Introduction
The athletic administration of McPherson College, in coordination with the Athletic Training Department, desires to ensure each student-athlete a safe, healthy, and supportive educational and athletic environment; as well, to establish necessary measures to provide for and oversee the welfare and safety of student-athletes, coaching staffs, athletic training staff, administration, and other support personnel.
Illicit substance use within the context of competitive athletics compromises the physical and mental capabilities of the participants, and is a health-safety issue for student-athletes. Substance use/abuse can be detrimental to students, affecting them in ways that are often difficult to control. It is our desire as an institution to discourage the use of illicit substances, both on and off campus, and to provide an environment that is drug-free at every level of the educational and athletic experience.
Designation as a McPherson College student-athlete and participation in the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs is a privilege, not a right. The McPherson College student-athlete will act in accordance with the five core values of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. Likewise, the McPherson College student-athlete acknowledges that the privilege to represent McPherson College in intercollegiate athletic performance requires him/her to be compliant with the McPherson College Substance Abuse, Education, Prevention, Screening, and Counseling Program as outlined in this document.
The
McPherson College Athletics Substance Abuse, Education, Prevention, Screening, and Counseling Program (Herein referred to as the “Substance Abuse Program”) is implemented to protect the student athlete, the McPherson College athletic program, and the College as a whole. The Substance Abuse Program is regarded as a preventative, yet proactive, measure. Drug testing is a strong deterrent to illicit substance use among student-athletes, and aids in protecting the integrity of McPherson College and the athletic department. Student-athletes are to be treated with dignity and respect, and involved parties will maintain privacy as much as possible. At no time will McPherson College Athletic Department personnel ignore or condone student-athletes who violate the Substance Abuse Program.
All policies and procedures of the Substance Abuse Program are reviewed and revised annually by Members of the Substance Abuse Committee and approved by legal counsel. The College reserves the right to alter, amend and/or modify the Substance Abuse Program at any time without notice to the student-athletes or coaches. This policy is not to be construed as a contract between the college and the student-athletes at McPherson College. However, signed consent and notification forms shall be considered affirmation of the student-athlete’s agreement to the terms and conditions contained in this policy.
Links to Specific Substance Abuse Policy Information
• Program Objectives
• Personnel Involvement
• Statement of Confidentiality
• Drug Testing Eligibility
• Safe Harbor Program
• Test Selection Methodology
• Drug Testing Notification Procedures
• Failure to Report for, or Other Refusal to Participate in, Drug Testing
• Testing Site and Specimen Collection Protocol
• Substances of Concern
• McPherson College Drug Testing Parameters
• Disciplinary Actions for Positive Drug Screens
• Right to an Appeal
Supplemental Documentation Appendicies
