Drug Policies
Wake Forest University recognizes that drug and alcohol problems exist in our society. Colleges and universities share the serious concern for these problems. The use of illegal drugs or performance-enhancing substances and the misuse of alcohol are detrimental to an individual's health, could create an unfair competitive advantage and negatively influence the integrity and character of our athletic program. Consequently, the Department of Athletics at Wake Forest University conducts the Substance Abuse Program.
Wake Forest University adheres to the principle that there is no place in the athletics program for substance abuse of any kind. Occasionally, a participant may find himself/herself in the presence of others who may be indulging in drugs and alcohol. In such circumstances, the Department of Athletics encourages all its participants to take a firm stand against the use of drugs and leave the premises! The primary intent of the University's policy concerning substance abuse is to preserve the well being of the participant. Wake Forest University strictly prohibits underage drinking of alcohol by student-athletes at anytime. In addition, no alcohol consumption will be allowed during recruiting visits of prospective student-athletes. Every effort is made to maintain confidentiality within the Substance Abuse Program. However, if Wake Forest University is required or asked to cooperate with governing authorities and/or law enforcement agencies, it may be necessary to release such information.
Drug testing by the Wake Forest University Department of Athletics may be conducted throughout the year. In addition, leading authorities in the field of substance abuse education may be brought to the campus during the year to speak with our participants about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse. In an attempt to comply with NCAA minimum guidelines on alcohol, tobacco and other drug education initiatives, the Department of Athletics at Wake Forest University will conduct a drug and alcohol education program.
Participants are reminded that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 11.1.7, the use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g., coaches, trainers, managers and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition. Uniform penalties (as determined by the applicable rules-making committees and sports committees with rules-making responsibilities) shall be established for such use.
Wake Forest University reserves the right to alter, amend and/or modify the Substance Abuse Program Agreement at any time without notice of the participants, coaches, compliance officers, sports medicine personnel and/or Director of Athletics.
Purpose
The purposes of the Wake Forest University education and testing program are:
1. To educate participants concerning the problem of drug or alcohol abuse.
2. To serve as a deterrent to any participant who may be inclined to use drugs. This type of use may result in personal harm, the harm of others, and the possibility of unfair competition through performance-enhancement.
3. To prevent drug or alcohol abuse by participants and, thereby, avoid the problems attendant upon such drug or alcohol abuse.
4. To provide a common mechanism for the detection, sanction, and treatment of specific cases of drug or alcohol abuse.
5. To maintain the integrity and character of our athletics program by identifying the characteristics of a substance abuser and warning participants of these characteristics.
6. To assist any participant who may be using drugs or alcohol in the rehabilitation process. The Department of Athletics understands the ever-increasing pressures on young people. Therefore, one of the primary goals of the program is to give the participant a "REASON TO SAY NO" to any drug-related temptations.
Any participant who has a problem with drugs and/or alcohol will be given every opportunity to rectify his/her problem. However, if the participant continues to indulge in drugs or alcohol, he/she will be dismissed from the program and all athletics scholarship aid will be terminated.
For the purposes of this policy, "participant" is defined as:
- All athletes, male and female, listed on the 2006-2007 NCAA Squad List
- All student athletic trainers and managers.
- All cheerleaders, dance team and mascots.
Program Administration
Participation in the Wake Forest University Substance Abuse Program is required of every participant. Annually, each participant who enters the athletic program is provided with a copy of the University's Department of Athletics Substance Abuse Program and required to sign a student waiver/consent form which stipulates that he/she has read and understands the University's policy on substance abuse testing and agrees to participate in drug testing as required. If the participant is under the age of 18, his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must also sign the form. Original signed copies of student waiver forms will be kept on file in the Department of Athletics. Failure to sign the waiver shall eliminate the participant from participation for the academic year and shall also lead to the termination of any athletics scholarship aid at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules. A copy of the student waiver/consent form may be found in Appendix A.
The Director of Athletics or his/her designee, in cooperation with the team physician and Sports Medicine staff, will administer the Substance Abuse Program for Wake Forest University Department of Athletics.
Self-Referral
Any participant who has a drug or alcohol problem is encouraged to seek help before punitive action is taken by the Department of Athletics (i.e., probation or suspension from the team, and possible loss of athletics scholarship aid). Any self-referral will be strictly confidential and no team or administrative sanctions will be imposed upon the student-athlete who has made a personal decision to seek professional assistance, provided, however, such student-athlete may be referred to appropriate counseling services and suspended from athletic participation until such time as is determined by the Director of Athletics that such student-athlete is physically and mentally fit to resume his/her participation. A participant cannot use the self-referral process as a means of avoiding the sanctions associated with a positive drug test (e.g., participant cannot self refer to a coach to avoid the consequences of a positive drug test once he/she has been notified of selection to be drug tested).
Initial base-line drug testing will be utilized for those individuals seeking self-referral. This type of testing is helpful in determining the seriousness of the issue, establishing all substances being used, and to insure detoxification prior to return to athletics. Once an individual seeks self-referral, they will be subject to increased follow-up testing.
A number of qualified agencies are available to help those in need of counseling and/or rehabilitation. Any participant who thinks he/she may have a substance abuse problem is encouraged to voluntarily seek confidential assistance from resources available to students on campus. The University Student Health Services and the Counseling Center are located on campus and are available to all students. There are also a number of private organizations available to assist students with drug-related problems. However, anyone associated with the Department of Athletics may also seek the counsel of the Director of Athletics or his/her designee; his/her head coach, the team physician or the Sports Medicine Personnel. These people can offer counseling or referral for appropriate rehabilitative treatment.
Substance Abuse Education
Participants who are educated about substance abuse are more likely to make informed and intelligent decisions about drug use. Educational materials (e.g., Wake Forest University Substance Abuse Program policies, banned drug list) are distributed to participants. In addition, special educational programs may be arranged to provide participants the opportunity to learn about the dangers of substance abuse.
Wake Forest University Department of Athletics will conduct a drug and alcohol education program. Participants, coaches, compliance officers, sports medicine personnel and the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will be expected to attend. This program will include a review of team, athletic department, institutional and conference drug and alcohol policies and a review of the institutional drug-testing program requirements. Sessions will include a review of NCAA alcohol, tobacco and drug policies including the tobacco ban, list of banned drug classes and testing protocol and an opportunity to view the NCAA drug-education and drug-testing video. Nutritional supplements and their inherent risks will be discussed. Time will be allowed for questions from participants.
Prohibited Drugs
The Wake Forest University drug testing process may include analysis of, but is not limited to, the NCAA list of banned-drug classes. The NCAA list of banned-drug classes is subject to change by the NCAA Executive Committee. The 2006-2007 list of banned-drugs, Bylaw 31.2.3.1, is included in Appendix B. For an ongoing, updated list of NCAA banned drug classes view the NCAA's web site at www.ncaa.org/health-safety. Participants also are encouraged to contact Resource Exchange Center (REC) at The National Center for Drug Free Sport for additional questions or concerns regarding banned substances, including nutritional supplements. The Center's web site is www.drugfreesport.com/rec or toll free at 877/202-0769. Other prohibited substances that Wake Forest University may test for include alcohol (in any sport), hallucinogens, opiates, barbiturates, tranquilizers, MDMA (Ecstasy) and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Participants may not illegally possess, distribute, manufacture, sell, or purchase any prohibited substance and may not use any prohibited substance unless under a physician's approved prescription.
Wake Forest University Department of Athletics requires that all participants keep the Sports Medicine staff and/or team physician aware of all over the counter or prescribed drugs that he/she may be taking, including nutritional/dietary supplements. Furthermore, all participants must consult with the Sports Medicine staff and/or team physician before using any dietary or performance enhancing supplement. Participants are encouraged to contact the Resource Exchange Center (REC) for questions or concerns regarding supplements. The REC can be contacted via their web site at www.drugfreesport.com/rec (Password: NCAA1) or toll free at 877/202-0769. This website can be used to inquire confidentially about nutritional supplements.
Cocaine/Heroin/Hallucinogens
Due to the well-documented dangers of cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics has chosen to put these substances in a special class. Anyone testing positive for cocaine, heroin, or hallucinogens, including ecstasy, will be subject to immediate and permanent dismissal with termination of athletics scholarship aid at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug on college campuses. Alcohol use (ethanol) is incompatible with achieving optimal athletic performance. Wake Forest University and North Carolina law restricts the use of alcohol. Please refer to the WFU Student Handbook for rules and regulations regarding the use and abuse of alcohol.
Driving While Impaired
Whereas the use of cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens have the potential to lead one to self-destruction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has the potential to harm others as well as the offender. Consequently, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to deal appropriately with anyone determined to have operated a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The individual will be subject to the implications of an institutional positive drug test under the department's Substance Abuse Program policies.
Implications for Possessing, Selling and/or Distributing a Banned Substance
A participant who is found to have possessed a banned substance, excluding alcohol (for implications for alcohol violations, see p. 10 for positive alcohol finding and above for DWI), will be subject to the same penalties as if he or she tested positive. The first instance will be treated as a first positive test and will, as will any subsequent finding, be included in the participant's cumulative totals. Whereas the use of a banned substance has the potential to lead one to self-destruction, selling and/or distributing a banned substance has the potential to harm others, as well as the offender. Consequently, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to deal appropriately with any participant who is found to have sold and/or distributed or intended to sell and/or distribute a banned substance. A participant found guilty by Wake Forest University, any state or federal entity to have sold or distributed a banned substance will be subject to immediate dismissal from the athletics program and any athletically related financial aid will be immediately revoked.
Selected Types of Testing
Unannounced Random Testing
All participants are subject to unannounced random drug testing throughout the year inclusive of summer sessions. Participants will be selected for testing using a random number system. Little or no notice may be given for a forthcoming test.
Team Testing
All participants may be subjected to team testing and may be notified of such by an institutional representative prior to such team test.
Pre-season Testing
Participants may be subject to pre-season drug testing and may be notified of such by an institutional representative prior to their first competition.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
A participant may be subject to testing at any time when, in the judgment of the Director of Athletics and his/her designees (including coaches and/or administrators) there is a reasonable belief that the participant is using a prohibited drug. Such reasonable suspicion may be based on information from any source deemed reliable by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. Reasonable suspicion includes, but is not limited to 1) observed possession or use of substances appearing to be prohibited drugs, 2) arrest or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession or transfer of prohibited drugs - not necessarily for profit, or 3) observed abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior that may cause someone to suspect use or abuse of a banned substance. Examples of such abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior may include, but is not limited to the following: decline in academic or athletic performance, missing class, falling asleep in class, significant weight gain or weight loss, lethargy, agitation or nervousness, short temper, acts of violence, or loss of friendships. If suspected, the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will meet with the student and will provide the participant with written notification of such (see Appendix C).
In cases of reasonable suspicion, the participant must stay with a member of their coaching staff, the athletics administration staff, or the sports medicine staff after being notified and until an adequate specimen is produced. Note: The possession and/or use of illegal substances may be determined by means other than urinalysis. When an individual is found to be in possession and/or using such substances he/she will be subject to the implications of an institutional positive drug test under the department's Substance Abuse Program policies. Distribution (selling or transferring to others) will be handled on an individual basis, which may result in permanent team dismissal and loss of athletics scholarship aid at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules (see Implications for Possessing, Selling and/or Distributing a Banned Substance.
NCAA Championship Qualifier Testing
Any participant who qualifies or is in a position to qualify for NCAA championship competition may be tested by Wake Forest University prior to participation in any NCAA championship activity.
Follow-up Testing
A participant who has returned to participation in intercollegiate sports following a positive drug test under this policy may be subject to increased follow-up testing. Testing will be unannounced and will be required at a frequency determined by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee in consultation with the counselor or specialist involved in the participant's case.
Urine samples will be collected and sent to an independent, SAMHSA or WADA approved laboratory for analysis. Each sample will be tested to determine if banned substances are present. In the event of a positive drug test, the results will be made available to the Director of Athletics or his/her designee and the head coach.
Drug Testing Administration
Drug Testing Consent Form
The Department of Athletics will administer the Wake Forest University Substance Abuse Program with the cooperation of the Sports Medicine staff. A waiver/consent form must be signed by each participant (i.e., student-athlete, cheerleader, dance squad, mascot, student-athletic manager and student-athletic trainer) and placed on file in the Department of Athletics before he/she will be eligible to participate (practice/compete) in any athletic program at Wake Forest University (see Appendix A). This waiver/consent form grants the Department of Athletics permission to collect urine samples for drug testing purposes. Failure to sign the waiver/consent form shall eliminate the participant from any athletics program for the academic year and shall lead to the termination of any athletics scholarship aid at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules.
Participant Drug-Testing Notification
Participants will be verbally notified of and scheduled for testing by the designated institutional representative. If selected for testing based on reasonable suspicion, the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will meet with the participant and will provide the participant with written notification of such.
Specimen Collection
Wake Forest University Department of Athletics personnel will oversee the specimen collection process, following specimen collection procedures listed below or will contract collection services through a third party administrator. Throughout the entire process, the confidentiality of the participant will be thoroughly maintained.
1. Only those persons authorized by the collector will be allowed in the collection station.
2. The collector may release a sick or injured participant from the collection station or may release a participant to meet academic obligations only after appropriate arrangements for having the participant tested have been made and documented on the chain of custody form.
3. Upon entering the collection station, the participant will be accurately identified.
4. When ready to urinate, the participant will be required to remove any bulky clothing and will then select a sealed beaker from a supply of such and record his/her initials on the collection beaker's lid.
5. A collector, serving as a validator, will monitor the furnishing of the specimen by observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen until a specimen of at least 50 mL is provided (85-100 mL if testing for anabolic steroids - depending of which steroid panel is selected).
6. Validators who are of the same gender as the athlete must observe the voiding process and should be a member of the drug-testing crew. The procedure does not allow for validators to stand outside the immediate area or outside the restroom. The participant must urinate in full view of the validator (validator must observe the flow of urine). The validator must request the participant raise his/her shirt high enough to observe the midsection area completely ruling out any attempt to manipulate or substitute a sample.
7. Participants must not carry any item other than his/her beaker into the restroom when providing a specimen. Any problem or concern should be brought to the attention of the Assistant Athletic Director - Sports Medicine for documentation. Participants will rinse and dry hands, with water only, prior to urination, and wash with soap and water following urination.
8. Once a specimen provided, the participant is responsible for keeping the beaker closed and in his/her control.
9. Fluids and food given participants who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers that are opened and consumed in the station. These items must be caffeine- and alcohol-free and free of any other banned substances. Participants may be allowed to drink directly from water fountains.
10. If the specimen is incomplete, the participant must remain in the collection station until the sample is completed. During this period, the participant is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and in his/her control.
11. If the specimen is incomplete and the participant must leave the collection station for a reason approved by the collector, the specimen must be discarded.
12. Upon return to the collection station, the participant will begin the collection procedure again.
13. Once an adequate volume of the specimen is provided, the collector who monitored the furnishing of the specimen by observation will sign that the specimen was directly validated and a collector will check the specific gravity and pH of the urine in the presence of the participant.
14. If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.005, the specimen will be discarded by the participant. The participant must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The participant will provide another specimen.
15. If the urine has a pH greater than 7.5 or less than 4.5, the specimen will be discarded by the participant. The participant must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The participant will provide another specimen.
16. If the urine has a specific gravity above 1.005 and the urine has a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 inclusive, the specimen will be processed and sent to the laboratory.
17. If the laboratory determines that a participant's specimen is inadequate for analysis, another specimen may be collected, at Wake Forest University's discretion.
18. If the participant is suspected of manipulating or attempting to manipulate a specimen (e.g., via dilution, adulteration, substitution), the participant will be deemed to have refused to submit to testing and treated as if the test were positive for a banned substance. Wake Forest University will have the authority to perform additional tests on the participant.
19. Once a specimen has been provided that meets the on-site specific gravity and pH parameters, the participant will select a specimen collection kit and a uniquely numbered Chain of Custody Form from a supply of such.
20. The collector who monitored the furnishing of the specimen by observation will sign the chain of custody form.
21. A collector will record the specific gravity and pH values on the chain of custody form.
22. The participant or collector will pour approximately 35 mL of the specimen into the "A vial" and the remaining amount (approximately 15 mL) into the "B vial" (another A=35 mL, B=15 mL in a second split sample kit for anabolic steroid testing, which will be shipped to a WADA accredited laboratory) in the presence of the athlete. Therefore, two sample kits will be used when testing for both "drugs of abuse" and anabolic steroids. The vials will be packaged identically, but shipped to two different laboratories.
23. The participant or collector will place the cap on each vial; the collector will then seal each vial in the required manner under the observation of the participant.
24. Vials and forms (if any) sent to the laboratory shall not contain the name of the participant.
25. All sealed specimens will be secured in a shipping case. The collector will prepare the case for forwarding.
26. The participant and collector will sign certifying that the procedures were followed as described in the protocol. Any deviation from the procedures must be described and recorded. If deviations are alleged, the participant will be required to provide another specimen.
27. The collector will sign the chain of custody form, give the participant a copy and secure all remaining copies.
28. The laboratory's copy of the chain of custody form shall not contain the name of the participant.
29. All sealed specimens will be placed in a shipping case. The collector will put the laboratory copy of the chain of custody form in the case, and prepare the case for forwarding.
30. After the collection has been completed, the specimens will be forwarded to the laboratory and all copies of all forms forwarded to the designated persons.
31. The specimens become the property of Wake Forest University.
32. Failure to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification, sign the chain of custody form or provide a urine specimen according to policy is cause for the same action(s) as evidence of use of a banned substance. The collector will inform the participant of these implications (in the presence of witnesses) and record such on the chain of custody form. If the participant is not available, the collector will notify the Director of Athletics or his/her designee and the head coach of such. The participant will be considered to have withdrawn consent and will be ineligible for athletic participation at Wake Forest University on that basis.
Chain of Custody
The collector will deliver the shipping case(s) to the designated courier/carrier. The appointed laboratory will receive the shipping cases from the courier/carrier. If any specimen arrives at the laboratory with security seals not intact, Wake Forest University may collect another specimen.
Laboratory Procedures and Reporting Results
The laboratory will use a portion of the A sample for its initial analysis. The process will consist of sample preparation, instrument analysis and data interpretation. The laboratory director or designated certifying scientist will review all results showing a banned substance(s) and/or metabolite(s) in the A sample. A positive test reported by the laboratory does not automatically identify the participant as having engaged in prohibited drug or alcohol use. The team physician, serving as the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will review all results. If the laboratory reports a specimen as substituted or adulterated, the participant will be deemed to have refused to submit to testing and treated as if the test were positive for a banned substance.
Results will be made available to the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will review the results and if there is a positive drug test, he/she will set up a meeting with the participant and the participant's head coach to discuss the implication of the positive findings and the option of analyzing the B sample. The participant may present any evidence that he/she feels may be important to the outcome of the drug test. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will then make the determination of the outcome of the drug test.
B Sample Analysis Request
If the participant requests analysis of the B sample, the participant will be given the option to attend the opening of the B sample at the laboratory or allow the laboratory to assign a surrogate to represent the participant at the laboratory for the opening of the B sample. The participant will be responsible for the cost of the analysis of the B sample and transportation to the laboratory. This decision must be made in writing within 48 hours after the Director of Athletics or his/her designee meets with the participant and the participant's head coach to discuss the implications of positive findings and the option of analyzing the B sample. The student-athlete will be unable to practice or compete in athletics at Wake Forest University until B sample results have been reported and a final determination is made. B sample findings will be final and reported the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. If requested, copies of the report from the laboratory that contain results from the A and B samples will be forwarded to the Director of Athletics.
Implications/Penalties
Refusal to sign a consent form prohibits a participant from participating in any intercollegiate sport at Wake Forest University and any athletic scholarship award will be terminated at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules. If a participant fails to attend a drug test without a valid excuse, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics will treat this failure to report as a positive test. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will judge the merit of any excuses given by the participant for failing to attend.
Any participant who tests positive for a banned substance or who refuses to submit to a required drug test as described in this policy shall be subject to the following sanctions. The Department of Athletics will view anyone testing "positive" as having used the drug him or herself (e.g., passive inhalation cannot be used as an excuse for testing positive).
Driving While Impaired
Whereas the use of cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens have the ability to lead one to self-destruction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has the ability to harm others as well as the offender. Consequently, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to deal appropriately with anyone determined to have operated a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The individual will be subject to the implications of an institutional positive drug test under the department's Substance Abuse Program policies.
Implications for Possessing, Selling and/or Distributing a Banned Substance
A participant who is found to have possessed a banned substance, excluding alcohol (for implications for alcohol violations, see p. 10 for positive alcohol finding and p. 4 for DWI), will be subject to the same penalties as if he or she tested positive. The first instance will be treated as a first positive test and will, as will any subsequent finding, be included in the participant's cumulative totals. Whereas the use of a banned substance has the potential to lead one to self-destruction, selling and/or distributing a banned substance has the potential to harm others, as well as the offender. Consequently, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to deal appropriately with any participant who is found to have sold and/or distributed or intended to sell and/or distribute a banned substance. A participant found guilty by Wake Forest University, any state or federal entity to have sold or distributed a banned substance will be subject to immediate dismissal from the athletics program and any athletically related financial aid will be immediately revoked.
First Positive Test
When a participant has a positive finding, the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will meet with the participant and the applicable head coach to discuss the implication of the positive finding. The participant will be required to comply with the following:
1. Counseling/Treatment Referral - The participant will be required to attend a drug counseling assessment session at the University Counseling Center or other approved treatment programs. The counselor shall determine the appropriate form(s) of intervention and rehabilitation needed by the participant, based on the circumstances of the case. If the University refers the participant to outside counseling, the participant will incur the cost. Failing to comply with the counselor's directions for treatment will be classified as a second offense.
2. Suspension from Participation - The participant will be immediately suspended from practice and/or competition in any intercollegiate sports at Wake Forest University. The participant, Director of Athletics or his/her designee, and his/her head coach will discuss the consequences of further involvement with drugs. The participant will be suspended from practice and/or competition for a period of time determined by The Director of Athletics or his/her designee in consultation with the counselor or specialist involved in the participant's case (cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens are the lone exceptions resulting in immediate and permanent dismissal.
3. Notification of Parents/Guardians - In the presence of the Director of Athletics or his/her designee and his/her head coach, the participant will call his/her parents or guardians and inform them of a positive test. At this time, the parents or guardians will be informed of the consequences of a second positive test.
4. Follow-up Testing - The participant must pass a drug tests prior to reinstatement to practice and competition. The participant will also be placed on probation for the remainder of their collegiate career and subject to increased unannounced follow-up testing. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee in consultation with the counselor or specialist involved in the participant's case will determine testing frequency. Providing another positive test result on a follow-up drug test will be treated as a second positive test.
5. Health Assessment - The participant will be required to have a health assessment or physical exam prior to reinstatement to practice or competition.
Second Positive Test
When a participant has a second positive finding, the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will meet with the participant and the applicable head coach to discuss the implication of the second positive finding. In their presence, the participant will call his/her parents or guardians and inform them of a second positive test. The implication of a second positive test is permanent dismissal from the program and the termination of any athletics scholarship aid at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules.
REMEMBER: THE CONSEQUENSES OF TESTING POSITIVE FOR BANNED SUBSTANCES ARE CUMULATIVE THROUGHOUT YOUR ATHLETICS CAREER AT WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY.
For Example: A participant tests positive during his/her first semester of school and is therefore: (1) suspended from practice/competition, (2) placed on probation for the remainder of the academic year, (3) subject to unannounced follow-up testing. The participant provides negative tests for the next three years. Then, in the participant's final semester, he/she tests positive for a second time. Despite the lengthy interim between positive tests, the participant will be permanently dismissed from the program and any athletics scholarship aid will be terminated at the earliest possible moment consistent with NCAA rules.
Implications for Possessing, Selling and/or Distributing a Banned Substance
A participant who is found to have possessed a banned substance, excluding alcohol (for implications for alcohol violations, see below for positive alcohol finding and p. 4 for DWI), will be subject to the same penalties as if he or she tested positive. The first instance will be treated as a first positive test and will, as will any subsequent finding, be included in the participant's cumulative totals. Whereas the use of a banned substance has the potential to lead one to self-destruction, selling and/or distributing a banned substance has the potential to harm others, as well as the offender. Consequently, Wake Forest University Department of Athletics, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to deal appropriately with any participant who is found to have sold and/or distributed or intended to sell and/or distribute a banned substance. A participant found guilty by Wake Forest University, any state or federal entity to have sold or distributed a banned substance will be subject to immediate dismissal from the athletics program and any athletically related financial aid will be immediately revoked.
Implications for an Institutional Positive Alcohol Finding
When a participant has a positive alcohol finding (see page 8 for DWI implications), the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will meet with the participant and the applicable head coach to discuss the implications of the positive finding. The participant will be required to comply with the following:
1. Counseling/Treatment Referral - The participant will be required to attend a drug counseling assessment session at the University Counseling Center. The counselor shall determine the appropriate form(s) of intervention and rehabilitation needed by the participant, based on the circumstances of the case. If the University refers the participant to outside counseling, the participant will incur the cost. Failing to comply with the counselor's directions for treatment will be classified as a second offense.
2. Based upon the assessment, counseling may be required.
3. Follow-up drug testing will be mandatory.
4. Should the outcome of the assessment of the student-athlete identify an alcohol problem or if there is a second positive for alcohol, it could result in a student-athlete missing competition. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will notify the following of the recommended plan and actions:
a. student-athlete and his/her parents or guardian
b. the participant's head coach
c. Associate Athletic Director for that sport
d. Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA
Participant Appeal
Once the Director of Athletics or his/her designee has made the determination of the outcome of the drug test or the participant's non-compliance with the institution's Substance Abuse Policy, the participant will be notified of such by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. The participant may request a second meeting with the Director of Athletics, the participant's head coach and the Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA to appeal the decided outcome. This meeting must be scheduled within 48 hours of the participant's notification of the outcome. A final decision will be made available in writing to the participant from the Director of Athletics or his/her designee after the second meeting.
Medical Exceptions
The NCAA and Wake Forest University recognizes that some banned substances are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, the NCAA and WFU allow exceptions to be made for those participants with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular use of such a drug. Exceptions may be granted for substances included in the following classes of banned drugs: stimulants, beta blockers, diuretics and peptide hormones. Information regarding exceptions procedures can be found at www.ncaa.org/health-safety.
Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality within the Substance Abuse Program. The program has been designed for the protection of all our participants as well as others associated with the athletics program. It is not designed for law enforcement. Wake Forest University is not a governmental/law enforcement agency. However, the occasion could arise when Wake Forest University is required, or is asked, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in legal action. Under appropriate circumstances, these requests will be honored.
Additional Information
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:
Greg Collins, ATC-L
Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Medicine
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Office: (336) 758-5620