FILE: IDFAA
ATHLETIC DRUG TESTING
RATIONALE
As a result of media coverage of high school athletic events, athletes are high profiled individuals who are seen as role models for their peers and representatives of their schools and communities in other areas of the state and country. As a result of the high visibility of these athletes and the inherent danger of participating in athletics under the influence of drugs, it is not unreasonable to hold the student-athletes to a higher degree of accountability and different standards than the normal school population. It is also the consensus of our staff that the threat of drug testing will prevent experimentation and the use of drugs by our athletes. Because athletes tend to be the leaders both on campus and off campus, we contend that if the leaders do not use drugs then fewer of the general population of the school will use drugs.
LAW AND DRUG TESTING
On June 3, 1995, the United States Supreme Court overturned a Ninth Circuit Federal appeals court ruling and stated that drug testing high school athletes did not violate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The case, Joint School District vs. Harris began in Vernonia, Oregon, in 1991. Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the majority opinion, stated, “It seems to us self-evident that a drug problem largely fueled by the ‘role model’ effect of athletes’ drug use, and of particular danger to athletes, is effectively addressed by making sure that athletes do not use drugs.” Scalia argued that Vernonia’s drug testing policy was constitutional for three reasons: students have low expectations for privacy in communal locker rooms; the testing program was designed to be unobtrusive; and the program served the district’s interest in combating drug abuse. All drug testing programs must meet the three criteria that Justice Scalia stated in the majority ruling. The Federal Courts have stated that the U. S. Constitution does not guarantee an individual the right to participate in high school athletics.
DRUG TESTING ADMINISTRATION (HIGH SCHOOLS)
Testing Personnel:
Independent Testing Laboratory or School Nurse
Take samples
Analyze samples
Allow for prescription drugs
Coaching Staff
Take samples
Paperwork for prescription drugs
Athletes Tested:
All athletes prior to first game
Reserve the right to test students with abrupt behavior changes.
Reserve the right to test students whose peer group are known or suspected drug abusers.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Athletes and parents are required to sign a permission form stating that the student can participate and is willing to be tested for drugs at our discretion. This permission form must be completed and on file at the school before the student is allowed to participate in practice or games. The greatest concern in implementing a drug testing program is staying within the confines of the law when collecting the samples. Every effort must be made to insure that the testing is not “excessively intrusive” and is sensitive to the student-athletes need for privacy.
Athlete must complete a specimen control form prior to testing.
Assigned a number
Identify prescription medication
Sample gathering procedures.
Empty restroom or locker room accompanied by an adult monitor
Athletes are fully dressed with back to the monitor
Monitor listens for normal sounds of urination and observes student from the back
After sample is produced the monitor checks the temperature and seals the vial
Vial is tagged and shipped to an independent laboratory for testing or school nurse tests specimen on site
Specimen is tested for:
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Marijuana
Refusal to take test is the same as testing positive.
Procedure for Handling Test Results
Follow strict procedures regarding the chain of custody and access to test results
Coach
District Nurse
Principal
Parents
Positive test
Administer a second test to confirm results
Coach sets up a conference with athlete and parents
Penalty phase (non-punitive)
First offense
Suspension from all athletics
Enter drug assistance program at own expense for minimum of four weeks
Upon completion of program and testing drug free, student is allowed to return to his/her sport
Student-athlete may be tested regularly until graduation
Second offense – Dismissal from all interscholastic sports programs for a period of one year and referral to drug court
Third offense – Permanent dismissal from all interscholastic sports programs
Revised: October, 2006
Revised: December 1, 2020
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 40:961, 49:1111
Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995)
Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association
Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Rule 1.17.2
Board minutes, 9-4-90, 03-06-07, 12-1-20
Catahoula Parish School Board