
5.
If a team completes its competition schedule while a student-athlete is
under Phase I sanctions, the student-athlete’s suspension will be carried
over into the next season’s competition.
PHASE II – 2nd positive for marijuana and alcohol
1.
The Director of Sports Medicine will notify, in writing, the following
individuals of a positive test result and any applicable sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Student-Athlete
Director of Athletics
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
Suspension:
competition.
The student-athlete is suspended immediately from
The length of the suspension is equal to 20% of the team’s regular
season schedule where the student-athlete represents Mississippi State
University. The suspended events will be the next consecutive events in
the schedule. Post-season events are also included in the suspension
(e.g., SEC Championships, NCAA Championships, Bowl Games, Post
season Invitational events).
3.
A Drug Abuse Evaluation by a certified mental health professional is
mandatory and will be monitored by the Director of Sports Medicine. The
student-athlete must attend an evaluation session within 2 weeks of
notification by the Director of Sports Medicine. Allowances will be made
when there is a conflict with the University Calendar.
The counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete is expected to comply with treatment
until released by the counselor. If the student-athlete fails to promptly
schedule the evaluation, fails to attend the evaluation, or fails to comply
with treatment (e.g., missing appointments, arriving late, leaving early), an
additional 10% suspension of a season will be incurred. Failure to
successfully complete recommended treatment may result in loss of
athletic scholarship and/or participation.
4.
Follow-up, non-random drug testing is mandatory.
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5.
If a team completes its competition schedule while a student-athlete is
under Phase II sanctions, the student-athlete’s suspension will be carried
over into the next season’s competition.
PHASE II – 2nd positive for other drugs
1.
The Director of Sports Medicine will notify, in writing, the following
individuals of a positive test result and any applicable sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Student-Athlete
Director of Athletics
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
Suspension:
competition.
The student-athlete is suspended immediately from
The length of the suspension is equal to 100% of the team’s season
schedule where the student-athlete represents Mississippi State
University. The suspended events will be the next consecutive events in
the schedule. Post-season events are also included in the suspension
(e.g., SEC Championships, NCAA Championships, Bowl Games, Post
season Invitational events).
3.
A Drug Abuse Evaluation by a certified mental health professional is
mandatory and will be monitored by the Director of Sports Medicine. The
student-athlete must attend an evaluation session within 2 weeks of
notification by the Director of Sports Medicine. Allowances will be made
when there is a conflict with the University Calendar.
The counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete is expected to comply with treatment
until released by the counselor. If the student-athlete fails to promptly
schedule the evaluation, fails to attend the evaluation, or fails to comply
with treatment (e.g., missing appointments, arriving late, leaving early), an
additional 10% suspension of a season will be incurred. Failure to
successfully complete recommended treatment may result in loss of
athletic scholarship and/or participation.
4.
Follow-up, non-random drug testing is mandatory.
5.
If a team completes its competition schedule while a student-athlete is
under Phase II sanctions, the student-athlete’s suspension will be carried
over into the next season’s competition.
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PHASE III – 3rd positive for marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs
1.
After notification of the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports
Medicine will notify, in writing, the following individuals of a positive test
result and any applicable sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
IV.
Student-Athlete
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
2.
Suspension: The student-athlete is immediately suspended and the
Mississippi State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
revokes all privileges of participating in intercollegiate athletic
activities or of using athletic facilities.
3.
The Director of Sports Medicine and Director of Athletics will determine
evaluation for further services. Further counseling and/or treatment
sessions may be required for the student-athlete on an individual basis.
4.
The Director of Athletics will determine if financial aid is maintained or
revoked.
BASELINE DRUG TESTING
A coach can request that new members of a team be tested upon arrival on
campus. Coaches should use this time as an opportunity to educate new
student-athletes about the MSU drug testing and education program and about
their own expectations of behavior.
A positive test will not be treated as a first offense, because the student-athlete
was not an enrolled student at the time the prohibited substance was used and
had not been formally notified of and oriented to the MSU drug testing and
education program.
Evaluation by a certified mental health professional is mandatory and will be
monitored by the Director of Sports Medicine. The student-athlete must attend
an evaluation session within two weeks of notification by the Director of Sports
Medicine.
The counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports Medicine.
The student-athlete is expected to comply with treatment until released by
the counselor.
If the student-athlete fails to promptly schedule the
evaluation, fails to attend the evaluation, or fails to comply with treatment (e.g.,
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missing appointments, arriving late, leaving early), a 10% suspension of a
season will be applied.
The athletic director, head coach, parents/guardians of the student-athlete, and
team physician will be notified.
During treatment, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as any
outpatient or inpatient facility used by the department, reserves the right to
perform routine, unannounced drug tests. If a drug test reveals the existence
of any drugs after an 8 week period of treatment, the student-athlete shall
receive a 1st Positive under the MSU substance abuse program and is still
expected to successfully complete treatment.
This 8 week period begins from the date the student-athlete meets with the
Director of Sports Medicine.
V.
ALCOHOL ABUSE
The Mississippi State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics does not
condone abuse of alcohol by student-athletes, nor does it condone underage
drinking. Alcohol is clearly the nation’s most common drug of abuse.
Alcohol-related problems of particular concern are DUI/DWI, drunk and
disorderly, public intoxication, open container, underage drinking, and sexual
assault where alcohol was a factor. These incidents or others that arouse
concern are considered probable cause for testing and counseling.
Mississippi State University has their own policy on sanctions for alcohol
offenses for all students. More information can be found in the Student-Athlete
Handbook or on the university website.
Head coaches may also have team rules regarding the consumption and
possession of alcohol that may be more stringent than those listed below.
Should a student-athlete be involved in an alcohol-related incident, the
following sanctions will apply:
1. The Director of Sports Medicine will notify the following, in writing, of the
imposed sanctions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Student-Athlete
Director of Athletics
Head Coach and/or other appropriate Coaches
Student-Athlete’s Parents/Guardians
Team Physician
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2. Follow-up drug/alcohol testing will be mandatory.
3. A Drug Abuse Evaluation by a certified mental health professional is
mandatory, and attendance will be monitored by the Director of Sports
Medicine. The student-athlete must attend a counseling session within two
weeks of notification by the Director of Athletics. Allowances will be made
when there is a conflict with the University Calendar. If an athlete fails to
attend the evaluation, a 10% suspension of a season will be applied. The
counselor will assess the student-athlete and make treatment
recommendations to the student-athlete and the Director of Sports Medicine.
Should the outcome of the assessment indicate an alcohol abuse or
dependence problem, the student-athlete will be expected to comply with
treatment until released from counseling.
a. As part of the evaluation process, the individual may be referred by the
certified mental health professional to the G.A.I.N. program, an alcohol
and drug abuse education program sponsored through the Mississippi
State University Longest Student Health Center. They must complete
this program within the program’s stated time protocol.
b. Should a student-athlete be involved a second alcohol-related incident,
Phase II sanctions will be implemented (see Phase II- 2nd positive for
marijuana and alcohol).
c. Should a student-athlete be involved in a third alcohol-related incident,
Phase III sanctions will be implemented (see Phase III- 3rd positive for
marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs).
d. All sanctions will be in compliance with MSU sanctions for alcohol
offenses.
VI.
SAFE HARBOR
A student-athlete may, at their request, be entered in the drug treatment program
if at any time they feel they need help overcoming a drug/alcohol addiction. This
self-referral is known as Safe Harbor and will not result in sanctions if the
following guidelines are met:
1. Self-referral to Safe Harbor can only be made one time during the studentathlete’s college career.
2. While it can be requested after an individual has been notified of a pending
drug test, Safe Harbor cannot be requested after a positive result has
been received.
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3. An individual requesting Safe Harbor will still submit to a drug test.
4. Individuals will be assessed by a certified mental health professional and be
expected to comply with their recommendations for treatment. Failure to
comply will result in sanctions as outlined previously.
5. Upon official release from the treatment program, follow-up, non-random drug
testing will be mandatory. If any substance is then discovered, an automatic
positive will result.
6. If an individual has previously completed a drug counseling program, Safe
Harbor can still be requested one time.
7. Safe Harbor can be requested even if the student-athlete has not been called
for a drug test.
8. Safe Harbor cannot be granted for an NCAA drug test.
9. The Director of Athletics, head coach, team physician, the student-athlete’s
parents/guardians, and other appropriate University officials may be informed
of the student-athlete’s participation in the Safe Harbor program.
If a student-athlete would like to request Safe Harbor, the individual needs to
speak directly with the Director of Sports Medicine, Mary McLendon.
During treatment, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as any
outpatient or inpatient facility used by the department, reserves the right to
perform routine, unannounced drug tests. If a drug test reveals the existence
of any drugs after an 8 week period of treatment, the student-athlete shall
receive the next penalty they are due under the MSU substance abuse
program and is still expected to successfully complete treatment.
This 8 week period begins from the date the student-athlete meets with the
Director of Sports Medicine.
VII.
“CLEAN YEAR”
Student-athletes will have an opportunity one time during their intercollegiate
athletic career to decrease one level of sanctions from a positive drug test result.
To be eligible for consideration, the student-athlete must meet the following
requirements:
1. The previous positive was for marijuana only.
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2. The student-athlete has participated in and completed substance abuse
counseling as outlined previously.
3. The student-athlete has maintained a consecutive 12 month time period of
having no further positive drug tests (marijuana or other drugs) or alcoholrelated problems. The 12 month period will begin with their last positive drug
test (or alcohol-related incident), and the student-athlete will be subject to
more frequent, non-random drug testing throughout this time period.
4. The student-athlete makes a verbal request to the Director of Sports Medicine
for this consideration.
VIII.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Some prescribed medications may contain MSU and NCAA banned substances,
including medicines for ADHD and for pain-control. If you use any over-thecounter or prescription medicines that were not given to you by an MSU
athletic trainer or team physician, you need to notify your athletic trainer
immediately.
If you have a positive drug test for one of these substances, you will be required
to show a current, valid prescription in your name for the medicine. If you
cannot provide proof, the above sanctions may apply.
The NCAA requires documentation of diagnostic testing for those who are
diagnosed with and prescribed medication for ADD/ADHD.
Any athlete suspected of prescription drug abuse, even if the medication is not a
banned substance, will submit to a drug/alcohol screen and/or be referred for
evaluation by a certified mental health professional.
IX.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
The use of supplements has become widespread among athletes, and studentathletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility from using these products.
Any supplement product or medication, even those that do not seem to be
targeted to athletic performance, needs to be reviewed with the MSU Sports
Medicine staff. The NCAA mandates that each athletic department designate a
staff member as a resource for questions about dietary supplements and NCAA
banned drugs. All inquiries should be directed to the Director of Sports Medicine,
Mary McLendon.
Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement product, review the
product and its label with MSU’s Sports Dietitian or Director of Sports
Medicine. Dietary supplements are not well regulated and may cause a
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positive drug test result. Any product containing a dietary supplement
ingredient is taken at your own risk.
Many dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the
label. Again, even products not targeted toward improving athletic performance
can result in a positive drug test. For example, weight loss products or products
sold to reduce water retention may contain stimulants and diuretics that are
banned by the NCAA. Products sold for sexual performance enhancement may
contain banned anabolic agents, including testosterone and DHEA.
Ignorance is no excuse for a positive drug test.
X.
TOBACCO
The NCAA bans the use of tobacco products by all student-athletes and game
personnel (e.g., coaches, athletic trainers, managers, and game officials) in all
sports during practice and competition.
XI.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Student-athletes who abuse drugs or alcohol will need counseling to assist them
in a successful recovery. Following a positive drug test or entry into Safe Harbor,
the MSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will pay for the initial assessment
by a certified mental health professional.
The student-athlete and his or her parents/guardians may be responsible
for costs including but not limited to: outpatient counseling, inpatient
comprehensive care, hospitalization, missed/late appointments, and
counseling during semester breaks and school holidays.
XII.
NCAA DRUG TESTING
The NCAA conducts a year-round drug-screening program on campus, at the
site of post-season events, and at any other time as determined by the NCAA.
The program involves urine collection and laboratory analyses for substances on
the list of banned drug classes. This list consists of substances generally
purported to be performance-enhancing and/or potentially harmful to the health
and safety of the student-athlete:
1. Stimulants
2. Anabolic Agents
3. Alcohol and Beta Blockers
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Diuretics and Other Masking Agents
Street Drugs
Peptide Hormones and Analogues
Anti-estrogens
Beta-2 Agonists
The NCAA penalty for positive tests of both performance-enhancing and street
drugs is strict and automatic. Student-athletes lose one full year of eligibility for
the first offense (25 percent of their total eligibility) and are withheld from
competition for a full season. A second positive test for street drugs results in
another lost year of eligibility and year withheld from competition. A second
positive result for performance-enhancing usage will render the student-athlete
permanently ineligible.
A positive NCAA test result will also count as a positive in the MSU program.
The NCAA and MSU sanctions for lost playing time will run concurrently and the
more severe sanction of the two will be enforced.
XIII.
RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES
The MSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics does not condone the use of
drugs or alcohol during the recruitment process of any prospective studentathlete.
XIV.
KNOWLEDGE OF USE OF BANNED DRUGS
A member institution’s athletics department staff members or others employed by
the intercollegiate athletics program who have knowledge of a student-athlete’s
use at any time of a substance on the list of banned drugs, as set forth in Bylaw
31.2.3.4, shall follow institutional procedures dealing with drug abuse or shall be
subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.5.2.2.
XV.
ADDITIONAL POLICY INFORMATION
This policy will be updated as needed, but the version in the current StudentAthlete Handbook should be considered the most recent version. If changes are
made during the school year, head coaches will be notified and will be expected
to share the information with their student-athletes. However, the Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics has the right to amend this program as needed, with or
without notice to student-athletes.
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Rev. 2008-09
Rev. May 2011
Rev. April 2012
Rev. April 2013
Rev. May 2014
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