Departmental policies specify the criteria for referral to treatment for ATOD concerns and the procedural issues associated with referral including timeliness, confidentiality and expected follow-up. Counseling resources include a range of modalities. Services are accessible and scheduling is compatible with class, practice, athletics training and game and travel schedules, so that students can be seen in a timely fashion. Collegial relationship development between athletics and counseling staff contributes to a process that is sensitive to the unique athletics culture and required protocols of counseling and confidentiality.
Model Programs:
Division I
Safe Harbor Program - Illinois State University
- Documents include the drug testing policy, specific sanctions, information on the Safe Harbour program and signature forms. Safe Harbor is a self-referral program for student-athletes with a substance use disorder. The 30 day program exempts students from University drug testing, but not NCAA testing. Students cannot self-refer less than 30 days before NCAA post-season play.
Counseling Policy (p. 13) - Virginia Tech
- Counseling is mandatory for any student-athlete who tests positive. The counselor determines when to terminate counseling, and missed sessions are reported to the substance abuse committee (SAC).
Division II
Safe Harbor (p. 37) - University of Mount Olive
- Student-athletes can seek help for a substance use disorder through the Safe Harbor program. Students retain their athletics aid and are not suspended from the team unless medically necessary, Safe harbor counts as a first positive drug test.
Division III
Drug Education & Testing Program - Springfield College
- The policy describes the purpose of procedures for drug testing. There is a detailed description of the Safe Harbour program for students who self-refer for a substance use disorder.