Sports Medicine: Just the Facts

THERAPEUTIC DRUGS

• Prescribed drugsare those given to the athlete under
  the direction (prescription) of a licensed physician or
  dentist. Just because a medication is prescribed does
  not exempt an athlete from sanctions.


• Over the counter medicationsmay be taken by the ath-
  lete on their own or by direction of a physician or other
  health care provider. Again, this does not exempt and
  athlete from sanctions if products are not allowed.


• Natural productsare often a misnomer. Many drugs
  (legal and illegal, prescription and nonprescription)
  are based in natural products. To complicate matters
  even more, these products may not be fully labeled
  with all ingredients. Again, the athlete is ultimately
  responsible for what they put in their body.

RECREATIONAL DRUGS

• Alcoholis banned by the NCAA for rifle competition
  and by the Olympic movement “where the rules of the
  governing body so provide... .” Keep in mind that use
  of alcohol in minors is illegal.


• Tobaccois generally not tested, though use of tobacco
  is not allowed at NCAA events.


• Marijuanais not allowed and is tested by the NCAA at
  any concentration and Olympics at set concentrations.


• Stimulantssuch as amphetamine, cocaine, ephedrine,
  caffeine (at set concentrations), methylene-dioxyme-
  thamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy), and related
  products are banned.


• Hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide
  (LSD) are not listed as banned substances but are illegal.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS

• Stimulants as discussed above are prohibited.


• Androgenic/anabolic agents, such as anabolic steroids,
  testosterone, clenbuterol and related compounds are
  banned by the NCAA and Olympic movement.


• Epogen and related compounds and blood doping are
  not allowed.


• In addition, techniques to mask drug testing or fool drug
  testers are not allowed. These include diuretics, urine
  substitution, masking agents, and other techniques.

TESTING PROCEDURES (BASED ON
THE NCAA DRUG TESTING
PROGRAMS)

• Selection process must be fair and based on random
  testing, universal testing, or testing based on probable
  cause (evidence of drug use or previous positive test).

•Testing may be done out-of-competition (year round)

or in-competition (postseason championship).

POSTSEASON TESTING

•Facilities and procedures are fully outlined in the

NCAA Drug-Testing Programs Site Coordinators

Manual.

• The athlete is notified of testing by a drug-testing
  courier and given a written notification form instruct-
  ing the athlete to accompany the courier to the collec-
  tion station. The athlete must report within 1 h and
  remain in visual contact with the courier until the ath-
  lete signs in at the testing center. Only authorized
  agents for testing and the athletes are allowed in the
  testing center.


• Sealed beverages without caffeine or other banned
  substances are allowed at the testing center.


• The athlete selects a sealed beaker to provide their spec-
  imen. Sample will be given as an observed specimen.


• Specimen must be at least 85 mL. If the specimen is
  not sufficient, it is discarded and the athlete is asked
  to provide another specimen. The athlete is not
  allowed to leave the test center till adequate specimen
  is provided.


• Specific gravity and pH is checked. If the specific
  gravity is less than 1.005 (1.010 if checked with a
  reagent strip), the specimen is discarded. If the pH is
  greater than 7.5 or less than 4.5, the specimen is dis-
  carded.


• The specimen is processed if the specific gravity is
  above 1.005 (1.010 if using a reagent strip) and the pH
  between 4.5 and 7.5.


• The athlete selects containers and unique bar-coded
  labels.


• The crew member pours approximately 60 mL of the
  specimen into the “A vial” and 25 mL into the “B
  vial.” The vials are sealed, forms filled out, and the
  specimens prepared for shipping. All is done in the
  presence of the athlete.


• Chain of evidence must be maintained. The specimen
  must be controlled and signed every step in the process.


• The specimens are sent to an approved laboratory for
  testing. Specimen A is tested.


• Results of positive tests are reported to the National
  Center for Drug Free Sport who breaks the number
  code and identifies the athlete. The athletics director
  or designate is notified by overnight mail marked con-
  fidential, who in turn must notify the athlete.


• The athlete may be represented at the laboratory when
  testing specimen B. Different lab personnel will test
  specimen B.


• The results of specimen B is considered final.

138 SECTION 2 • EVALUATION OF THE INJURED ATHLETE