University of Detroit Mercy Student-Athlete
Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures
The University of Detroit Mercy’s Athletic Department strongly believes that the use of illegal substance,
the abuse of prescription drugs (use of medicine not prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical
condition or misuse of medication prescribed by a physician other than indicated), alcohol and the use
of performance enhancing drugs are detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of its studentathletes. The Athletic Department has implemented a mandatory program of drug and alcohol testing,
education, and counseling/rehabilitation in efforts to protect the health and safety of the studentathletes associated with the University of Detroit Mercy.
University Student Handbook Policy (2011-2012)
The following policy is an umbrella for all University of Detroit Mercy students; the Athletic Department
has additional stipulations.
Alcohol and other Drug Policy
As an academic community, the University calls on its members to seek knowledge, build healthy
relationships, and take responsibility for their individual well-being. Alcohol and other drugs can
endanger this life-style. Abuse of Alcohol and use of illicit drugs causes damage to health, threatens
safety of self and others, interferes with academic and societal performance, and often leads to legal
and financial problems. Even in a situation of legal and normal use, alcohol can increase the likelihood of
injury, property damage, and deterioration of a healthful life-style.
To protect the privileges of all members of the University community, the University prohibits the
unlawful possession, use, manufacture or distribution of alcohol on the University premises or as part of
any University related activities. The University wants each student to be aware of the applicable legal
sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of alcohol.
Students may find copies of these laws in the library. Here is a summary of University policy.
1. The legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages in Michigan is 21. Proof of age by valid driver’s
license and other identification is required. Purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic
beverages by those without proof of legal drinking age, is a violation of state law and University
policy.
2. Providing alcoholic beverages is regulated by state law whether or not a sale is involved. Giving,
selling, furnishing, or otherwise providing alcoholic beverages to an underage person or to a
already visibly intoxicated is illegal and contrary to University policy.
3. A Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) license is required for any non-free event where
alcohol is served or at any event at which alcoholic beverages are sold.
4. It is a violation of Detroit City Ordinance 38-5-1 to consume alcohol or liquor on the street or
sidewalk. On campus, licensed areas are approved by the MLCC for the consumption of alcohol
by those 21 years of age or older. Academic buildings, hallways, lounges, campus grounds, and
athletic fields are “public places” under law and University policy.
5. Individuals and groups should be aware that servicing alcohol to a minor or an intoxicated
person can lead to civil and/or criminal liability for injury or damages caused by that individual.
Those servicing alcohol should use great caution.
6. An MLCC temporary license requires approximately four weeks of advance planning. Such a
license requires the approval of the police and the University. A group requesting such a license
must present a written plan for control of distribution that will assure that only legal
consumption occurs. Liability bonding is required.
7. Alcohol served at a licensed event may on be consumed in the area designated for the event.
Alcohol may not be taken from or brought into the area by individuals.
8. The following items associated with alcohol are prohibited on campus (this list is meant to be
used for examples but is not all inclusive): kegs (any size or type), beer bongs or funnels, yard
glasses, keg refrigerators, keg taps, and party balls.
9. Violators of state law regarding illicit drugs or regulation regarding alcohol at University events
or on campus are subject to discipline through campus judicial or Human Resources processes,
and/or through criminal or civil court procedures. Possession, use, manufacture, or distribution
of illicit drugs on campus may lead to immediate termination of the employee or student
relationship with the University, on a temporary or permanent basis, as well as criminal
prosecution.
Drug Policy
Possession, use, distribution and/or sale of narcotics and marijuana is illegal, and student involvement in
such illicit use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of narcotics, amphetamines, barbiturates,
LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, or any other harmful or hallucinogenic drug is prohibited. This also includes the
possession, use, distribution and/or sale of drug paraphernalia. Students engaged in any type of this
prohibited activity are of concern for the University whether on or off campus and regardless of any
action taken by civil authorities. Students found in violation of the University drug policy are subject to
suspension or expulsion. This may also apply to students found abusing, distributing, and/or selling legal
prescription drugs.
Athletic Department
Athletic Department personnel are prohibited from providing performance affecting drugs or
encouraging Student-Athletes to use drugs, with the exception of medicines prescribed by a qualified
medical professional for the treatment of injury or illness. The use of alcohol is prohibited by those
under the age of 21, at any time, and for those student-athletes 21 and older while their team is training
for athletic competition (pre-season) and during the season of competition. The use of alcohol is
detrimental to athletic performance and should be strongly discouraged.
Athletic Department Policy
Alcohol: It is against the law in the state of Michigan for any individual to consume alcohol under the
age of 21, therefore, no student-athlete under the age of 21 is permitted to consume alcohol at any
time. No student-athlete is permitted to consume alcohol during pre-season until the completion of the
competitive season (Preseason is defined as the start of training, conditioning and workouts).
Competitive season is the start of official practices, through the regular season competition and post
season play). Any student-athlete who has a documented record of being in the presence of alcohol (i.e.
Campus police, Dormitory Write-up, State or Federal Law Enforcement) will be subject to violation of
the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and
Procedures, unless an entity outside the Athletic Department conducts a formal hearing and finds the
student-athlete not in violation.
Illegal Drug, NCAA Prohibited Substances, and Prescription Drug Abuse: At no time is it acceptable for a
student-athlete to be in the possession, consume, distribute or furnish illegal or prohibited substance or
misuse/abuse of prescription medication. Any student-athlete who has a documented record of being in
the presence of illegal substances (i.e. campus police, dormitory write-ups, state or federal law
enforcement) will not be tolerated and subject to violation of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and
Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures.
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the University of Detroit Mercy Athletic Department Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and
Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures is to provide information and
secure medical advisement for student-athletes participating in the intercollegiate athletic program. This
program is based on the Athletic Departments policy that illegal, non-medical drug use and alcohol use
under the policy is detrimental to the student-athlete and may be against the law and a violation of
team rules. The Athletic Department has a responsibility as a guardian and tutor of the students
entrusted to its care. The central goal of the Athletic Department’s Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and
Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures is to prevent improper drug and
alcohol use in athletics and where detected, eliminate it, preferably through medical treatment rather
than as a disciplinary approach. Specific goals of this comprehensive program are:
1. To educate the individual in the danger of drug and alcohol use and abuse.
2. To identify, through random testing, those individuals who may be involved in any substance
abuse.
3. To recommend and provide confidential treatment for those individuals with drug and/or
alcohol related problems.
4. To provide corrective actions through remedial guidelines for those students where drug and/or
alcohol use presents hazard to their physical/mental health and well-being.
5. To prevent any substance abuse by student-athletes.
6. To provide reasonable safeguards to insure, to the extent possible, that every student-athlete is
medically competent to participate in athletic competition.
7. To encourage discussion about any questions that the student-athlete may have about the use
and/or abuse of drugs and alcohol.
8. To discourage alcohol abuse and prevent alcohol abuse by student-athletes.
Problems Associated with Drug/Alcohol Use and Abuse
The simple fact regarding drug and/or alcohol abuse is the issue can remain undetected until it is too
late for the individual. This can lead to personal tragedy, diminished academic and athletic performance,
injury to the individual or others, potential financial and career ramifications. It can also generate
adverse public reaction due to the public visibility and the nature of athletic competition. Studentathletes are expected to maintain high standards of conduct and a sound respect for physical and
mental health. From a physiologic and psychological standpoint, drugs and/or alcohol is considered a
serious problem because it may influence playing ability, increased risk for injury, delayed healing
response to injuries, and may produce dependence and addiction.
Prohibited Substances
Individuals are prohibited from using, possessing, purchasing, selling and/or participating in the
distribution of:
Illegal drugs, regardless of amount. Illegal drugs include, but are not limited: marijuana,
synthetic cannabinoids (spice, K2 etc.), cocaine, opiates (i.e. Heroin, Methadone, Vicodin,
Oxycodone), ecstasy, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Anabolic steroids, Growth Hormone and Performance enhancing substances
Amphetamines or substances similar effects (i.e. Bath Salts)
All drugs and drug classes that are listed in NCAA Banned Drug List (see below) and those under
investigation for having adverse or performance enhancing effects.
A student who is witnessed in the act of using medicine not prescribed to them by a teammate
or Athletic Department staff member will be subject to the remedial guidelines of this policy.
Alcohol (No one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume, No one is permitted to consume
alcohol during times when the team is training for the upcoming season (pre-season), during
times of scheduled team practice or training, and during the competition season (In-Season).
A student who has public record (i.e. campus report, dormitory write-up, formal hearing from entity
outside the Athletic Department, State or Federal record) using medication that is not prescribed to
them, being in the presence of alcohol under the stated guidelines whether consuming or not, will be
subject to the remedial guidelines of this policy.
The athletic department may modify its lists of prohibited substances, based upon areas commonly
abused which pose a threat to an individual’s health, safety and well-being.
A student who is witnessed in the act of using medicine not prescribed to them by a teammate or
Athletic Department staff member will be subject to the remedial guidelines of this policy.
NCAA Banned-Drugs List 2012-2013
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Stimulants
Anabolic Agents
Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned in rifle only)
Diuretics and other Masking Agents
Street Drugs
Peptide Hormones and Analogues
Anti-Estrogens
Beta-2 Agonists
Note: Any substance chemically related to these classes is also banned.
The institution and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned drug
class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified.
Drugs and Procedures Subject to Restriciton:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Blood Doping
Local Anesthetics (under some conditions)
Manipulation of Urine Samples.
Beta-2 Agonists permitted only by prescription and inhalation.
Caffeine if concentrations in urine exceed 15 micrograms/ml.
NCAA Nutritional/Dietary Supplements Warning:
Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement product, review the product with your
Athletic Department Staff (Athletic Trainer and/or Team Physician)
Dietary supplements are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test result.
Student-Athletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility using dietary supplements.
Many dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the label
Any product containing a dietary supplement ingredient is TAKEN AT YOUR OWN RISK!
IT IS YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE ATHLETIC STAFF
BEFORE USING ANY SUBSTANCES
The National Collegiate Athetlic Association
May 2011
MEW:rhb
Note to Student-Athletes: There is no complete list of banned substances.
Do not rely on this list to rule out any supplement ingredient.
Check with your Athletics Department Staff prior to using a supplement.
Some Examples of NCAA Banned Substances in Each Drug Class
Stimulants:
Amphetimines (Adderall); caffeine (guarana); cocaine; ephedrine; fenfluramine (Fen);
Methamphetamine; methylphenidate (Ritalin); phentermine (Phen); syephrine (bitter orange)
Methylhexaneamine, etc.
Exceptions: phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are not banned
Anabolic Agents: (sometimes listed as a chemical formula, such as 3, 6, 17-androstenetrione):
Boldenone; clenbuterol; DHEA (7-Keto); nandrolone; stanozolol; testosterone; methasterone;
Androstenedione; norandrostenedione; methandienone; etiocholanolone; trenbolone; etc.
Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned in rifle only):
Alcohol; atenolol; metoprolo; pindolol; propranolol; timolol; etc.
Diuretics (water pills) and other masking agents:
Bumetanide; chlorothiazide; furosemide; hydrochlorothiazide; probenecid; spirolactone
(carenone); triameterene; trichlormethiazide; etc.
Street Drugs:
Heroin; marijuana; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); synthetic cannabinoids (i.e. Spice, K2, JWH-018,
JWH-073)
Peptide Hormones and Analogues:
Growth Hormone (hGH); human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); erythropoietin (EPO); etc.
Anti-Estrogens:
Anastrozole; tamoxifen; formestane; 3, 17-dioxo-etiochol-1, 4, 6-triene (ATD); etc.
Beta-2 Agonists:
Bambuterol; formoterol; salbutamol; salmeterol; etc.
Any substance that is chemically related to the class, even if it is not listed as an example, is also
banned!
Information about ingredients in medications and nutritional/dietary supplements can be obtained by
contacting the:
Resource Exchange Center, REC, 877-202-0769 or www.drugfreesport.com/rec
Password: ncaa1, ncaa2, or ncaa3.
It is your responsibility to check with the appropriate athletic staff before using any substance.
The National Collegiate Athetlic Association
May 2011
MEW:rhb
Policy on Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medication
It is strongly encouraged to report any medication prescribed by a licensed physician or any over-thecounter medication (i.e. cold mediation, decongestants, cough syrup) to the Sports Medicine staff. Any
medication that is prescribed to you that is listed on the NCAA banned substance list is required to be
reported to the Sports Medicine staff and it is required by the prescribing physician to have a complete
and comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment plan on file to present to the NCAA for medical
exception should the Student-athlete be randomly selected for Drug Testing, especially for individuals
who are prescribed Stimulant medication for ADHD/ADD. The Sports medicine staff should be notified at
the beginning of the school year or upon administration of the such products, whichever is appropriate.
Again, it is possible that the presence of these products in the body can affect the urinalysis or a blood
test result.
Procedural Guidelines
1. Each year a presentation will be given to educate all students and coaches in the dangers of
drugs and/or alcohol abuse. At the beginning of the school year, all student-athletes will be
informed of the Athletic Department’s Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures. The drug testing procedures will be
explained in detail.
2. All student-athletes, dance team members, and cheerleaders are required to sign a consent
form giving the Sports Medicine staff permission to test the student-athlete at any time. All
freshman and two-year transfer student-athletes are required to successfully complete course
UAS 107 within one year of enrolling at UDM.
3. Student-athletes will be notified with less than 24 hours prior to an impending drug test. An
email will be sent to the Head Coaching requiring the student-athlete to report directly to the
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine or designate. Once the coach informs the
student-athlete to contact the Assistant AD for Sports Medicine or his designate, they will be
notified of the time/site of the drug test and answer any questions or concerns regarding the
impending drug test.
4. Failure to appear for the scheduled drug test will result in his/her indefinite suspension from the
intercollegiate athletic program up to a maximum of four (4) weeks. Failure to produce a
specimen within an allotted time period of One (1) hour will be handled similar to that of NCAA
regulations. These regulations stipulate a positive test result for any student-athlete’s failure to
submit a valid specimen.
5. In most cases, collection of urine samples will be conducted by a certified lab technician. One
member of the Sports Medicine staff or designate will escort those student-athletes who are
randomly selected to the testing facility or testing site (on or off campus). Student-athlete’s
selected for drug testing is required to bring one (1) form of identification. Collection of urine
samples may take place at any other certified medical laboratory or facility. Each individual
sample will be coded to provide patient confidentiality. Testing will be performed by an
accredited independent laboratory. This lab will confirm all positive testes.
6. The Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine will be notified by the certified medical
laboratory or facility utilized at the time of any positive test result. The Athletic Director and
Head Coach will be notified of the positive test and will have a confidential meeting with the
student-athlete. Outside the domain of the randomized drug testing process, the Athletic
Director or Senior Women’s Administrator will notify the Head Coach and the Assistant Athletic
Director for Sports Medicine if other violation of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and
Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures occurred on or off campus.
Frequency of Testing
Student-athletes will be randomly drug tested generally on a monthly basis during the school year. As
well, Student-athletes may be tested prior to and after any NCAA Championship event. This testing is
required by all competitors and is administered by the NCAA which is separate and apart from the
University of Detroit Mercy’s Athletic Department Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures.
Randomization of Drug Testing
A roster of all athletic, dance and cheer teams is provided to the independent drug testing company.
Only names are provided and they are randomized through a computer generated report. If a studentathlete has violated the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling
Policies and Procedures, they are entered into a second pool for the randomized computer program to
increase the frequency of testing. The list of randomly selected student-athletes, plus a list of
alternates, will be generated.
Notification of Testing
The drug testing company will provide the list of those student-athletes randomly selected for the drug
test and provide a roster to the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. The day prior to testing,
an email will be sent to the Head Coach and Athletic Director (in certain circumstance, an Assistant
Coach or the Athletic Trainer who oversees that sport). The email will inform the coach the location and
time of the drug test and specific information as to notifying the student-athlete. Generally, the Head
Coach is to notify the student-athlete of the impending drug test and they must report to the Assistant
Athletic Director for Sports Medicine or designate. The student-athlete will be notified the location and
time of the drug test and answer any questions/concerns they may have. In some instances, notification
may be at the discretion of the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, and/or Athletic Director
and/or the Head Coach. Typically, athletes are notified less than 24 hours prior to the drug test and can
be notified minutes before the drug test. As a member or the University of Detroit Mercy’s athletic
program, the student-athlete acknowledges that failure or refusal to appear will result in disciplinary
action according to the Athletic Department Policy.
Drug Testing Site
The majority of all drug testing will be conduct on campus through Mobile Testing Services. In some
instances, Concentra Medical Center, Henry Ford Health Systems, or any other certified medical testing
facility will be utilized. Testing that is performed on campus will be done at Calihan Hall, the student-
athlete will report to the Sports Medicine Department and directed to where the drug testing is being
performed. Any off-campus drug testing, the Student-athlete will be escorted by a member of the Sports
Medicine staff and in some circumstances a member of that teams coaching staff. Proper identification
(i.e. Driver’s License, Student ID, Social Security Card, Insurance Card) MUST be presented at this
appointment. Once the student-athlete is identified and turned over to the custody of the drug testing
crew.
Drug Testing by Reasonable Cause or Suspension
Any student-athlete participating in Intercollegiate Athletics is subject to drug testing upon request if
there is reasonable cause or suspicion to believe that the student may be using illegal substances,
misusing prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications. “Reasonable suspicion” is defined as
cause founded on specific, objective facts which, when taken with rational inferences drawn from those
facts, indicate that a medical evaluation and possible drug testing will produce evidence of improper
drug or alcohol use/abuse. Other circumstances which or at the end constitute reasonable cause
include, but are not limited to the following: current or past involvement with the criminal justice
system for drug or alcohol related problems, prior positive test for any drugs or alcohol, physiological
signs of possible impairment from drugs and/or alcohol, or a pattern of irregular behavior consistent
with symptoms associate w/ drug and/or alcohol use/abuse. Any coach, athletic administrator, or
athletic staff member concerned with a particular student-athlete should express this information
confidentially, IN WRITING, to the Athletic Director and/or the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine. Once this information is received, the Head Coach, Athletic Director or designate, and
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine will meet discuss the case and determine if the individual
meets the criteria to be tested under reasonable cause or suspicion.
Collection of Specimens for Testing
Collection of urine specimens for drug testing will be performed by a certified laboratory technician on
campus by Mobile Testing Services, Concentra Medical Center, Henry Ford Health Systems or a
designated certified medical laboratory facility. Once the student-athlete has checked in for drug
testing, they will be required to stay in the testing area until a valid sample is produced. A valid sample
must be produced within ONE (1) hour from the time the student-athlete checks-in. Urine samples will
be given under the observation of the certified laboratory technician. Once the valid specimen is
produced, the collector will seal and tag the specimen for shipment under the direct observation of the
student-athlete. The specimens will be appropriately package and shipped to the independent
laboratory for analysis. All samples, including those which are deemed invalid, will be processed and
tested. Any sample which is shown to contain banned substance or adulterants will be considered a
positive drug test.
Chain of Custody
The Athletic Department subscribes to the drug testing and analysis procedure utilized by Mobile
Testing Services, Concentra Medical Center, Henry Ford Health Systems or any certified medical
laboratory. All testing will be accomplished through the facility and will be done in strict accordance
with their procedure. The Athletic Director and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine will
maintain further specifics on the drug testing and analysis procedures performed by the Mobile Testing
Services, Concentra Medical Center, Henry Ford Health systems or any designated Certified medical
laboratory. They will also provide additional information in this regard upon the request for the studentathlete.
Drug Testing
Drug testing is performed by Mobile Testing Services, Concentra Medical Center, Henry Ford Health
Systems, or designated certified medical laboratory in which a profiling system is used. Any combination
of these profiles may be administered on a a single urine specimen. Three types of profiles may be
administered and are as followed:
1. Street Drug profile detects:
A. Amphetamine/Methamphetamine: Ecstasy, Speed, Cranks etc.
B. Cannabis: Marijuana, Pot, Weed, Reefer, Hash etc.
C. Cocaine Metabolite: Coke, Crack, Rock etc
D. Opiates: Codeine, Vicodin, Heroin, Oxycodone etc
2. Anabolic Steroid profile tests for banned performance enhancing compounds (anabolicandrogenic steroids or related compounds) in a manner consistent with the requirements of the
International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
3. The NCAA Banned Substance profile tests for all banned substances and drug classes listed with
the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Policy Regarding Notification of a Positive Drug Test
Results from the University of Detroit Mercy Athletic Department Drug test will be sent to the Assistant
Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. The Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine will notify the
Athletic Director and the Team Physician. The Athletic Director will notify the student-athlete’s Head
Coach. Once the Head Coach has met with the Athletic Director, they will make arrangements to meet
with the student-athlete regarding the positive drug test. At the scheduled meeting, the student-athlete
will be made aware of the positive test and prior to any action being taken; the student will have the
opportunity to meet with the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and/or the Team physician
privately to discuss any concerns regarding the positive drug test and possible recourse. A certified urine
specimen collector or drug toxicologist may be utilized as a technical resource as needed to clarify any
questions pertinent to the drug test. The student will be advised of the remedial guidelines, based upon
whether the positive drug test is a first, second, third, or fourth offense. If necessary, counseling and
evaluation session will be arranged.
Policy Regarding Offenses or Violations of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures
Offenses or violation of the University of Detroit Mercy’s Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance
Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures will be determined at the discretion of either
the Athletic Director or the Senior Woman Administrator which include but are not limited to: Drug or
alcohol-related incident reports from the Office of Residence Life or violation of the Athletic
Department’s Student-athlete code of conduct involving illegal drugs or alcohol. Offenses or violations
of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and
Procedures also include being in the presence of any illegal substances or alcohol when noted in a
documented record on or off campus. Once notification has been made, the student-athlete will have to
meet with the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, in which if necessary, counseling and
evaluation session will be arranged.
Parental Notification of Substance Abuse Offenses or Violations
The University of Detroit Mercy reserves the right to inform parent(s)/guardian(s) of the studentathletes who are in violation of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and
Counseling Policies and Procedures. Should the parent(s)/guardian(s) be contacted, the Athletic
Director will be the department representative.
Results of Drug Testing/Confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality and protection of the rights of the student-athlete is a goal in drug testing.
All drug test results will be sent to the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. The Assistant
Athletic Director for Sports Medicine will notify the Athletic Director and Team Physician of a positive
drug test. The Athletic Director will notify the Head Coach regarding this particular matter. The Athletic
Director may authorize additional designee(s) as appropriate to the situation (Sport Administrator, drug
counselor, administrative assistants, etc.). Head coaches are permitted, but not mandated, to inform
their respective assistant coaches of any test results. However, the Athletic Department reserves the
right to inform the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of any and all test results. Any individual
receiving information regarding a test result is required to preserve confidentiality at all times. The
University of Detroit Mercy’s Athletic Department Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures and the Remedial Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol
Offenses will then be followed, based on whether the positive drug test is a first, second, third or fourth
offense.
Every effort must be made to protect the confidentiality of the student-athlete under this policy,
including those who test positive, undergo reasonable-cause testing, or enter treatment programs.
Under no circumstances, will any Athletic Department personnel or any individual associated with the
substance abuse testing program be permitted to knowingly disclose publicly any information acquired
in their capacity, whether or not it relates to identified student-athletes, individual teams, or the
Athletic Department. In addition, individual results will not be given to any other department within the
University unless deemed necessary by the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and the Team
Physician for the education and counseling of the abuse.
Individual results of drug testing performed by the Athletic Department will not be released to any other
party unless deemed necessary by the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine for the treatment
of the individual. Individual results may be obtained through a duly issued subpoena or a court order.
Group results may be used for statistical analysis or publications.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Upon a positive test or violation, the Team Physician and/or Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine, in consultation with others who may have evaluated the student, will decide whether the
student is unfit to participate in athletics and should be admitted for inpatient treatment
(hospitalization) or subjected to a structured program of treatment and monitoring on an outpatient
basis (without hospitalization). Depending on the severity of the violation and the nature of the
substance abuse issue, the Team Physician and/or the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine
refer the student-athlete for assessment and counseling as determined by the counseling facility. The
assessment and counseling session will be coordinated by the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine through Henry Ford Health Systems or by a qualified substance abuse counseling facility. In
some cases, a referral to the student-health counseling service or through the University of Detroit
Mercy substance abuse counseling service may be used depending on the case and recommendation by
the Team Physician. Financial arrangements will be made upon evaluation of the student-athletes
condition. Any student-athlete who misses a scheduled counseling session is personally required to pay
for the session at the current patient charge.
Policy Regarding Self-Report of a Substance Abuse Problem
A student who self-reports a drug or alcohol abuse problem and who has not had a previous offense will
follow the remedial guidelines as set forth below.
1. The Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and/or Team Physician will meet with the
student-athlete and arrange counseling and evaluation sessions. Other individuals from the
Athletic Department will be notified at the discretion of the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine or by the Student-Athletes request.
2. The student-athlete will be encouraged to notify his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).
3. The student-athlete will be tested as often as deemed necessary, with a minimum of one test
per month. Depending on the Counseling Facility, this may be done on a regular basis.
4. The student-athlete must undergo an assessment and counseling session set forth by the
designated counseling facility.
5. The student-athlete will be allowed to practice and compete once enrolled in a rehabilitation
program and they are determined that they are suitable to resume such activity by the
counseling facility and by the Team Physician.
6. The student-athlete will not be required to perform community service as indicated in the
remedial guidelines.
7. The student-athlete will be granted a thirty (30) day “grace” period. Under this provision, the
student-athlete will not be considered for an offense during this time until after a clean sample
is provided or thirty days expires. A 15% increase of drug concentration in the student-athlete’s
sample will be considered a violation and entered into the First Offense of the Remedial
Guideline for Drug and Alcohol Offenses.
8. Further sanctions will follow based on whether the subsequent positive test is a first, second,
third or fourth offense.
Self-reporting use of drugs or alcohol prior to a drug test will be accepted once notified of an impending
drug test until the time of the drug test. Once the drug test is administered, any report of use following
the drug test will not be considered a Self-Report. Should the drug test be administered off-site, once
the student-athlete travels to the designated location of the drug test, the student-athlete will not be
granted a self-report and will be subject to the appropriate offense of the Remedial Guidelines of the
Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures
whether this be the first, second, third or fourth violation. Self-reporting will not be allowed to studentathletes that have previously tested positive. In the event that a student-athlete does not test positive
for a period of one year, his/her record of the self-report will be disregarded and the athlete will be
reenrolled in the general randomized testing procedures. However, the student-athlete may be subject
to increased frequency of testing. A violation to the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures or a positive drug test following the one year “clean”
period will be considered a first offense and will follow the remedial guidelines for the offense.
Policy of a Non-NCAA Positive Test
Student-athletes who test positive in conjunction with drug testing administered by the athletics
organizations or routine physical examinations must declare such positive results to the University of
Detroit Mercy. “Other athletic organizations” are defined as national and international governing bodies
and national and international Olympic committees. Such positive tests will fall under the StudentAthlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures.
Current Personnel for Disclosure of Confidential Information
Information regarding individual drug testing results will be disclosed to the individual listed below.
Disclosure of information from the substance abuse education counseling will be given to the Assistant
Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and the Authorized Physician. The Assistant Athletic Director for
Sports Medicine will use this information to determine if further to determine if further medical
attention is needed and if the student-athlete is complying with the remedial guidelines for substance
abuse offenses. Once a noncompliance decision has been made, the Assistant Athletic Director for
Sports Medicine may elect to disclose information regarding counseling to the individual s below for
further disciplinary action.
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine
Athletic Director
Senior Woman Administrator
Compliance/Student Records
Sport Supervisor/Administrator
Authorized Team Physician
Drug Education Counselor/Intake Coordinator
Counselor
Authorized Counselor
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Michael Miller
Keri Gaither
Teri Kromrei
Steve Corder
Variable per Sport
Michael Workings, MD
Thomas Ghena
Richard Riggs
Variable per case
per Sport
per Head Coach
(313) 993-1740
(313) 993-1700
(313) 993-1700
(313) 993-1700
(313) 993-1700
(248) 788-3184
(248) 788-3088
(248) 788-3184
Hearing and Appeals
A. Opportunity for Hearing
Upon being notified of violations and/or positive test results and prior to the imposition of
sanctions, if any, the student-athlete has 48 hours in which to notify the Athletic Director or
Head Coach of his/her desire for a hearing to contest the findings of proposed sanctions. This
request must be in writing and include a statement of why they are appealing the violation. The
appeal must be received by the Athletic Director or Head Coach within the 48 hour period. Any
suspension imposed upon the student-athlete will not be stayed by filing an appeal.
B. Hearing and Procedure
Each hearing will be conducted before a three-person Appeals committee appointed by the
Director of Athletics. Said Committee will be comprised from three areas of discipline:
Counseling background (i.e. Student Health Center Counselor or member of the University
Counseling and Addiction Studies Faculty, etc.), Physician (Team Physician or the Team
Physician’s designated Physician who works directly with the University) and Faculty Athletic
Representative. If it is shown that any member participated in the determination or review of
the “reasonable basis” conclusion and subsequent medical evaluation or testing, he/she shall be
excused from the Committee for that particular hearing. An alternative committee member will
be selected from that area of discipline should one member be excused for that particular
instance. The hearing will be held within Two (2) Weeks after the student-athlete’s appeal is
filed. An extension of time for the hearing (not to exceed 48 hours) may be granted upon
showing of good cause from both parties.
The Appeals Committee will hear the case and will only make a determination of whether the
student-athlete is responsible or not responsible for violating the Athletic Department’s Drug,
Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures. The
committee will not be responsible for altering the Remedial Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol
Offenses.
By filing an appeal, the student-athlete waives his/her clause pertaining to Confidentiality which
will allow the Appeals Committee to review the evidence in the case. Once the Appeals
Committee is assembled, the evidence of the student athlete’s substance abuse history,
including positive test results and reasoning for sanction will be presented. Further evidence
regarding the student-athletes past behavior(s) or concerns associated with a Substance Abuse
problem may be submitted at the discretion of the Athletic Director.
When the date and time is determined for the hearing, the Committee will meet with the
Athletic Director or designate(s) based on the case. The Faculty Athletic Representative will be
the Conduct Officer. The Conduct Officer will guide the meeting, record the Committee’s
discussion and be the primary individual to report the Committee’s finding from the hearing.
During the meeting with the Athletic Director or designate(s), the Committee will review the
evidence and any questions, concerns or clarification will be made at that time. The studentathlete may be accompanied by one (1) advisor of his/her choice. Advisers are normally
members of the community (i.e. family member, parent or guardian, current fulltime student,
faculty or staff). This adviser serves as a support person and is intended to be of direct
assistance to the student-athlete before and during the hearing. The advisor may not speak for
the student-athlete nor will be permitted to address the Committee. At any time should the
Advisor for the student-athlete address the committee, they should be removed from the
hearing. If the advisor is an attorney, a law student, or a Law School faculty member, the case
will be handled as an administrative FRC and the conduct officer will reschedule the time and/or
date of the hearing so that University of Detroit Mercy legal counsel may be present. The
Committee will meet with the student-athlete and proceed with the hearing. At the conclusion
of the hearing, the Committee will follow-up with the Athletic Director or designate(s) to answer
any questions pertaining to the hearing.
The Appeals Committee will reach a decision within 48 hours of the hearing and will notify the
student-athlete, Athletic Director/Designate(s), and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine of its decision by email or written document. The Athletic Director will notify the Head
Coach of the Appeals Committee’s decision. A written record of each decision, including the
evidence considered by the Committee, will be maintained by the Athletic Department.
Policy Regarding Student-Athletes Try-outs for Intercollegiate Athletics
All Students trying-out for an intercollegiate sport, including walk-ons may be required to perform a
drug test at their cost. Any Try-out or walk-on that tests positive will not be allowed to try-out. The
student will be advised to seek drug and/or alcohol abuse counseling; however, the Athletic Department
will not be responsible for such education and counseling.
Policy Regarding Recruitment of Student-Athletes
Coaches involved in recruiting potential student-athletes should inform them of the Athletic
Department’s Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies
and Procedures.
Drug and Substance Abuse Education Policy
The Athletic Department considers education to be an important part of its Student-Athlete Drug,
Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures. At the beginning of
each academic year, each student-athlete will be required to attend a Student-Athlete Drug and Alcohol
education seminar. The National Collegiate Athletic Association and the University of Detroit Mercy
Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures
and Drug Testing Policy will be thoroughly covered at the beginning of the school year. Each student will
receive a written copy of the policy in their student-athlete handbook. Each student will sign consent
forms for drug testing for both organizations. A presentation on the medical/legal aspects of substance
abuse may be conducted at this seminar. All freshman and two-year transfer student-athletes are
required to successfully complete course UAS 107 within one year of enrolling at the institution.
Regular educational in-services should be offered to both student-athletes and athletic staff throughout
the year. These programs should be offered in the areas of substance abuse prevention, drug education,
and drug testing. All Athletic Department personnel, particularly head coaches, should cooperate in
making sufficient time available during team meetings for an Athletic Department sponsored visual
presentations and lectures. The drug and substance abuse education program will be continuously
reviewed and updated to meet the growing needs of the students and to address the ever-changing
complexities of substance abuse associated with athletic competition.
Definitions
Student, student-athlete, and athlete are all synonyms for the purposes of inclusion in the above
regulation. Suspensions will be defined as the removal of the student-athlete from all competition
(scheduled matches which include pre and post-season, inter-squad scrimmages, and public
appearances). Any additional sanctions will be determined by the coaching staff of the involved sport.
Conclusion
The Athletic Department firmly believes and hopes that the implementation of this program will serve to
benefit all who are connected with the intercollegiate athletic here at UDM. Moreover, the Athletic
Department believes that through the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education
and Counseling Policies and Procedures, the integrity of athletic contests both for the participants and
spectators will be protected. Ultimately, our goal is to educate our student-athlete about the dangers of
drug and alcohol abuse in athletics, academics and personal life to promote the physical, mental,
emotional and social health of our student-athletes.
References
1. Chronicle of Higher Education. Associated Press news release. 1996
2. Courson R W, et al. Pharmacology in Drugs in Sports: Common Use, Abuse, and Testing in
Athletic Injuries and Rehabilitation. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia, PA. 1996.
3. Courson RW. Drug Testing, Education, and Counseling Policies and Procedures. University of
Georgia. Revised Spring 1998.
4. National Collegiate Athletic Association. Drug Education Program. 2012.
5. Venturelli PJ. Drug Use in America: Social, Cultural, and Political Perspectives. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers. Boston MA. 1994.
6. Wadler GI and Hainline B. Drug and the Athlete. F.A. Davis. Philadelphia, PA. 1989.
7. University of Detroit Mercy 2011-2012 Student Handbook and Titan Planner. Campus Ink. 2011.
Remedial Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol Offenses
Remedial Guidelines: First Offense or Violation #*
1. Notification of the violation will be made with the Student-Athlete and determined that there are no prior offenses to
the Substance Abuse Policy.
2. The student-athlete may be tested as often as deemed necessary.
3. The student-athlete may have to undergo evaluation and counseling session. The student-athlete who is subject to
evaluation and counseling sessions must sign a release allowing the counselor or medical provider to discuss the
contents of their meetings with the Head Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. Failure to
allow this release of information will result in the student-athlete being suspended from athletic participation and
competition until this release is given.
4. The student-athlete will be suspended for a minimum of ONE (1) game which will carry over to the following season if
necessary. Any additional suspension time will be determined by the athletic director and/or head coach.
Remedial Guidelines: Second Offense or Violation #*
1. Notification of the violation will be made with the Student-Athlete and determined that there has been a prior
offense to the Substance Abuse Policy.
2. The student-athlete may be tested as often as deemed necessary.
3. The student-athlete will undergo an evaluation and counseling sessions. The student-athlete who is subject to
evaluation and counseling sessions must sign a release allowing the counselor or medical provider to discuss the
contents of their meetings with the Head Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. Failure to
allow this release of information will result in the student-athlete being suspended from athletic participation and
competition until this release is given.
4. The student-athlete will be removed from all activities for a minimum of ONE week of the total competitive sport
season which will carry over to the following season if necessary. Any additional suspension time will be determined
by the athletic director and/or head coach.
5. The student-athlete will perform 40 hours of community service work, to be completed within the first two (2)
months of the suspension period.**
Remedial Guidelines: Third Offense or Violation #*
1. Notification of the violation will be made with the Student-Athlete and determined that there has been a prior
offenses to the Substance Abuse Policy.
2. The student-athlete will be tested as often as deemed necessary.
3. The student-athlete will undergo an evaluation and counseling sessions. The student-athlete who is subject to
evaluation and counseling sessions must sign a release allowing the counselor or medical provider to discuss the
contents of their meetings with the Head Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. Failure to
allow this release of information will result in the student-athlete being suspended from athletic participation and
competition until this release is given.
4. The student-athlete will be removed for 50% of the total competitive sport season which will carry over to the
following season if necessary.
5. The student-athlete will perform 80 hours of community service work, to be completed within the first four (4)
months of the suspension period.**
Remedial Guidelines: Fourth Offense or Violation #*
1. Notification of the violation will be made with the Student-Athlete and determined that there has been a prior
offenses to the Substance Abuse Policy.
2. The student-athlete will be tested as often as deemed necessary.
3. The student-athlete will undergo an evaluation and counseling sessions. The student-athlete who is subject to
evaluation and counseling sessions must sign a release allowing the counselor or medical provider to discuss the
contents of their meetings with the Head Coach and the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. Failure to
allow this release of information will result in the student-athlete being suspended from athletic participation and
competition until this release is given.
4. The student-athlete will be removed from all activities for one full calendar year.
5. The student-athlete will perform 120 hours of community service work, to be completed within the first six (6)
months of the suspension period.**
Remedial Guidelines: Fifth Offense or Violation #*
1. The student-athlete will be dismissed immediately from the Athletic Department and his/her scholarship will be
terminated.
Costs of Drug Testing
The costs of all drug testing provided by this program will be handled by the Athletic Department.
Medical referrals to drug counseling and treatment will be coordinated with the student-athlete’s
primary insurance. The medical privacy with regard to the student-athlete is determined and established
by the authorization filed with the parents’ or guardians’ group health plan. This would control the
medical claims information transfer related to any therapy or counseling sessions for the studentathlete. Any bills or medical claims for therapy and counseling sessions not covered by the studentathlete’s primary insurance will be covered by the Athletic Department. If the student-athlete is not
covered by any family or personal health insurance, the Athletic Department will pay in full for all
counseling and treatment provided by the program. However, for counseling or treatment that extends
beyond the fifth positive test results will be the sole responsibility of the individual student-athlete.
Specifically, the Athletic Department will pay fully or in part for a maximum of 28 days of inpatient
treatment and counseling during a student-athlete’s career at the university. The Athletic Department
will also pay fully or assist in paying for treatment and counseling on an outpatient basis. The Athletic
Department reserves the right to determine the nature, mode, and extent of the counseling or
treatment programs offered based upon consultation with the Athletic Director, the Team Physician, or
other appropriate medical authorities, and the head coach.
Discipline and the Appeal Process
Disciplinary action under the substance abuse policy is viewed by the Athletic Department as a last but
sometimes necessary resort. Any student-athlete who violates the policy is subject to the corrective
actions and remedial guidelines of the policy. Any student-athlete disciplined under the drug and
substance abuse policy has the right to appeal and a hearing before the appeals committee.
Students are reminded that many of the drugs and most of the behavior mentioned in the StudentAthlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and Procedures are
illegal. Association with drug-related activity in a manner detrimental to the integrity of, or public
confidence in, the University of Detroit Mercy will result in disciplinary action outlined in the Remedial
Guidelines for Drug and Alcohol offenses. Moreover, involvement in the criminal justice system for a
drug-related or alcohol-related offense will be taken into account in disciplinary action imposed by the
Athletic Department. Such involvement may also serve as an independent basis for discipline, wholly
outside the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education and Counseling Policies and
Procedures outlined above. There can be no assurance that a period of judicially imposed incarceration
will prevent a subsequent period of suspension by the Athletic Department.
Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to reasonably protect the confidentiality of the student-athlete under this
policy, including those who test positive, undergo reasonable-cause testing, or enter treatment
programs. Under no circumstances, will any Athletic Department personnel or any individual associated
with the random drug testing program knowingly be permitted to disclose any information acquired in
their capacity, whether or not it relates to identified students, individual teams, or the Athletic
Department. In addition, individual results will not be given to any other department within the
University of Detroit Mercy unless deemed necessary by the Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director
for Sports Medicine and the Team Physician for the education and counseling of the substance abuse.
# Note that offenses are cumulative during the students tenure at the university.
* Offenses or violations of the Student-Athlete Drug, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Education
and Counseling Policies and Procedures will be determined at the discretion of either the
Athletic Director or the Senior Women’s Administrator.
** In addition to the sanctions imposed by the Athletic Department, the student is additionally
subject to any sanctions imposed by the legal system. Note that community service work
hours assigned to an athlete by the University of Detroit Mercy Athletic Department will
follow any community service work hours assigned by the legal system for the same offense.
The athletic director and/or the head coach reserve the right to remove an athlete from a roster at any time.
The University of Detroit Mercy Athletic Department may amend this policy at any time without prior notice.
Reproduced and adapted from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and
from the University of Detroit Mercy Policies and Procedures