Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of Hofstra University student-athletes through comprehensive health monitoring, education, and accountability measures.

Scope

This policy applies to all Hofstra University student-athletes, including practice players, as well as athletic staff, trainers, and coaches.

Policy

Overview

Hofstra University requires pre-participation physical examinations for all student-athletes before they participate in intercollegiate athletics. The University recognizes the shared responsibility of coaches, athletic trainers, and health care providers to monitor student-athlete health and well-being, and the obligation of student-athletes to take care of themselves and their teammates.

The University recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and non-therapeutic drugs represents a significant health concern. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs negatively affects behavior, mental health, academic performance, relationships, and the overall campus environment. All Hofstra University student-athletes must adhere to University and NCAA policies regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as outlined in this policy, the Hofstra University Guide to Pride, the NCAA Drug Testing and Education Handbook, and the NCAA Division I Manual.

The Hofstra University Athletics Health and Safety Program has three primary components:

1. An educational program addressing drug use, alcohol abuse, steroid use, eating disorders, and other health concerns.

2. Pre-participation athletic physicals, which may include drug screening, and an ongoing assessment program with random drug testing throughout the year.

3. Mental health services through the Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services, in collaboration with Hofstra Student Counseling Services.

All matters relating to the physical or emotional condition of any student-athlete are treated confidentially and disclosed only on a need-to-know basis, consistent with professional and ethical standards, University policy, and applicable privacy laws. Information will not be disclosed beyond those with a need to know unless deemed necessary by the University President and consistent with privacy laws and regulations.

All athletics staff members are available to support student-athletes on and off the field. Student-athletes should understand that coaches and athletics administrators are not confidential resources. Confidential counseling is available through the Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services in collaboration with Student Counseling Services. TimelyCare also provides free virtual mental health support to all registered students.

Administration

The Athletics Health and Safety Program is administered by the Department of Athletics and reviewed annually by the Athletics Health and Safety Committee, appointed by the President.

Education

At least twice per academic year, the Head Athletic Trainer or designee will schedule educational seminars for all student-athletes. Topics include drug and alcohol abuse, steroid use, eating disorders, stress management, sexual misconduct, and healthy decision-making. Attendance is required for participation on any Hofstra University athletic team. Student athletic trainers and appointed student managers assigned to a team are also required to attend. If a scheduling conflict exists, the Department will arrange an alternate time or means of covering the material.

Additional educational programs may be offered throughout the year, including on-site presenters, educational films, and online seminars. During individual team meetings each year, the Health and Safety Program will be explained to student-athletes by a staff athletic trainer. Complete program materials are available upon request and are provided in the Student-Athlete Handbook and the Department of Athletics Policy, Procedure and Guidelines Manual. All student-athletes must sign a Health and Safety Program informed consent form prior to participation in intercollegiate athletics.

An annual review of the Health and Safety Program will be conducted for all full-time and part-time Department of Athletics staff.

Pre-Participation Physicals

All student-athletes, including practice players listed on the team roster in ARMS, must complete a pre-participation athletic physical examination. Prerequisites include a completed University medical history form and required immunization records on file at Hofstra Student Health Center. The physical includes a review of medical history, examination of cardiovascular, sensory, and musculoskeletal systems, and may include a drug screening. The examination is conducted under the supervision of the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician.

Ongoing Assessment

A student-athlete’s health may change over time. All student-athletes are regularly assessed for potential health problems, including through normal day-to-day observation by University staff and random urine testing throughout the year. If any staff member believes a student-athlete may have a health concern, that staff member must immediately inform the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer or designee, and/or the Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services. If warranted upon preliminary review, the student-athlete will be required to report to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician for examination, which may include any required medical tests.

A student-athlete who refuses to participate in any required testing or examination will be suspended from intercollegiate athletics participation. The suspension may be lifted only upon full compliance with the Health and Safety Program. If a potential impairment is suspected while a student-athlete is traveling with the team, the coach is responsible for prohibiting participation in practice or competition until a medical judgment is rendered.

In the event of a catastrophic injury at an athletic competition or practice, the Department of Athletics follows the Hofstra Athletics Sports Medicine Catastrophic Injury Response Process Narrative. Counseling and support are available through the Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services in collaboration with Student Counseling Services, and through TimelyCare. Student-athletes may contact the Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services directly at 516-463-6759 or Student Counseling Services at 516-463-2273. After hours, Public Safety can be reached at 516-463-6789 to connect with on-call counselors. Crisis counseling is also available through TimelyCare.

Athletic Clearance

When a student-athlete becomes ill, they should first seek medical attention from the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician through the team’s Athletic Trainer or at Student Health Services. Student-athletes may also choose to see their own physician or other health care provider. In that case, the outside provider must certify in writing that the student-athlete is cleared to participate. Prior to returning to activity, medical clearance from the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician is required. The student-athlete is responsible for providing written treatment records to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician at the time clearance is sought. The final clearance decision rests with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician.

Drug Testing

Hofstra University reserves the right to test for all substances. Student-athletes, including practice players listed on the team roster in ARMS, may be randomly selected for drug testing as part of their pre-participation physical. A percentage of each team, as determined by the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician, will be randomly selected.

In addition to pre-participation testing, random urine testing occurs throughout the academic year using a protocol developed by the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician. Student-athletes with a prior positive test are tested regularly as directed by the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician. Random selection for year-round testing is based upon the following criteria:

• Student-athletes on each individual team will be randomly selected during each testing period as established by the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician, in consultation with the Head Athletic Trainer.

• Student-athletes will be randomly selected for testing during their specific sport season (fall, winter, and spring), off-season conditioning or training programs, and during their non-traditional season.

All members of teams qualifying or potentially qualifying for an NCAA championship event are tested before competition begins.

A member of the University’s health or athletic staff may request drug testing outside the random selection process. Such requests are directed to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician, who determines whether a reasonable basis exists for the test.

Prescription Medications

The University tests for prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone (found in medications such as Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine, and Percodan), certain sleep aids, and a class of stimulant medications (amphetamines and related stimulants) prescribed for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although the NCAA does not test for some of these, Hofstra includes them in its testing procedures.

If a positive test results from a medication prescribed to the student-athlete, presenting the prescription to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician will waive the positive test sanction. A student-athlete who cannot present a valid prescription will be treated as having a positive test result. Use of a prescription issued to another person is illegal and subject to the same sanctions as any other non-permitted drug use.

Drug Testing Selection Procedures

Student-athletes are randomly selected for drug testing using a computer-generated program. Notification is provided confidentially. For individual-sport teams (tennis, golf, cross country), the team administrator and head coach are notified that the selected student-athlete must report to the athletic training room at a specific time, with communication that failure to report will result in ineligibility. The nature of the appointment as a drug test is not disclosed in advance.

The athletic training staff informs the student-athlete of the drug test immediately before the test. University personnel must witness the collection of all urine samples. The witness accompanies the student-athlete to the collection site to verify that the sample belongs to that individual. Any student-athlete who fails to comply with a directive to submit to testing will be treated as having a positive result.

The student-athlete provides a sample in the appropriate container, closes it properly, and follows the chain of custody procedures as directed by the testing laboratory. All test results are sent to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician and the Head Athletic Trainer, who make every effort to notify the student-athlete within 24 hours of receiving any positive result. An appointment with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician must be scheduled immediately to discuss findings, answer questions, and outline possible treatment plans. The Head Athletic Trainer or Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician will inform the student-athlete’s head coach and the Vice President and Director of Athletics, who in turn will inform the University President.

At the appointment when the student-athlete is informed of a positive result, they receive a copy of the written notification, the laboratory chain of custody form, and the lab report. The administrative process is explained, including required appointments and the appeals process. The student-athlete must initiate the appeals process within seven calendar days of notification. Both the student-athlete and the Head Athletic Trainer sign the written notification.

Counseling

A mandatory counseling assessment of at least three sessions is required for any student-athlete who tests positive for drug use, and must be completed before eligibility to participate and compete in intercollegiate athletics is restored. Counseling may be arranged through Hofstra Student Counseling Services, an outside provider at the student-athlete’s expense, or through TimelyCare.

The student-athlete must provide written confirmation of attendance, participation, and completion of the counseling program to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician. If an outside provider is used, that provider must inform the Executive Director of University Student Counseling Services of the student-athlete’s enrollment, participation, and completion. The student-athlete must sign a consent form confirming attendance and completion. All specific information discussed in counseling is confidential between the student-athlete and the counseling provider. The Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician will inform the Director of Athletics and the head coach of the student-athlete’s status. A student-athlete who fails to attend or complete the counseling assessment may be barred from practice or suspended from intercollegiate athletics.

Sanctions for Positive Drug Tests

A student-athlete who tests positive for a performance-enhancing or recreational drug on the NCAA list of banned substances is subject to the following sanctions:

First Positive Result:

• Suspension from a specific number of consecutive intercollegiate contests (including exhibition, regular season, and postseason, but including at least one non-exhibition game): two contests for cross country, lacrosse, track and field, soccer, wrestling, and field hockey; four contests for volleyball, basketball, tennis, and golf; six contests for softball and baseball.

• Mandatory counseling assessment (minimum three sessions).

• Athletic scholarship remains in place. The student-athlete remains eligible during ongoing counseling sessions provided participation is continuous.

• Drug testing frequency increased to once per month while in season.

Second Positive Result:

• Suspension of eligibility to compete for 12 months from the date of the positive test.

• Loss of scholarship for a minimum of 12 months.

• Student-athlete may reapply for scholarship and to rejoin the team after the suspension period; reinstatement is not guaranteed.

• Increased testing frequency maintained.

Third Positive Result:

• Permanent loss of all remaining eligibility in all sports at Hofstra University.

• Permanent loss of scholarship.

During any period of ineligibility, the student-athlete is not eligible for athletic scholarship renewal under NCAA Bylaw 15.3.4. This period of ineligibility may be binding at all NCAA institutions. In all NCAA championship events and year-round NCAA testing programs, NCAA guidelines apply and supersede Hofstra’s program where NCAA sanctions are greater.

Hofstra University reserves the right for coaches to impose additional or more severe sanctions. Coaches will work with University and athletics administrators in designing and implementing any such sanctions. Questions regarding sanctions should be directed to team administrators or the Director of Athletics.

Safe Harbor Program

Student-athletes who engage in illicit or illegal drug use are encouraged to seek assistance. When a student-athlete voluntarily discloses illicit or illegal drug use to any athletics staff member and seeks help for problematic use or addiction, that staff member must notify the Head Athletic Trainer as soon as possible. The Head Athletic Trainer will then notify the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician and the Director of Athletics, and a determination of Safe Harbor eligibility will be made.

A student-athlete is not eligible to enter Safe Harbor if any of the following apply:

• The student-athlete has previously entered Safe Harbor.

• The student-athlete has been informed of an impending drug test.

• A positive drug test has already been documented.

• The request is made within 30 days of NCAA or conference postseason competition.

If eligible, Hofstra University Athletics will work with the student-athlete and campus mental health professionals to develop a Safe Harbor treatment plan. Safe Harbor allows a student-athlete to self-report a substance abuse problem without the initial repercussions of a positive test. The student-athlete will be required to undergo an evaluation by a mental health professional and team physician upon entry. It may be determined, following that evaluation, that the student-athlete will be removed from play or practice for a period specified in the treatment plan.

Safe Harbor may not exceed 30 days, or as determined by the treatment plan. During the first 30 days, the student-athlete is not included in Hofstra’s random drug testing pool. After 30 days, the student-athlete is subject to increased testing requirements. Students in Safe Harbor remain subject to NCAA drug testing and NCAA sanctions. A student-athlete who fails to comply with Safe Harbor requirements will be removed from the program and subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Safe Harbor entry guidelines:

• Meet with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician.

• Complete a mandatory counseling assessment (minimum three sessions).

• Submit to increased drug testing frequency, beginning 30 days after Safe Harbor entry, to include all regularly scheduled and random team drug testing sessions.

First Positive Result Following Safe Harbor (or Non-Compliance):

• Meet with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician.

• Mandatory counseling assessment (minimum three sessions).

• Suspension from consecutive intercollegiate contests as specified above for a first positive result.

• Increased testing frequency maintained.

Second Positive Result Following Safe Harbor:

• Meet with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician.

• Mandatory counseling assessment (minimum three sessions).

• Suspension of eligibility to compete for 12 months from the date of the positive test.

• Loss of scholarship for a minimum of 12 months.

• Student-athlete may reapply for scholarship and to rejoin the team after suspension; reinstatement is not guaranteed.

• Increased testing frequency maintained.

Alcohol and THC

Cases involving alcohol or THC use are treated as health and safety concerns. Any student-athlete involved in an alcohol-related incident or who tests positive for THC should consult with a physician and ultimately with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician. A student-athlete who demonstrates an alcohol or THC problem will be directed to the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician for referral to an appropriate counseling program and may be immediately suspended from intercollegiate athletics until enrolled in that program. Student-athletes involved in any on-campus alcohol or THC violation remain subject to the Code of Community Standards.

Nicotine

The use of nicotine and nicotine products has long been recognized as a serious health threat and the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Nicotine use is inconsistent with the goals of athletics and athletic conditioning. NCAA legislation enacted in 1994 bans the use of tobacco products by student-athletes and athletics department personnel during all practices and competitions.

The use of nicotine in any form by student-athletes is prohibited in the athletic environment, including office areas, locker rooms, weight rooms, athletic training rooms, during practices and events, on the sidelines, and during University-sponsored team travel. All athletics department staff are responsible for enforcing this policy and applicable NCAA legislation. Violations are subject to disciplinary action as follows:

• First Offense: Verbal and written warning by the head coach. Review of the policy and treatment options by the team’s athletic trainer.

• Second Offense: Written documentation forwarded by the head coach to the Director of Athletics, Compliance Officer, and Head Athletic Trainer. The student-athlete is required to meet with the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician for education on the health effects of tobacco use.

• Third Offense: Written documentation, mandatory counseling assessment, and suspension from the next week of activity, including practices and games.

Supplements

Student-athletes may use dietary supplements or training aids, but many contain substances banned by the NCAA. These products are not subject to governmental oversight, testing, or quality control regulations applicable to medications. Claims of beneficial effects are frequently unsupported by scientific evidence. Student-athletes are warned that supplements may carry risks of adverse health effects, may be mislabeled or incompletely labeled, and may contain banned or otherwise harmful substances.

Student-athletes are responsible for all substances in their bodies. Hofstra University will not verify the composition of any supplement or confirm that it is free of banned substances, and is not responsible for claims made by manufacturers. University employees and representatives will not supply student-athletes with dietary supplements or training aids without the direction of the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician. Questions about supplement use should be directed to the athletic training staff, the Athletics Health Care Administrator/Head Team Physician, or Hofstra Student Health Services.

Appeal Procedure

A student-athlete who is sanctioned under the Health and Safety Program has the right to appeal. The student-athlete must submit a written petition for appeal to the Dean of Students within seven calendar days of being notified of the sanction. The petition must specifically address why the appeal should be granted.

All positive drug test results are confirmed by two methods (including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) to ensure accuracy. Therefore, an allegation of an invalid test is generally not grounds for granting an appeal. If requested in writing, the University will re-test the original sample at the original laboratory at University expense before issuing a final decision.

If the written petition is deemed inadequate, or if the only grounds for appeal is an allegation of an invalid test, the appeal may be denied. The Dean of Students has discretion to approve or deny an appeal request. If an appeal is granted, relevant documentation — including test results, notification letters, and prior incident records — will be provided to the appellate panel.

The appellate panel consists of three members appointed by the President or Senior Vice President of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success: Chermele Christy, Dean of Students; Kiefer Teurfs, Operations Manager in Physical Plant; and Taylor Maultz, Associate Director of Student Leadership. Appellate panel decisions are final.

During the appeal process, the student-athlete is temporarily suspended from competition but may continue to participate in practice and conditioning activities.

Personnel Complaints

The University prohibits any employee from providing, inducing, or encouraging student-athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol illegally or abusively. This does not apply to drugs used therapeutically and prescribed by qualified medical personnel for a specific injury or illness. Student-athletes are encouraged to file complaints with the Dean of Students or the Vice President of Human Resources regarding any Hofstra University personnel who provide or encourage drug or alcohol use for performance enhancement, recreation, or other impermissible purposes. The Dean of Students will maintain confidentiality pending a full investigation. Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee found to have provided or encouraged such use.

Program Review

To ensure a fair and effective Athletics Health and Safety Program, an ongoing review is conducted each spring semester. A committee appointed by the University President’s Office — including those involved in operating the program, other University personnel, and student-athletes — reviews the program annually. At least every four years, the committee conducts a comprehensive review of comparable policies at peer institutions and recommends changes based on best practices and emerging trends. Any recommended changes must be approved by the University President’s Office and take effect on August 1 of the following academic year.

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. This commitment applies to employment and to all educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This nondiscrimination statement is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Questions regarding equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, or Title IX as it relates to complaints against employees or other non-students should be directed to the Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer (also the Title IX Coordinator for Employee Matters) at HumanResources@Hofstra.edu, 516-463-6859, 205 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549. Student-related Title IX questions should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator for Student Issues at StudentTitleIX@Hofstra.edu, 516-463-5841, 127 Wellness & Campus Living Center, Hempstead, NY 11549. For additional information, visit hofstra.edu/eoe.

Hofstra is committed to providing equal athletic opportunities for members of both sexes in accordance with Title IX. Questions related to athletic opportunities and Title IX should be directed to Rachel Peel MacAndrew, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Athlete Success, at 516-463-4960.

The Athletics Health and Safety Program addresses issues particularly relevant to student-athletes and is in addition to other University rules and procedures governing students, including the Code of Community Standards.

Related Policies and References

Hofstra Sports Medicine

NCAA Drug Testing and Education Handbook

NCAA Division I Manual

Hofstra University Guide to Pride

Hofstra University Code of Community Standards

Hofstra University Harassment Policy

Hofstra University Title IX Grievance Policy

Hofstra University Student Policy Prohibiting Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence & Stalking

Hofstra University Prohibited Bias and Discriminatory Harassment Policy