Along with the NCAA, St. Bonaventure University participates in a year-long drug testing program for its student-athletes.

If at any time you have a question, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the sports medicine staff, or access one of the links below for more information.

• NCAA List of Banned Substances 
• National Center for Drug Free Sport (for questions about Drug Testing)
• Dietary Supplement Resource Exchange Center (for questions or anonymous inquiries about dietary supplements)

INTRODUCTION
St. Bonaventure University student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a positive manner in the academic, athletic and public community. Therefore the student-athlete must cope with challenges that are not encountered by students universally. Without appropriate coping strategies, adequate support, and the positive influence of university personnel, student-athletes may turn to drug use to enhance performance or to deal with the added stress to win and succeed academically. It is the goal of St. Bonaventure University to promote the health and welfare of the student-athlete, along with the integrity of collegiate competition without the misuse of drugs.

Drug and alcohol misuse / abuse can create serious social and health problems for the student-athlete. It is vital that the student-athletes learn how the abuse of drugs or alcohol can have a severe detriment to their general health as well as athletic performance. Evidence of use of banned substances as specified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), including performance enhancing drugs may result in disqualification by the NCAA. This not only penalizes the student-athlete but also reflects negatively on the St. Bonaventure University community. Therefore St. Bonaventure University discourages the use and forbids any college personnel from providing or encouraging the use of performance enhancing drugs.

St. Bonaventure University promotes a healthy lifestyle and competitive environment by creating an opportunity to learn about the effects of certain drugs in order to participate in a drug free environment. The implementation of a drug education, and drug-screening program along with counseling programs meets the University's goal toward educating and protecting the health and well being of the student-athlete.

POLICY STATEMENT

St. Bonaventure University, a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), prohibits student-athletes from the non-prescribed use of substances described by the NCAA as "Banned Drug Classes" (Bylaw 31.2.3.1, Banned Drugs). The misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, or any other controlled or illegal substances are also prohibited.

A student-athlete at St. Bonaventure University is defined as an individual who is enrolled student who is listed as an active member on the NCAA Squad Lists and/or participates in sports (s) under the jurisdiction of St. Bonaventure University Athletic Department. This includes any non-qualifiers or otherwise ineligible students.

St. Bonaventure University Athletic Department will make every effort to support the student-athlete through education and counseling. However, sanctions, but not limited to, suspension from participation for a specified time period or barring from further competition, will be imposed against the student athlete if:

1. Failure to sign the " Consent to Participate in Drug Testing and Authorization for Release of Information Form".
2. Failure of the student-athlete to comply with this policy.
3. Failure to comply with the mandatory assessment or to participate in a counseling / rehabilitation program.

Alcohol: Possession or consumption of alcohol beverages by a person under the age of twenty-one (21) is prohibited. Cases of alcohol abuse will be referred to the Judicial Process of St. Bonaventure University.

The Director of Athletics shall designate a certified athletic trainer who is employed full - time by the University to serve as the Drug Testing Coordinator. The Drug Testing Coordinator will work with the Director of Athletics and Team Physician with the implementation of all aspects of the Drug Testing Policy.

EDUCATION COMPONENT

1. Inform the student-athlete about the drug policy/ awareness program, NCAA rules governing drug use and the support of athletic department personnel.
2. Explain how legal and illegal substances affect the human body and alter athletic performance.
3. Teach coping skills needed to be a substance free athlete.
4. Create an education program for administration, coaches and staff to identify student-athletes using controlled and illegal substances. Teach techniques for effective intervention with referral of the student-athlete who is not compliant with the policy.

DRUG TESTING COMPONENT

This is used to identify student-athletes who may be using substances banned by this policy and if applicable to verify suspected use through laboratory testing. This component will include random and suspicion based testing of all eligible student-athletes at St. Bonaventure University. A student-athlete may be found to be in violation through:

1. Observed changes in performance, behavior, physical and/or emotional states, through reliable reports which provides a reasonable suspicion of drug usage.
2. Voluntary acknowledgement by the student-athlete who seeks assistance for a substance use/ abuse related condition.

The Drug Testing Coordinator, Director of Athletics, and Team Physician will perform random testing periodically throughout the academic year as seen fit. The dates for testing will be determined on a random basis by the Director of Athletics, and the Drug Testing Coordinator.

A. Approximately 8% of St. Bonaventure University student-athletes will be chosen based on a random selection process.

1. All student-athletes' social security numbers or University ID numbers will be put in a container and drawn randomly by the Drug Testing Coordinator and witness (SBU representative).
2. The social security number (SBU student ID) will be matched with the squad roster and each student-athlete will be notified.
3. The total number of student-athletes selected for each team will not exceed 25%.

1. Failure to report to the site or to give a urine sample will result in a positive test.
2. The student-athlete may have a witness of their choice present at the time of testing.
3. The athletic training staff and / or team physician will collect the specimen.

Protocol for collecting urine specimen:

• Upon entering the collection station, the athlete must be properly identified (he/she presents picture ID or institutional staff member properly identifies athlete). The athlete should then print his/her name and time of arrival on the sign-in roster form.
• When ready to urinate, the athlete will select a sealed beaker from a supply of such and will record his/her initials on the beaker's lid.
• A collector, serving as validator, will monitor the furnishing of the specimen by observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen until an adequate volume is provided (volume is dependent upon drug testing panels selected - 50 mL is adequate for non-steroid testing, 85 mL is necessary for anabolic steroid testing).
• The validator must be of the same gender as the athlete and must observe the voiding process. The validator will not be a student. The procedure does not allow for validators to stand outside the immediate area or outside the restroom. The athlete must urinate in full view of the validator. The validator must request the athlete raise his/her shirt high enough to observe the midsection area completely to rule out any attempts to manipulate or substitute a sample.
• Once a specimen is provided, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
• Fluids and food given to athletes who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers (approved by the collector) that are opened and consumed in the station. These items must be caffeine- and alcohol-free and free of any other banned substances.
• If the specimen is incomplete, the athlete must remain in the collection station until the sample is completed. During this period, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
• If the specimen is incomplete and the athlete must leave the collection station for a reason approved by the collector (e.g., to attend class functions) the specimen must be discarded.
• Upon return to the collection station (return time should be agreed upon by collector and athlete), the athlete will begin the collection procedure again.
• If the client wishes to measure the specimen for adulteration, it is recommended the specimen be measured for alkalinity and concentration. Once an adequate volume of specimen is provided, the athlete will pour a small amount of urine into an approved container. A collector will check the specific gravity and pH of the urine in the presence of the student athlete.
• If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.005 (1.010 if measured with a reagent strip), the specimen will be discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The athlete will provide another specimen.
• If the urine has a pH greater than 7.5 (with reagent strip) or less than 4.5 (with reagent strip), the specimen will be discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The athlete will provide another specimen.
• If the urine has a specific gravity above 1.005 (1.010 if measured with a reagent strip) and the urine has a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 inclusive, the specimen will be processed and sent to the laboratory.
• The laboratory will make final determination of specimen adequacy.
• If the laboratory determines that an athlete's specimen is inadequate for analysis, at St. Bonaventure University's discretion, another specimen may be collected.
• If an athlete is suspected of manipulating specimens (e.g., via dilution), St. Bonaventure University will have the authority to perform additional tests on the athlete, based upon the institution's policies.
• Once a specimen has been provided that meets the on-site specific gravity and pH parameters, the athlete will select a specimen collection kit and a uniquely numbered Chain of Custody Form from a supply of such.
• The collector that monitored the furnishing of the specimen by observation will sign the Chain of Custody Form.
• A collector will record the specific gravity and pH values on the Chain of Custody Form.
• The athlete will pour approximately 60 mL of the specimen into the "A vial" and the remaining amount (approximately 25 mL) into the "B vial" (required volume determined by St. Bonaventure University and/or laboratory).
• The athlete will place the cap on each vial; the collector will then seal each vial in the required manner under the observation of the athlete and witness (if present).
• The laboratory's copy of the Chain of Custody Form shall not contain the name of the athlete.
• All sealed specimens will be secured 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.
• The athlete and witness (if present) will sign the Chain of Custody Form, certifying that the procedures were followed as described in the protocol. Any deviation from the procedures must be described and recorded on the Chain of Custody Form at that time. If deviations are alleged, the athlete will be required to provide another specimen.
• The collector will sign the Chain of Custody Form and secure all remaining copies. The compiled Chain of Custody Forms constitutes the "Master Code" for that drug-testing event. The original (top) copy will be forwarded to The Center. The collector/institutional representative will keep a copy. The institutional representative may provide the athlete with a copy if desired.
• 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.
• The specimens become the property of St. Bonaventure University.
• If the athlete does not report for testing, the institutional representative should follow institutional policy.
• On occasion, St. Bonaventure University may choose to test using a single specimen kit. The collector will follow the split specimen procedures up to the point where the athlete selects a sealed kit. With a single specimen kit, the collection beaker may serve as the secured vial for transporting the specimen to the laboratory. The collector will instruct the athlete to provide at least 55 mL of urine allowing for a 5 mL pour-off to measure specific gravity and pH on site. A single vial (tall A vial) will be processed and shipped to the laboratory for analysis.

1. If the test is found positive, the Drug Testing Coordinator and/or Director of Athletics will notify the student-athlete and coach. If the student-athlete is under 18, the parent or guardian will be notified.
2. The Drug Testing Coordinator will meet with student-athlete and inform him/her of their sanctions and appeal rights
3. If the test is found positive the student athlete will be required to reimburse St. Bonaventure University for the cost of the drug test and/or any additional costs associated with disciplinary action.

• APPEAL PROCESS

1. Decision to appeal must be made in writing within three business days to the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) at St. Bonaventure University.
2. The appeal board will convene within three business days (Faculty Athletic Representative to the NCAA, Vice President for Student Life, one Faculty member of the University Athletic Committee, and in an exofficio capacity, the University's Drug Testing Coordinator.
3. After reviewing the materials, the appeal board will then determine if there is evidence of a false/positive test and/or error in procedure or process of administering the drug test.
4. The Appeal Committee will submit a recommendation based its findings to the Director of Athletics for review. The Director of Athletics will review the recommendation and support or overturn the findings of the Appeals Committee.
5. The Director of Athletics will communicate the decision in writing to the student-athlete, and Drug Testing Coordinator.
6. The only appeal that a student-athlete can pursue are errors in procedures or a clearly erroneous findings in this process.

Minimum sanctions for a confirmed positive drug test are described below:

FIRST VIOLATION

1. The student-athlete will be required to meet with the Director of Athletics or his/ her designee. The Director of Athletics will have the authority to impose any or all sanctions. A record of those sanctions will be filed with the Dean of Student Life as a record of incident.
2. The student-athlete may be subject to potential discipline from the Office of Student Life under the general student body rules applicable to all students at St. Bonaventure University.
3. Complete a mandatory individualized education and counseling program. If the student-athletes fails to comply, this may result in further sanctions and/ or removal from intercollegiate athletics at St. Bonaventure University.
4. Throughout the program, the student-athlete will be subject to random drug testing.
5. The student-athlete will be suspended from all athletic participation at St. Bonaventure University for a minimum of 30 days (according to the academic calendar (fall/spring) and until a negative drug test result is obtained from one subsequent test.
6. Possible suspension from St. Bonaventure University athletic team (s) additionally if the student-athlete receives a athletics grant-in-aid that aid may be canceled or not renewed.
7. This is to avoid long term individual sanctions resulting from further NCAA supervised drug testing.

Second confirmed positive test (performed by St. Bonaventure University or NCAA) or failure to comply with sanctions imposed or failure to participate in the education and counseling program will result in:

1. Immediate and permanent dismissal from St. Bonaventure University athletic team (s).
2. Additionally if the student-athlete receives an athletics grant-in-aid that aid may be canceled or not renewed.
3. The student-athlete will be encouraged to remain in the drug education rehabilitation / treatment program.
4. The student-athlete may be subject to the University disciplinary process.

The counseling component provides assessment and counseling for the student-athlete as a result of mandatory or self-referral. The counselor will evaluate the student-athletes' needs and develop a rehabilitation plan including recommendation for services; behavioral guidelines and other appropriate conditions, and make referrals as needed. If the student-athlete wishes to continue participation in St. Bonaventure University athletics the student-athlete must sign an Authorization for Release of Information Form thus, enabling the counseling staff to communicate with the Drug Testing Coordinator and/or the Director of Athletics of the rehabilitation plan and information on a need to know basis in order to help the student-athlete.

Any student-athlete who seeks a need for counseling and/ or rehabilitation / treatment will be eligible to receive supportive services. If a student-athlete voluntarily requests assistance for a drug and / or alcohol abuse problem from a St. Bonaventure University athletic department staff member, this voluntary action will be taken in consideration when determining appropriate sanctions.

St. Bonaventure University counselors will provide initial consult for counseling and rehabilitation services. If counseling/ rehabilitation/ treatment must be referred off campus, St. Bonaventure University will not be responsible for funding of these services.

As a member institution of the NCAA all student-athletes participating in intercollegiate sports at St Bonaventure University are subject to the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS). Steps have been taken to promote the health and safety of student-athletes competing at the collegiate level. Therefore the NCAA has established year round drug testing of performance enhancing and / or potentially harmful drugs. The NCAA has provided a list of banned substances (see appendix).

All student-athletes (including recruited and nonqualifers) must sign the drug testing consent form provided by the Management Council, in which the student-athlete consents to be drug tested for the use of drugs prohibited by the NCAA. Failure to complete and sign the form before practice or competition shall result in the student-athletes ineligibility.

If selected to be drug tested by the NCAA, St Bonaventure University's Drug Testing Coordinator will notify via telephone or in person the student-athlete. The student-athlete will than be asked to sign the Out-of-Competition Drug Testing Notification form, stating what time, when and where they shall report for drug testing.

If a student-athlete:

• Fails to sign the Notification or signature form;
• Fails to arrive at the collection site at the designated time without justification;
• Fails to provide a urine sample according to protocol;
• Leaves the collection site before providing a specimen according to protocol;
• Attempts to alter the integrity or validity of the urine specimen and/or collection process;

According to NCAA Bylaw 18.4.1.5.1 a student-athlete that tests positive shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports if the season of competition has not yet begun for that student-athlete or a minimum of the equivalent of one full season of competition in all sports if the student-athlete tests positive during his or her season of competition. The student-athlete shall remain ineligible for all regular season and post-season competition during the time period ending one calendar year (i.e. 365 days) after the student-athletes positive drug test and until the student-athlete tests negative and the student-athlete's eligibility is restored by the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement.

If the student-athlete tests positive for a banned substance, The National Center for Drug Free Sport will notify the Director of Athletics or designee The Director of Athletics or designee will than notify the student-athlete and explain the eligibility status and guidelines for the appeal procedures.

Any student-athlete who tests positive according to the protocol set forth by the NCAA will also be subject to the following guidelines established by the St. Bonaventure University Athletic Department.

1. Complete a mandatory individualized education and counseling program. If the student-athletes fails to comply this may result in further sanctions and/ or removal from intercollegiate athletics at St. Bonaventure University.
2. Throughout the program, the student-athlete will be subject to random drug testing.
3. Possible suspension from St. Bonaventure University athletic team (s) additionally if the student-athlete receives an athletics grant-in-aid that aid may be canceled or not renewed.