University of Maryland Drug Policy for Student-Athletes

The University of Maryland College Park adheres to the principle that there is no place in intercollegiate athletics for substance abuse of any kind. The primary intent of the University's policy concerning drug testing and screening is to preserve the well-being of the student-athlete. The University is interested in the prevention and control of drug abuse, as well as in helping student-athletes with drug abuse problems. The drug testing and screening program is regarded as a preventative measure for a potentially serious illness. 

For the purpose of this policy "student-athlete" is defined as: 

1. All student-athletes who have been declared eligible for practice and/or competition by ACC and NCAA standards; and 
2. All members of the Spirit Squad, student managers, video assistants, and student trainers. 

For the purposes of this document a "confirmed positive result" is defined as positive result from Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer testing. 

Each student-athlete that enters the intercollegiate athletics program is provided with a copy of the University's Drug Policy for Student-Athletes and Substance Abuse Testing Procedures for Student-Athletes and required to sign a Consent to Testing of Urine Samples and Authorization for Release of Information Form which stipulates that he/she has read and understands the University's policy on drug testing and agrees to participate in the administering of drug screening, as required. If the student-athlete is a minor, the form must also be signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). 

The University of Maryland College Park recognizes that use of certain drugs (other than under a physician's care) is not in the best interest of the student-athlete or the intercollegiate athletics program. Use of these drugs: 

1. can affect the physical and mental well-being of the student-athlete; 
2. can alter the athletic and academic performance of the student-athlete;
3. can be dangerous to the student-athlete or to others, especially during any athletic activity; and 
4. in most cases is illegal. 

Accordingly, the College Park Campus provides a mandatory drug education and testing program under the direction of the Head Team Physician/Medical Review Officer (MRO). The Athletic Director is responsible for assuring the full cooperation of Athletic Department personnel and student athletes with the policy. The purpose of the program is: 

1. to educate student-athletes about the problems of drug abuse; 
2. to prevent drug abuse by student-athletes; 
3. to avoid the problems attendant upon such drug abuse; and 
4. to provide a common mechanism for the detection, sanction and treatment of specific cases of drug abuse. 

Participation in a general program of drug education is required of every student-athlete. 

E. Screening and Testing for Use of Illicit Drugs 

The testing program is under the control and supervision of the Head Team Physician/Medical Review Officer. Tests may or may not be announced in advance. The number, timing, and other procedures for testing are determined by the Head Team Physician/Medical Review Officer. A detailed account of the procedures which are followed to administer the tests is contained in The University of Maryland Substance Abuse Testing Procedures for Student Athletes document. 

The urinalysis may include procedures for detection of any one (1) or any combination of the following drugs: 

1. all drugs or harmful substances prohibited as controlled dangerous substances under Schedule I through V of Article 27, Sec. 279 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (as amended from time to time); 
2. all harmful substances, the inhaling or smelling of which is prohibited by Article 27, Sec. 301 (as amended from time to time); 
3. all prescription drugs as defined in Article 27, Sec. 300 (as amended from time to time); 
4. all harmful substances prohibited by NCAA By-law 31.2.3.1 (a copy of which is maintained in the office of the Director of Athletics and available for student review); and 
5. all forms of steroids.

This testing of drugs includes, but is not specifically limited to, the commonly abused drugs:

Amphetamines Phencyclidine (PCP) Barbiturates Cocaine Methaqualone (quaalude) Marijuana/THC Benzediazepam (librium)