FILE:  IDFAA

Cf:  IDFA, JCDACA

 

DRUG TESTING OF ATHLETES

 

 

The Richland Parish School Board, in order to provide for the health and safety of the  individual athlete and other athletes, and to provide a legitimate reason for students to say "no" to drug use, shall conduct a mandatory drug testing program for all student athletes.  It is designed to create a safe, drug free environment for student athletes and assist them in getting help when needed.

 

PROCEDURES

 

Consent:

 

The parent and/or guardian and the student athlete shall be required to sign a written consent for drug testing prior to the student participating in any athletic program.  Any time an athlete refuses to be tested, he/she shall be suspended from the team for the remainder of the school year and must submit to a drug test by the School Board's designated laboratory at his or her expense before participating the next school year.

 

Laboratory:

 

The drug testing shall be done by a certified laboratory designated by the Richland Parish School Board.  The specimens collected shall only be tested for the prohibited drugs listed below.  The testing firm shall collect the specimens and shall handle the chain of custody and reporting of results.  Collection shall take place under the supervision of the Drug-Free Schools Coordinator.  Results shall be submitted to the Superintendent.  The process for collection shall be developed by the Richland Parish School System and the designated testing laboratory.  Procedures shall be designed to ensure the integrity of specimens and protect the privacy of individuals being tested.  Testing will be done by urine sampling.  The specimens shall not be tested for diseases or conditions other than drug use.

 

The drug test will screen for the following six classes of drugs:  1) Opiates, 2) Cocaine, 3) Amphetamines, 4) Cannabinoids (marijuana), 5) Phencyclidines (PCP), and 6) Benzodiazepines.

 

Medication:

 

Student athletes who are or have been taking prescription medication must have verification (either by a copy of the prescription or by doctor's authorization) prior to being tested.  Students who refuse to provide verification and test positive shall be subject to the actions specified below for "positive tests."

 

Student Selection:

 

Student athletes may be tested at the beginning of each school year.  Random testing may also be conducted during the sports season.  Students selected for random testing will be selected by the computer at the laboratory.  Random selection will be generated by student I.D. or social security number.  Students shall be tested the same day their random numbers are drawn.

 

"Positive" Tests:

 

If the student's drug test indicates positive results, a second test shall be administered as soon as possible to confirm the result.  Parents shall be notified after the second positive test.  If the second test is negative, no further action will be taken.  If the second test is positive, the following action will be taken:

 

First Offense

 

    1. Notify parent or guardian
       

    2. Student shall be given the option of:

 

    1. Participating in assistance programs and testing negative on a drug test before being allowed to participate in the school's athletic program.  The test shall be at the expense of the parent.
       

    2. Suspension from participating in athletics for the remainder of the current school year.  The student shall be retested by the School Board's designated laboratory at his/her expense before beginning the next school year.

 

Second Offense

 

    1. Notify parent or guardian
       

    2. Student is suspended from participating in athletics for the remainder of the current school year and the next school year.  The student will be retested by the School Board's designated laboratory at his/her expense before beginning the next school year.

 

Third Offense

 

    1. Notify parent or guardian
       

    2. Student is suspended from participating in athletics for the remainder of the his/her high school career.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Drug:

 

Any substance considered illegal or controlled (Opiates, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (marijuana), Phencyclidines (PCP), and Benzodiazepines) by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

Student Athlete:

 

Any student participating in high school athletic practices and/or contests under the control and jurisdiction of the Richland Parish School District.

 

Sport Season:

 

Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons begin on the first day of practice allowed by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and end the day prior to the beginning date of practice of the next season.

 

Revised:  October 5, 1999

 

 

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 40:961, 49:1111

Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995)

Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association

Board minutes, 10-5-99

 

Richland Parish School Board