Policy VI-HH: Policy on Drugs and Testing for Student Athletes

Students are prohibited from using or being under the influence of illegal drugs and substances prohibited by college policy.  Additionally, students are prohibited from the misuse or abuse of legally permitted drugs and alcohol.  College policy also prohibits possession and distribution of illegal and/or controlled substances and possession and distribution of paraphernalia associated with the use of illegal drugs and other controlled substances.  Student athletes participating in the College’s athletic programs are subject to random, unannounced testing for banned substances.  Additionally, student athletes are subject to testing whenever the Athletic Director, the coaching staff, or other individuals designated in the Athletic Code of Conduct have a reasonable suspicion that the student athlete has violated this policy. With approval by the College’s Administration, the Athletic Department shall develop an Athletic Code of Conduct and shall include protocols and standards for testing student athletes for banned substances.

The objectives of this policy include:

• To promote the health, safety and welfare of the student-athletes who participate in the College’s programs and who represent San Jacinto College in intercollegiate athletics.
• To educate student-athletes about the risks associated with the abuse and misuse of banned substances, including performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances.
• To deter drug and alcohol use and abuse among student-athletes to maintain an environment that promotes their optimal health, safety, and wellbeing.
• To identify and assist those students who would benefit from counseling, education, and treatment.
• To maintain the integrity of the Athletics Department and fair competition.
• To provide appropriate sanctions to ensure compliance with this policy.

Sanctions

Education and counseling are the primary objectives for those students who test positive in the drug screening program.  Additionally, student sanctions for confirmed positive drug screening results, admittance of use, or possession or distribution of prohibited substances and paraphernalia may include short-term suspension from a team, long-term suspension, suspension or expulsion from San Jacinto College, revocation of privileges, and forfeiture of athletic financial aid and/or athletic scholarships.  Student athletes also are subject to these sanctions for manipulating a drug test and/or compromising the integrity of the testing process.