Substance Abuse Policy

2009-10 NCAA Banned Substances

The Department of Athletics subscribes to the University Policy for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, as found in the UMass Lowell student handbook.   In accordance with the Policy, the University prohibits the following:

A.  General Policies: The University prohibits the following:

• The use and distribution of illicit drugs and the consumption of alcohol by a person under the legal drinking age.  Violations of local, state, and federal law also constitute violations of University regulations.
• The use and distribution of illicit drugs and the consumption of alcohol by a person under the legal drinking age.  Violations of local, state, and federal law also constitute violations of University regulations.
• The use of University funds for the purchase of alcohol or other drugs to be used by the student-athletes or any prospective student-athlete while they are visiting the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
• The consumption of alcohol on all team trips regardless of the age of the student-athlete, student-manager, or student athletic trainer.

Student-athletes are subject to the disciplinary sanctions of the Athletic Department, as well as, the imposition of any sanctions imposed by the University judicial system.  Moreover, when a student is charged with a violation of law, it is the practice of the University to initiate its own disciplinary proceedings without awaiting court action. 

B.  Drug Education and Testing Program: The overall goal of the UMass Lowell Drug Education and Testing Program is to promote a year-round drug free environment within the UML intercollegiate athletic program. This program provides a comprehensive plan that links student-athlete education, testing and rehabilitation in an integrated manner. Imbedded within the overall goal are the following guiding objectives:

• Education - to provide student-athletes with the knowledge and information regarding the use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs.
  • Educate student-athletes as to the personal risks and dangers of alcohol and other drug use;
  • Improve student-athlete decision-making with regard to alcohol and other drug use;
  • Reduce alcohol and other drug use;
  • Assist in identifying student-athletes with substance abuse problems; and,
  • Ensure compliance with NCAA and University guidelines.
• Testing - to detect the use of possible prohibited drug use that may be harmful to student-athletes in either the short term or long term.
  • UML conducts random drug testing throughout the academic year.  Student-athletes testing positive will be subject to the sanctions described in the complete UMass Lowell Drug Education and Testing Policy.
  • The NCAA conducts random drug testing during some championship events as well as during random visits to its member institutions. A student-athlete who tests positive will automatically lose a minimum of one year of eligibility (from the date of the test).  Unless an appeal is filed and granted by the NCAA in which case it may be decreased to 50% of in-season competition.
  • Once a student-athlete has tested positive during an NCAA-sponsored event, and eligibility has been restored, he/she will be tested again at subsequent championship events. A student-athlete testing positive under the UML Drug Testing Program will also be tested during the next UML testing date.
• Rehabilitation - to provide counseling and rehabilitative services to student-  athletes who have been identified as drug users through the screening process.
  • Student-athletes who self-refer or are referred through testing will be provided with counseling and rehabilitation as performed by licensed, credentialed health care professionals.
  • All communication between the student-athlete and health care professionals will be strictly confidential. 
  • Team physicians and other health care professionals will work cooperatively in the evaluation, treatment, referral and aftercare of student-athletes.

C. Incident Management

• An incident in which a student-athlete has a confirmed violation (positive drug test, arrest, University sanctioned incident, etc.) of the substance abuse policy will be handled in the following manner:
  • The student-athlete will be assessed the sanctions associated with a positive drug test/substance abuse violation. The level (first, second or third) and sanctions will correspond to the number of previous offenses. Sanctions will be imposed immediately.
  • Sanctions include varying levels of competitive suspensions, parental notification, follow up drug testing and referral to counseling for evaluation and possible treatment. 
  • Sanctions may also include gradation or termination of athletic scholarships for current and or future semesters.
• For instances in which the suspected violation has not been confirmed the following steps will be followed:
  • There will be an information-gathering meeting between the designated Athletic Department administrator, head coach, and involved student-athlete. Based on facts gathered at this time, recommendations and/or referral for counseling will be made.
  • If a violation is confirmed from the information obtained the student-athlete will be assessed a positive drug test/substance abuse violation.  All sanctions assigned to that level of violation would be assessed immediately.
  • If a violation cannot be confirmed from the evidence a recommendation will be made to the Athletic Director regarding other possible punitive measures.   If deemed necessary by the Drug Testing Committee, the student-athlete may be tested for banned substances through the departments Reasonable Suspicion Testing protocol.  
  • Criteria for continuing athletic participation will be established in writing, agreed upon, and signed by the student-athlete, coach, and administrator;
  • The following guidelines will be followed during the incident management:
    • All information will be strictly confidential.
    • Accurate and comprehensive records of all incidents, meetings and actions will be kept on file in the Athletic Department.
    • The student-athlete will receive and sign a written statement of all actions taken.
    • The student-athlete has the right to appeal any action taken by the Athletic Department through existing grievance procedures as outlined in the UMass Lowell Student Conduct Code.

D. Safe Harbor

• Any student-athlete may refer him/herself for evaluation/counseling by approaching a coach, athletic trainer, administrator, physician or counselor.  The student-athlete will enter into a counseling/rehabilitation program as prescribed by the professional staff.  No administrative sanctions will be imposed on a student-athlete who has self-referred to this program. A student-athlete may not request SAFE HARBOR after they have been notified of an impending drug test or have tested positive on a prior drug test.  A Student-athlete must initiate SAFE HARBOR at least 24 hours prior to a scheduled drug test.

UMass Lowell Athletics Inside Athletics

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