2431.01 - DRUG TESTING OF STUDENTS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District

Bylaws & Policies

2431.01 - DRUG TESTING OF STUDENTS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Board of Education recognizes that the extra-curricular programming is an integral part of the entire educational program. The Board also recognizes the importance of protecting students' health and safety relating to the use of controlled substances. To this end, the Board has developed a drug testing policy for students participating in extra-curricular activities.

Students participating in extra-curricular activities are expected to hold themselves to good standards of conduct, sportsmanship and training because they represent the District in the course of their activities. Accordingly, students in these activities carry a responsibility to themselves, their fellow students, their parents and their school to set the positive examples of conduct, which includes avoidance of the use of controlled substances.

Students participating in extra-curricular activities and their parents are required to consent to participation in the District's drug testing program. Failure to consent to the program results in ineligibility for all extra-curricular activities.

The term "drug test" in this policy refers only to urinalysis and/or breathalyzer tests. The tests may screen for illegal drugs, performance enhancing drugs, unauthorized use of prescription medication, misuse of over-the-counter medications and alcohol.

The District's drug testing policy and procedures are included in student extra-curricular handbook. Activity advisors provide students with a copy of, and education students about, the Board's drug testing policy and procedures at the beginning of the academic year or athletic season.

Drug Testing Program

Drug testing occurs at the beginning of each athletic season. In addition, random testing of ten percent (10%) of students in extra-curricular activities occurs throughout the school year or athletic season(s). Drug testing may also occur when a District administrator, coach or activity advisor has reasonable suspicion that a student is using a controlled substance.

Whenever a student athlete's test result indicates the presences of illegal drugs or banned substances, the following will occur:

	A.	The parent/guardian/custodian has the option to request that the vendor have the split portion of the specimen tested at a different testing laboratory approved by the principal or his/her designee. The parent/guardian/custodian must pay for all costs associated with the testing of the second sample. This request (split) must be made within three (3) days, and if not requested, the first sample will be accepted. Payment will be paid directly to the school.

	B.	If the second sample tests positive, the building principal, within twenty-four (24) hours, will notify the parent/guardian/custodian first, then the student and Prevention Coordinator of any positive results. A written notification from the building principal, by form letter, will be sent to the parent/guardian/custodian by certified mail. The building principal may keep all test results for a period up to one (1) year.

	C.	Confirmed presence of illegal drugs or banned substances from specimen collected will be considered a positive result.

First Incident

A student shall be considered in violation of these rules for any occurrence that happens after the season begins and after s/he has begun active participation in an extra-curricular. For the first positive result, the student-athlete will be denied the privilege of participating in the extra-curricular activity for two (2) weeks of contests and:

A.	Within five (5) days having an appointment with a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (or at an agency certified by the Ohio Department of Health or the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services) for a chemical dependency assessment and then follow the recommendations of the counselor. If treatment is recommended, it must be with an Ohio Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor. The student must also submit to weekly urine testing, via the vendor, for five (5) weeks. The parent/guardian/custodian will be responsible for paying all costs of these weekly follow-up urine tests. Cost of each test will be paid directly to the school. If the student athlete refuses to submit to the weekly random urine samples, or unduly delays in providing such samples, the athlete will be denied participation for the remainder of the current season and the next athletic season. Parent/guardian/custodian is responsible for all expenses associated with chemical dependency counseling.

		OR

B.	Denial of participation in interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the current season and the next athletic season.

Second Incident

For the second positive result within any two (2) consecutive school years, (school year being July 1st to June 30th) the student athlete will be denied participation in athletics for the remainder of the current season and the next athletic season.

Third Incident

For the third positive result within any two (2) consecutive school years (July 1st to June 30th) the student athlete will be permanently denied the privilege of participation in athletics at Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools.

A student who signs an informed consent form but refuses to submit to a drug test under this policy is suspended from participation in all extra-curricular activities until s/he submits to the screening.

No penalties for violations of this policy involve academic sanctions, regular school attendance or referral for criminal penalties.