The Athletic Programs of Wittenberg University are very concerned over the issue of substance abuse in our community. Our concern is applied to the use of "recreational" drugs; performance enhancing drugs; alcohol; and tobacco. It is our opinion that these substances are detrimental to campus life, and to student performance both in the classroom and on the athletic field. The goals of the athletic programs' policy on substance abuse is to protect the health of the student-athlete and provide clean, equitable competition.
The Athletic Programs recognize our unique relationship to students at Wittenberg. We intend to use this relationship to educate students as to the dangers of substance abuse. We also intend to use this relationship to direct students to appropriate on-campus resources. We plan to work with the University resources in dealing with substance abuse problems.
The Athletic Programs eagerly accept this leadership role on our campus to help fight what is becoming a serious problem in our society. We hope that all faculty and staff members, and students, in the Wittenberg community, will join us in our efforts.
The Athletic Programs fully support and adhere to the University's Drug Policy as follows:
UNIVERSITY DRUG POLICY
Wittenberg University maintains that any student who illegally possesses or uses drugs (state of Ohio Revised Codes 3719.01 and 3791.40) or who contributes to the illegal use of drugs by others is engaged in unacceptable conduct. Should any student be found involved in the illegal use or abuse of drugs, the University then expects that the student utilize University or community counseling and/or medical resources to attempt to break this behavioral pattern. Should the student be either unable or unwilling to discontinue such usage, strong disciplinary action in the form of disciplinary suspension or medical withdrawal is the result of continued use. Trafficking of illegal drugs is cause for immediate suspension or dismissal from the University and/or notification of civil authorities.
Wittenberg University upholds these State and Federal laws and does not interfere with the legal prosecution of any members of the academic community who violate them. Law enforcement officers, when armed with proper documents, have a legal right to search any and all building on the campus without prior notice to anyone at the University.
The University is concerned in every way possible to help the individual achieve both a realistic understanding of the consequences of drug use for him/herself and society and thus the independence that comes from informed responsible decisions. The ultimate basis for such decisions is one's responsibility to the community in which a student has chosen to become a part. Literature concerning drugs is available at the Student Health Services and Student Services offices where the therapeutic counseling assistance is also available on a confidential basis for any member of the community who needs help.
WITTENBERG PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH STUDENT ATHLETES SUSPECTED OF DRUG ABUSE
If a student athlete is suspected of using illegal drugs or narcotics, his/her coach will discuss the matter directly with the athlete.
If the athlete does not acknowledge a problem involving drug usage, and the coach believes otherwise, then the coach and athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics and Recreation to discuss the issue
If the athlete refuses to acknowledge drug usage at the meeting with the coach and Director of Athletics and Recreation, and evidence still remains to the contrary, the student-athlete will be required to meet with the University Alcohol and Drug Health Adviser.
The University Alcohol and Drug Health Adviser, coach, or Director of Athletics and Recreation may request a meeting of the student, coach, Director of Athletics and Recreation, athletic trainer, school physician, and Dean of Students. Should this committee deem it necessary to ask the student athlete to take a drug test, it may do so in a confidential manner.
If the student agrees to the rest, and tests positive, the University Alcohol and Drug Health Adviser's education and rehabilitation program will begin. The student athlete is temporarily suspended from athletic participation. He/she will be suspended until able to demonstrate that he/she is no longer engage in the use of illegal drugs or narcotics.
If the student athlete refuses to take a drug test, the student will be suspended from the team. If the student athlete is found a second time using illegal drugs or narcotics, the athlete will be suspended from the team. Further athletic participation at Wittenberg by the student athlete will require the student athlete to demonstrate that he/she is no longer engaging in the use of illegal drugs or narcotics.
WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages by athletes is strongly discouraged due to their harmful effects on performance. Athletes who show a pattern of alcohol abuse may be suspended from athletic participation by the coach, pending counseling from the University Alcohol and Drug Health Adviser and/or a change in their drinking habits.
NCAA DRUG TESTING POLICY
18.4.1.5.2 Banned Drugs and Drug Testing Methods. The Executive Committee shall adopt a list of banned drugs, shall authorize methods for drug testing of student athletes who compete in NCAA championships and certified postseason football games, and, in conjunction with the council, may provide guidelines for drug testing of student athletes by member institutions during the regular season. The list of banned drugs and procedure for informing member institutions about authorized methods for drug testing at NCAA championships are set forth in 31.2.31. and 31.2.3.4 respectively B-5-2(c).
STUDENT ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY: DRUGS
If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in Executive Regulation 1-7* (b) of the NCAA Manual and you test positive, (NCAA finds traces of any of the banned drugs in your body), you will be ineligible to participate in postseason competition in all sports for at least 90 days. (Bylaw 5-2-(b))
If you test positive, and then test positive again after your eligibility has been restored, you will lose postseason eligibility for at least the current and the next academic year. (Bylaw 5-2-(b))
*This list is on file at the training room, health center, and athletic director's office).
STUDENT-ATHLETE NCAA POSITIVE TEST
student athlete who tests positive in a NCAA championship or certified postseason football contest may be subject to suspension from the University, in accordance with normal University procedures.
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