CU Substance Abuse Policy

Cumberland University is committed to providing drug information and testing program consistent with conference and national regulations of intercollegiate athletics.

It is the purpose of the Department of Athletics to encourage student‐athletes to become knowledgeable about drugs, as they may interfere with the athlete’s health and performance. Athletes are encouraged to seek out such information through the Substance Abuse Program established by the Athletic Department. Drug testing and screening has as its primary intent the well‐ being of the Cumberland University student‐athlete. Cumberland University is interested in the prevention and control of drug abuse and 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. If and when a student‐athlete tests positive for improper drug use, acceptable methods of treatment are to be administered.

Individuals found to be involved in the illegal distribution of drugs (transfer or sale), through any means, will be immediately dismissed from all athletic teams and their financial aid cancelled.

Purpose

The purpose of the Athletic Department’s Substance Abuse Policy is:

To prevent use of illicit drugs by student‐athletes before, during, and after the official season in each sport.
To educate all student‐athletes regarding usage and its effect on the individual athlete and his/her teammates.
To ensure the health and safety of the student‐athlete.
To educate student‐athletes about problems associated with drug use.
To see that any chronic dependency is treated and addressed properly.
To encourage discussion about any questions student‐athletes may have, either specifically or generally about usage of drugs.

Education and Counseling on Substance Abuse

Drug abuse in its many forms is a deep concern to the university community. The Athletic Department will promote information and discussion sessions concerning the use of illicit drugs and alcohol with the various teams throughout the year. Information, literature, and counseling are available to the student‐athlete through the Athletic Department, Athletic Training Department, Department of Student Counseling Services, and outside agencies. The Athletic Department urges students and their families to utilize these services and materials. Drug abuse cannot be handled alone. Any call or contact made seeking help or private counseling assistance will be held in strictest confidence, except as otherwise stipulated by this or other policy.

Cumberland University will take a comprehensive view of drug abuse, because drug abuse, in its several forms, lies close to us all. Alcoholism is the number one drug abuse problem in the United States today and the number three killer after heart disease and cancer.

The Department of Athletics will inform the student‐athlete about the Substance Abuse Policy (requirements and procedures) of Cumberland University. Athletes must sign, indicating understanding of/and agreement to comply with the policy in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Failure to do so will result in immediate ineligibility and discontinuation of any athletic‐related financial aid.

Prohibition on the Use of Illicit Substances

Use of any illegal, illicit, or controlled substance by a student‐athlete at Cumberland University (except as may be prescribed by a qualified physician in treating an individual's medical condition) is expressly prohibited, whether such use occurs before, during, or after the competitive season of the particular sport. This may include, but is not limited to:

Amphetamine
Barbiturates
Cocaine
Heroin
Methaqualone
Methamphetamine
Morphine
Marijuana
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Anabolic Steroids