REG 09.00.04 – Drug Education Screening, Counseling, and Deterrence Program

History: First Issued: July 1, 2013. Last Revised: July 14, 2020.

Related Policies:
POL 09.00.02–Drug Education, Screening, Counseling, and Deterrence Policy
UNC Policy 1100.1 – Intercollegiate Athletics
UNC Code: Appendix 1, Section XIII – Intercollegiate Athletics

Additional References:
Appendix A – Drug Testing Protocol


1.  INTRODUCTION

This regulation sets forth NC State’s program and procedures regarding the drug education, screening, counseling, and deterrence for the members of the university’s intercollegiate athletic teams, including both scholarship and walk-on student-athletes.

This Regulation shall serve as a minimum standard for all intercollegiate athletics teams at NC State. Individual athletic teams may implement more strict requirements and corrective measures with the approval of the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. The NCAA also maintains separate rules and regulations related to banned substances, and NC State’s athletes are also subject to those rules and regulations.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 The terms “contests,” “games,” “matches,” “competitions,” “events,” and “meets” should be considered synonymous unless otherwise noted within this regulation.

2.2 “Chain of Custody” means the process demonstrating control, transfer, analysis and disposition of the specimen.

2.3 “Corrective Measures” may include probation, suspension, dismissal, counseling, follow-up testing, behavior modifications, medical and mental health interventions, and other appropriate measures.

2.4 “Cross-Reactivity” means a phenomenon where the drug test indicates a positive result due to the presence of a substance other than the one being tested.

2.5 “Dismissal” means the student-athlete is terminated from the team, all team activities, and all intercollegiate athletic activities permanently. Dismissal may also include loss of academic support services, sports medicine, and other benefits associated with being a student-athlete. Additionally, as part of the dismissal process, the Department of Athletics may advise the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that the student’s athletically related financial aid is recommended for cancelation or non-renewal.

2.6 “Fatal Flaws” means a procedural error in the specimen collection, Chain of Custody, drug testing and/or analysis which calls into question whether the Positive Test result was accurate.

2.7 The terms “illegal drugs,” “prohibited substances,” “prohibited drugs,” “street drugs,” “recreational drugs,” and “controlled substances” should be considered synonymous unless otherwise noted within this regulation. These terms mean those drugs or substances categorized in the NCAA-Banned Drug Classes list, which is updated and revised periodically. A copy of this list can be found online at www.ncaa.org.

2.8 “Intercollegiate athletic activity” means any activity within the Athletics Department, including but not limited to weight-lifting, conditioning, participating in competition or practice, receiving team benefits, participating in other social functions within the Athletics Department, and serving as a student assistant, manager, athletic trainer, administrative assistant, etc.

2.9 “Positive Test” means a drug test that results in a finding either equal to or exceeding the threshold for a drug or substance prohibited by this regulation and as provided in Appendix A.

2.10 “Suspension” or “Suspended” means being sanctioned or withheld from one or more athletic competitions. The student-athlete may not participate in or dress for games. The student-athlete may not travel to an away game unless the suspension period concludes within an away series. Unless specifically prohibited, for continuity of care, the student-athlete may continue to use athletic facilities during the time of the suspension, such as the weight-room, academic support services and sports medicine. The student-athlete is also permitted to practice and participate in intra-squad scrimmages as well as non-championship season games unless otherwise prohibited. Additionally, a student-athlete who is Suspended may not participate in an event(s) as an “unattached” entrant during the NCAA Championship season. Suspension for a percentage of the competitive season will be calculated by adding the total number of games (including pre-season games) listed on the schedule for the NCAA Championship season plus one (1) game for post season play multiplied by the percentage of suspension due. If the suspension percentage equates with a decimal, the value will be rounded down to the nearest whole game regardless of the decimal value. The student-athlete should be withheld from all scheduled pre-season, regular season, and post-season games, including into the following season if necessary, until the suspension period is completed.

2.11 “Valid sample” means a specimen produced that meets the specified criteria for temperature, volume, and on-site specific gravity as delineated by the NCAA Drug Testing Program Manual’s specimen collection procedures or as specified for the type of sample collected.

2.12 The terms Vice Chancellor and Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Director of Athletics, Sport Supervisor, and Director of Sports Medicine include their designees or appointees.

3. PROGRAM COMPONENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Education

Each member of every intercollegiate athletic team at NC State may be required to participate in specific drug education activities provided by the Athletics Department and supervised by the head coaches. Failure to attend required education activities could result in the corrective measures listed in section 5.2.

3.2 Testing

3.2.1 Drug Screening Tests

To participate in intercollegiate athletics, student-athletes are required to submit to drug screening tests designed to reveal the use of prohibited substances. The test will be a urinalysis or other appropriate drug screening exam and the test may occur on one or more of the occasions listed in section 3.3 below. The testing shall comply with established protocols. The collection of the test sample may be observed or unobserved.

3.2.2 Prescription Drugs, Over the Counter Medications, and Supplements

3.2.2.1 Student-athletes who are taking drugs pursuant to a prescription are required to notify Sports Medicine and receive approval of the drug by the team physician. All prescription medications must include a written statement from the attending physician indicating why the athlete is taking the medication and a statement of medical necessity. If the drug is listed on the NCAA’s Banned Substance list, alternative medications must be considered. Student-athletes must provide this information at the beginning of each school year and update the information as new prescriptions are received.

3.2.2.2 It is possible to have a Positive Test for banned substances when a drug has been prescribed for a medical condition. A Positive Test without a prescription will be considered a violation and the student-athlete will be subject to the appropriate corrective measures. Test results will be cross-referenced with known prescriptions to rule out a Positive Test result occurring as a result of a legitimate prescription.

3.2.2.3 It is also possible to have a Positive Test for banned substances contained in over-the-counter medications or supplements. Student-athletes should consult with his/her Sports Registered Dietitian (RD) and/or Athletic Trainer prior to taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements. Student-athletes may also consult with the Drug Free Sports Axis resource online which is noted in Appendix A.

3.2.2.4 Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and are highly subject to cross-contamination during production. Student-athletes must receive pre-authorization from the NC State Sports RD before taking any supplement. Ultimately the student-athlete will be held accountable for any banned substance and/or metabolite identified during testing. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete’s own risk.

3.3 Testing Occasions

3.3.1 Assessment Testing

New NC State student-athletes (freshman, transfer students, or try-outs) may be subject to testing during or near the time of their pre-participation physical examination. This testing will be used to identify and assess at-risk individuals. The testing will occur according to established testing protocols.

3.3.2 Random Testing

Every student-athlete is subject to random testing at any time, including pre-season, in-season, post-season and during the summer. The testing occasion may be announced or unannounced and student-athletes to be tested will be selected by a computer generated randomized list. The testing will occur according to established testing protocols.

3.3.3 Reasonable Basis Testing

3.3.3.1 A student-athlete may be subject to testing at any time when, in the judgment of the Director of Athletics or his/her designee(s), there is a reasonable basis to suspect the student-athlete is engaged in the use of prohibited drugs or substances as defined by this regulation. This reasonable basis may be ascertained from information from any source deemed reliable by these athletic officials, including, but not limited to:

(a) Observed possession or use of drugs/substances that reasonably appear to be those prohibited by the Drug Education, Screening, Counseling, and Deterrence Policy, POL 09.00.02 (“Policy”);

(b) Conviction of a criminal offense related to the possession, use or trafficking in drugs for substances prohibited by the Policy or this Regulation, arrest for such an offense where         there is a factual basis for the arrest, or any acceptance or plea of responsibility for a drug offense, including a prayer for judgment;

(c) Observed abnormal appearance, conduct, academic performance or behavior concerns, including those that are disruptive to team dynamics and/or culture, and reasonably interpretable as being caused by the use of drugs/substances prohibited by the Policy or this Regulation;

(d) Credible reports of usage or possession of drugs or substances prohibited by the Policy or this Regulation, including positive results from a drug test administered by a sport governing body; or

(e) Any other reasonable basis under the circumstances.

Testing will follow established testing protocols.

3.3.3.2 When a student-athlete has a Positive Test for drugs or substances prohibited by the Policy or this Regulation, the student-athlete may be tested again at any time. The Director of Sports Medicine will notify the student-athlete of the testing.

3.3.4 Toxicology Reports

Tests ordered by a physician to assist in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a medical condition may not be used as a violation of the Policy or this Regulation. The results of any such test, however, may serve as a reasonable basis for testing under the Policy and this Regulation.

Toxicology reports generated in the investigation of a crime or incident may be used as evidence of a violation of the Policy, this Regulation, and/or Team Rules.

3.4 Compliance

3.4.1 To participate on an NC State’s intercollegiate athletic team, all student-athletes must comply and agree to abide by the terms and requirements of the Policy and this Regulation.

3.4.2 The student-athlete shall receive, read, and consent to the terms of the Policy and this Regulation prior to participation in athletic activities. This consent will be signified by the student-athlete’s signature affixed to a consent form. A student-athlete who fails to sign the statement will not be permitted to participate on NC State’s intercollegiate athletic team.

4. VIOLATIONS OF THE POLICY AND/OR THIS REGULATION

4.1 The following activities are violations of this regulation:

4.1.1 Failure to Participate in or Cooperate with Testing;

4.1.1.1 A student-athlete who fails to appear for testing without good cause shown will be considered the same as having a Positive Test for an anabolic agent;

4.1.1.2 A student-athlete who attempts to circumvent the specimen collection and testing process will be considered the same as having a Positive Test for an anabolic agent;

4.1.1.3 Failure to Produce a Valid Specimen will be considered the same as having a Positive Test for an anabolic agent;

4.1.2 Failure to Attend Drug Education Activity;

4.1.3 A Positive Test result for a drug test administered pursuant to the Policy or this Regulation;

4.1.4 Any positive result on an NCAA administered drug test and for which the NCAA has its own consequences in addition to NC State’s.

4.2 All violations are cumulative during the student-athlete’s time at the university for disciplinary purposes.

5. CORRECTIVE MEASURES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE POLICY AND/OR THIS REGULATION

5.1  Student-athletes who violate the Policy or this Regulation will be subjected to corrective measures in accordance with this Regulation.

5.2  A student-athlete who fails to attend any required drug education seminar will be allowed to perform a makeup activity. Failure to satisfactorily complete the required programming by the instructed deadline will result in a mandatory meeting with the head coach of the sport and sport supervisor.

5.3  A student-athlete with a Positive Test result will be notified of the test result and may be required to participate in counseling, treatment, and additional testing.

5.3.1 Notification of a Positive Test, Counseling, Treatment, and Additional Testing

(a) Notification to Athletics Staff. When a Positive Test result occurs, the Director of Sports Medicine will notify the head coach of the sport in which the student-athlete participates, the Director of Athletics, the respective sport supervisor, and the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR).

(b) Notification to Student-Athlete. The student-athlete may be notified verbally by either the head coach of the sport, the respective sport supervisor, or the Director of Sports Medicine. The student-athlete’s parents or guardians will then be advised of the Positive Test result and corrective measures for the student-athlete.

(c) Meeting with Director of Sports Medicine. The student-athlete will be required to meet with the Director of Sports Medicine within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving notification of the Positive Test results. Exemptions to this time requirement may be granted by the Director of Sports Medicine for good cause shown. During this meeting, the Director of Sports Medicine will provide the student-athlete with written notification of the Positive Test and the corrective measures to be imposed as a result of the Positive Test. Additionally, the student-athlete will be informed of the right to appeal the findings.

(d)  Additional Actions. The student-athlete will undergo an evaluation by a licensed clinical addiction specialist designated by the Director of Sports Medicine and may be required to attend counseling sessions, education programs and/or rehabilitation activities as specified by the licensed clinical addiction specialist. The student-athlete must meet with the specialist within ten (10) business days of notification. Exceptions may be granted by the Director of Sports Medicine. Failure to meet within the specified guideline will result in a mandatory meeting with the head coach of the sport and sport supervisor. Further non-compliance, including missed appointments with designated medical professionals, may result in additional corrective measures.

5.3.2 Positive Tests for THC/Marijuana

In addition to the consequences specified in section 5.3.1, the minimum corrective measures below will apply following a Positive Test for THC/Marijuana:

(a) Assessment Testing Positive Test: If the Positive Test occurs during Assessment Testing, the student-athlete will be required to participate in education and counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(b) Post Assessment Test Positive Tests: If the Positive Test occurs after Assessment Testing, the following corrective measures will apply:

(1)  First Positive Test: The student-athlete will be required to participate in education and counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(2)  Second Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended immediately from competition for 10 % of the NCAA Championship season pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.10. The student-athlete may also be required to participate in counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(3)  Third Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended immediately from competition for an additional 10 % of the NCAA Championship season pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.10. The student-athlete may also be required to participate in counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(4)  Fourth Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended indefinitely from the athletic team and all intercollegiate activities. The Athletics Department may also make a recommendation to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that the student’s athletic aid should be cancelled and/or not renewed.

5.3.3 Positive Tests for Other Banned Substances That are Not an Anabolic Agent

In addition to the consequences specified in section 5.3.1, the minimum corrective measures below will apply following a Positive Test for a substance that is not an anabolic agent or THC/Marijuana:

(a)  First Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended immediately from competition for 10% of the NCAA Championship season pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.10.  This result happens whether the first Positive Test occurs during or after Assessment Testing. The student-athlete may also be required to participate in counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(b) Second Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended immediately from competition for 20% of the NCAA Championship season pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.10. The student-athlete may also be required to participate in counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(c) Third Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended indefinitely from the athletic team and all intercollegiate activities. The Athletics Department may also make a recommendation to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that the student’s athletic aid should be canceled and/or not renewed.

5.3.4 Positive Tests for a Banned Substance that is an Anabolic Agent

In addition to the consequences specified in section 5.3.1, the minimum corrective measures below will apply following a Positive Test for a substance that is an anabolic agent:

(a)  First Positive Test: The student-athlete will be Suspended immediately from competition for 50% of the NCAA Championship season pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.10.  This result happens whether the first Positive Test occurs during or after Assessment Testing. The student-athlete may also be required to participate in counseling sessions at the discretion of the provider.

(b) Second Positive Test: The student-athlete will be permanently dismissed from the athletic team and all intercollegiate activities. The Athletics Department will also make a recommendation to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that the student’s athletic aid should be canceled and/or not renewed.

5.4 Written Notice of Corrective Measures

The student-athlete will be given written notice by the Director of Sports Medicine of the intention to impose one or more corrective measures, the reasons for the proposed action, and the right of the student-athlete to appeal the decision.

5.5 Exception to the Written Notice Requirement

If the proposed corrective measures are based on a preliminary determination of improper drug use that may threaten the health of the athlete other student-athletes or other members of the university community, all athletic participation, training, practice, and competition shall be stopped immediately, pending a medical determination as to whether the athlete is fit and able to resume safe participation in athletic activities. This medical determination, designed to protect the health of the student-athlete, other student-athletes, or other members of the athletic community shall be made as promptly as possible by designated medical professionals. Any information supplied by the student-athlete to medical personnel incident to making such a determination shall not be admissible in any university disciplinary process.

5.6 Implementation of Corrective Measures

Any corrective measures imposed shall become effective immediately following the meeting with the Director of Sports Medicine, unless the student-athlete submits a written appeal pursuant to section 5 and the appeal is deemed proper for hearing. Once the hearing is granted, the corrective measures will be temporarily lifted until the appeal has been concluded.

5.7 Failure to Comply with Corrective Measures

Failure to comply with any of the corrective measures imposed as a result of violation of the Policy or this Regulation may result in the imposition of additional corrective measures.

6. APPEALS

6.1 Any student-athlete found responsible for violating the Policy or this Regulation may submit an appeal to the Director of Athletics within five (5) university business days after receiving the written notice of responsibility. Failure to submit the written appeal within this time limit will render the decision final.

By requesting a hearing, the student-athlete acknowledges that the test results at issue will be shared with the panel members hearing the case and other school officials with a legitimate educational interest in the information.

6.2 The student-athlete’s written appeal must contain a statement describing the student-athlete’s grounds for appeal, any other relevant documentation the student wishes to submit, and the student-athlete’s contact information, including email addresses and telephone number(s). The basis of the challenge must be expressed in the written request and must be based on one or more of the applicable grounds for appeal provided in section 6.3. The Director of Athletics, or his/her designee, will determine whether the matter is proper for review and notify the student-athlete of the impending hearing date. If a determination is made that an appeal is proper, the Director of Athletics shall forward the student-athlete’s submission to the FAR for further proceedings. If the appeal is not deemed proper, the Director of Athletics or designee shall notify the student-athlete of the decision in writing. Any appeal shall be limited to the decision regarding the violation of the Policy or this Regulation and any corrective measures imposed; other issues relating to the student are not appropriate on appeal and will not be reviewed.

6.3 What Can Be Heard

(a)        A challenge based on Cross-Reactivity, and/or

(b)        A challenge based on Fatal Flaws.

6.4 If a student-athlete claims a violation of NCSU POL04.25.05 – Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement as a basis for the decision, the matter shall be referred to the NC State Office of Equal Opportunity (“OEO”) for review. The appeal proceedings shall be held in abeyance until the OEO has completed its review.

7 HEARING PROCEDURES

7.1 The FAR shall provide a copy of the student-athlete’s written appeal and supporting materials to the Department of Athletics’ compliance staff, the Director of Sports Medicine, and the appropriate Sport Supervisor (“Athletics Representatives”). The Athletics Representatives shall have ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the appeal materials to submit a written response to the FAR, with copy to the student. Given the facts and circumstances of a particular case, at his/her discretion, the FAR could invite the parties to participate in an informal resolution process to come to a fair and mutual agreement between the student-athlete, the university representative, and the FAR. If no mutual agreement is reached, the matter will proceed to the Hearing Panel.

7.2 The Hearing Panel

The FAR will appoint a three (3) member panel to hear the matter. The panel should be comprised of the FAR, who will preside over the hearing, and two additional members selected from following: a team physician, the Medical Director of Student Health Services, a psychiatrist from either the university Counseling Center or Sports Medicine, or any faculty or staff member of the Council on Athletics. If the FAR is unable or unwilling to serve as chair, the panel will elect a chair. The FAR shall also contact the Office of General Counsel to request that legal counsel be assigned to the panel to provide advice on procedural and other legal matters. The FAR will be a non-voting member of the hearing panel except in the case of a tie, in which case the FAR will cast the deciding vote.

7.3 The hearing shall be convened within ten (10) university business days from the date of the student-athlete’s written request. The date for hearing may be extended for good cause shown. The hearing is closed to the public.

7.4 The purpose of the hearing is to provide the parties with a fair opportunity to present their respective positions to the panel. The Chair is responsible for determining whether the hearing will be conducted by telephone conference call or in-person.

7.5 Formal rules of evidence do not apply at the hearing, and the panel may consider any information presented by the parties that it finds relevant and reliable.

7.6 Except in the course of the hearing, panel members should not have any communication with the parties, directly or indirectly, concerning the substance of the case.

7.7 The student-athlete may be accompanied by an adviser, who may be a student, staff, faculty member or attorney. Full responsibility for understanding these procedures and presenting the case remains with the student-athlete, even when an advisor is present to provide assistance. In addition to an adviser, the student-athlete may bring an observer to the hearing. An observer may be a parent, friend, or other person of the student-athlete’s choice. Observers may confer with the student-athlete during the hearing, so long as the observer does not address the Chair or panel members. Observers may not provide legal representation at the hearing, actively participate in the hearing, or serve to disrupt or delay it.  If the student-athlete intends to have an adviser or observer present for the hearing, the student-athlete must send written notice to the FAR of the name and role of the attendee (attorney, adviser, observer) at least five days prior to the hearing.

7.8 The University must also be represented at the hearing by one or more of the Athletics Representatives.

7.9 Panel members and all other persons involved in the proceeding are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding the proceeding. State and federal laws govern the privacy rights of students and employees. Questions about the disclosure of information should be directed to the Office of General Counsel.

7.10 The Chair shall oversee all aspects of the hearing and shall exercise control over the proceedings in order to avoid repetitive information and to achieve orderly completion of the hearing. The Chair may exclude any person who disrupts the hearing.

7.11 Each party may make an opening and closing statement. After the opening statement, an Athletic Representative shall present information related to the violation of the Policy.  The Athletic Representative may present any information or statements relevant to the appeal.  Next, the student athlete may present any statements or other relevant information to support the asserted grounds for appeal. Panel members may ask questions or request additional information at any time during the hearing. Once the parties have completed their presentations and there are no additional questions from the panel, the parties may make a closing statement. The Athletic Representative shall make the first closing statement and the student-athlete shall make the final closing statement. The Chair may place time limitations on opening/closing statements.

7.12 Once the hearing phase has concluded, everyone but the panel members and any legal advisor to the panel shall be excused from the hearing in order for the panel to convene a closed session. The panel shall deliberate and reach a decision on the challenge in a closed session. The decision must be based solely on the information presented at the hearing. The panel shall review the arguments and documentation submitted and determine whether the student athlete has shown that is more likely than not that the finding of a violation of the Policy or this Regulation was flawed due to Cross-Reactivity and/or Fatal Flaws which calls into question whether the test result or finding was accurate. The panel’s legal advisor will observe deliberations and may answer questions from or otherwise advise the panel as to applicable University policies, regulations and rules or relevant law; the legal advisor, however will not participate in discussions or attempt to influence the outcome of the hearing.

7.13 Within five (5) university business days after the conclusion of the hearing, the panel shall issue a written decision regarding its determination of the facts, its findings, and any recommended corrective measures. The decision of the panel shall be final, and no further appeal of the decision is permitted.

7.14 Imposition of any corrective measures may not occur until the appeal has been concluded.

7.15 Temporary suspension from competition pending a final decision.

During the hearing period and before the panel issues a decision, the student-athlete will be permitted to participate in all intercollegiate competition unless the Director of Athletics imposes a temporary suspension from competition. Temporary suspension may be imposed after the Director of Athletics (1) meets with the student-athlete, (2) explains what the alleged violation is and what evidence exists, (3) allows the student-athlete to explain, deny, or rebut, and (4) the Director of Athletics determines the evidence is strong enough to warrant a hearing and a suspension until a decision on the hearing. The temporary suspension may remain in place, in the Director of Athletics’ discretion, until there is a final decision based on the hearing.

8. SELF REPORTING A DRUG PROBLEM

8.1 Corrective Measures

A student-athlete who self-reports a drug problem will follow the remedial guidelines as set forth below:

8.1.1 The Director of Sports Medicine and/or authorized physician will meet with the student-athlete and arrange counseling and evaluation sessions.

8.1.2 The student-athlete will be encouraged to notify his/her parents or guardian.

8.1.3 The student-athlete will be placed on probation for a period of one year. During this time the student-athlete may be required to undergo reasonable basis testing as provided in section 3.3.3 above.

8.1.4 The student-athlete must attend counseling and evaluation sessions.

8.1.5 The student-athlete will be allowed to practice and compete once the supervising physician determines that the student-athlete is not at any additional risk.

8.1.6 The student-athlete will be placed on a sixty (60) day exempt period during which time the student-athlete will not be considered positive for subsequent tests conducted by NC State unless a new banned substance is discovered. NCAA testing does not acknowledge NC State’s Self-Reporting process. If the student-athlete tests positive with the NCAA during this period, the student-athlete will be subject to the sanctions imposed by the NCAA.

8.1.7 If the student-athlete fails to attend and/or actively participate in mandated treatment, the sixty (60) day exempt period will be revoked and any subsequent Positive Tests will be considered an additional offense.

8.1.8 After the exempt period further corrective measures will follow based on whether a subsequent positive test is the student-athlete’s first, second, or third violation.

8.2 Self-reporting will be accepted at any time prior to testing notification or up until midnight before the given day of testing, whichever occurs first. Self-reporting will not be accepted after a student receives notification of the impending test or on the test day. A student-athlete who self-reports a violation after notification or during the impending drug test will be subject to corrective measures.

8.3 The corrective measures for self-reporting may only be utilized once during a student-athlete’s tenure at NC State. All subsequent self-reports will follow the corrective measures outlined in section 5.3.

9. REINSTATEMENT

9.1 A student-athlete who has been dismissed from intercollegiate athletic activity for violating the Policy or this Regulation may petition for reinstatement on the team within six (6) months of meeting all conditions specified in the written notification of dismissal. The student-athlete must petition the Director of Athletics, the Director of Sports Medicine and the head coach of the respective sport in writing explaining the student-athlete’s disposition and the justification for reinstatement.

9.2 Reinstatement may be granted by the Director of Athletics upon formal written request from the student-athlete’s head coach and verification of compliance from the Director of Sports Medicine.

9.3 Reinstatement will not be granted for any student-athlete who has been dismissed based upon a second Positive Test for a substance that is identified as an anabolic agent on the NCAA list of banned drugs.

 

APPENDIX A: 

Supplement Safety:

To inquire about possible contaminates of over the counter supplements, student-athletes may consult with the Drug Free Sports Axis resource

at https://dfsaxis.com/users/login by using login name: NCAA Division I, and password: ncaa1.  Student-athletes must also receive pre-authorization from the NC State Sports RD before taking any supplement.

Drug Testing Thresholds

The table below demonstrates NC State’s Positive Threshold for specific drug classes as of 7/1/2020.  Thresholds may be amended periodically to correlate with NCAA and/or WADA thresholds.

A. The Recreational Drugs Profile:

  1. Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 500ng/ml
  2. MDMA/MDEA/MDA/PMA 100ng/ml
  3. Barbiturates 100ng/ml
  4. Benzodiazepines 100ng/ml
  5. Cannabinoids 150ng/ml
  6. Cocaine 150ng/ml
  7. Opiates 100ng/ml
  8. Methadone 200ng.ml
  9. Phencyclidine (PCP) 10ng/ml
  10. Carisoprodol/Meprobamate  200ng/ml
  11. Ephedrine 10000ng/ml
  12. Methylphenidate 100ng/ml

B. Steroids are tested at known detectable levels using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Testosterone or any other substance which has the effect of manipulating testosterone levels will be considered positive based on a ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone which is greater than 6:1.  Additional testing for Estrogen blockers and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry or other emerging technology may be used to confirm positive testosterone results.

C. Specific Compounds are tested at known detectable levels. Any single banned substance can be tested using GCMS or appropriate technology.