Philosophy
As a NAIA Champion of Character institution that values athletics excellence, promotes sportsmanship in competition and recognizes the negative physical, mental and social impact illegal substances have on individuals and a community, Goshen College Athletics, in accordance with the NAIA Substance Abuse Program, is committed to promoting and enforcing a culture that is free from substances that are illegal and/or detrimental to the athletic and academic pursuits of our student athletes. In order to ensure that these values are adhered to, Goshen College Athletics is committed to a program of education and drug testing in order to educate our student athletes to the adverse effects of substance use and abuse as well as to provide a deterrent for their use.
Education
In conjunction with their coaches, the Athletic Trainer and Athletics Administration, Goshen College student athletes will be presented with information via group meetings, team discussion and individual counsel, regarding the impact and adverse effects of substance use and abuse. Student athletes will be encouraged to make responsible choices when it comes to recreational and performance enhancing substances.
Drug Testing
A. Selection Process
10 Subjects from the entire student athlete pool, will be selected two times per year. Subjects will be selected via a computer generated randomized process, and notified via phone, email or personal contact. At any point, testing may be done to student-athletes who have been identified by student life or coaching staff as suuspected to be under the influence of drugs.
B. Testing Procedure
1. Selected subjects shall be asked to report for testing within a select window of time to a designated location
2. Upon reporting, the subject shall complete the Chain of Custody Form as well as the Drug Testing Registration form, indicating any medications they are currently taking as well as any procedures, foods, supplement etc. that may impact the accuracy of the test.
3. Subjects shall select one of three test containers.
4. Subject shall proceed to deposit urine sample into selected container in a secured restroom facility
5. Subject shall seal and authenticate sample
6. The sample results shall then be read by an appointed Goshen College representative in the presence of the student athlete. Subject shall be notified of preliminary results.
7. In the event of an initial non negative result, the student will be given the opportunity to self-disclose the use of any substances that are in contravention of Goshen College’s standards. A self-disclosure of use, shall negate the need to send the sample for further testing.
8. Non-disclosure of use following a non-negative indication shall result in the sample being sent to an approved testing facility for further analysis and retesting of the non-negative result.
9. A confirmation of a non–negative result shall be reported as a substance violation and be dealt with through the Student Life and Athletics response process.
10. In the event of a failure to disclose use and a confirmed non-negative test, the cost for lab testing will be charged to the student.
11. Refusal to be subjected to testing will be deemed as equivalent to a confirmed non-negative test result.
Chain of Custody
Once a subject selects their test kit, they are responsible for the kit and its contents until the kit is sealed, authenticated and returned to the approved Goshen College representative. Upon receiving the active kit, the approved Goshen College representative, in the presence of the subject, will activate the test. In the event of a negative test, the test kit will be identified as void and disposed of. In the event of a non-negative test, or an invalid test as indicated by the test kit, the test kit will be placed in a preaddressed envelop and sealed in the presence of the subject. The subject will then verify via signature, that the sample was tested and sealed properly, and given an opportunity to note any irregularities and/or concerns about the testing process. Once the test kit is sealed in the preaddressed envelop, the package will be sent to the testing facility at the first available opportunity.
Note: An initial non-negative result shall not be deemed as a completed test until confirmed by a second laboratory test. Therefore, no notifications to other campus personnel (Dean of Students, Athletic Director) should be made until the non-negative result is confirmed.
C. Reporting of Results
In the event that an initial non-negative test result is sent to the approved testing site for further testing, the results of those confirmation tests will be reported to the Head Athletic Trainer. These results will then be reported to the student athlete by the Head Athletic Trainer, within 48 hours of receiving the results. If a non-negative test is confirmed, the Head Athletic Trainer will also notify the Associate Dean of Students as well as the Athletic Director, who will initiate their respective Response Processes. If a non-negative test is not confirmed, the Head Athletic Trainer will notify the student athlete within two business days. No other notifications are necessary.
D. Substances To Be Tested For
Substances tested for include but are not limited to: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana (THC), Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Barbiturates, Propoxyphene, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone, 6-Acetyl Morphine
E. Consequences of a Non-Negative Test
First Confirmed Non-Negative Test
a. The student athlete will be suspended for no less than 20% of total number of games in the season, beginning immediately. Suspensions that cannot be satisfied in the current season shall carry over to the start of the next season. If a confirmed non negative test occurs in the off season, the suspension shall take place at the start of the next season.
b. The student athlete will go through the standard Student Life Standards Response process.
c. The student athlete will be required to submit to second drug test at the next appointed testing date.
Second Confirmed Non Negative Test
a. The student athlete will be dismissed from the team immediately, and all athletics participation privileges will cease.
b. If the student athlete is receiving Athletic Scholarships, such aid shall continue only through the end of that semester. The student will be ineligible for future Athletics Scholarships. After one subsequent full year (365 days), the student may reapply to the Athletic Director for consideration for team membership. Reinstatement to participate is contingent upon the approval of the Athletic Director and upon the student passing the prescribed drug test.
c. The student athlete will go through the Student Life Standards Response process.
