• Background
• Goals of the program
• Implementing the program

We recognize that athletic achievement is the result of individual and team ability, training, and motivation.  Tolerance of drug abuse by student-athletes encourages others to use drugs to equalize the competition.  Drug use may pose a risk of injury and/or long-term harm to self and others.  Additionally, drug use by student-athletes damages the institution in the eyes of the public.

The SPSU Drug Education Program benefits all connected with intercollegiate athletics at the university.  While ultimate decisions about drug usage and/or substance abuse depend on the values of the individual, we believe participation in this program will make the men and women in intercollegiate athletics better athletes.  As well, they will be better able to make intelligent decisions about drug usage, both now and in the future.

1. Provide a comprehensive drug-education program to student-athletes with pertinent information concerning problems of drug use and/or abuse.
2. Deter the use of performance-affecting drugs that undermine the integrity of athletic competition and promote the physical and/or psychological well being of our athletes.
3. Provide a professional counseling program for student athletes.

• One major drug education activity will be scheduled for student-athletes each of the two main semesters (Fall and Spring).  These activities will be in the form of a lecture and/or workshop type of learning experience.  Topics covered are:
1. NAIA Substance Abuse Policy
2. SPSU Athletic Policy
3. Georgia DUI laws and Zero Tolerance for under 21 drivers
4. Nutritional supplements - Creatine, Growth Hormone, Steroids, Ephedrine, Protein, etc.
5. Banned NCAA/NAIA Drug Classes, including prescription drugs (abused OTC), as well as street drugs.
6. Tobacco Education (Dip, Chew and Cigarettes).
7. Risks involved in abuse/misuse.
8. Role model portrayal as a Student/Athlete.
9. Alternative choices.
• The activities will be mandatory for each student-athlete who is an official member of a varsity squad, during each semester that he or she is a team member.
• Evaluation instruments will be used at the conclusion of each activity to ascertain student-athletes' understanding of material in the instructor's presentation.
• In addition, a systematic drug education program will be created and housed in the Southern Polytechnic Library.
• This self-exploration program will consist of learning experiences designed to allow the individual student-athlete to master material at his or her own pace.
• Learning experiences will be developed in the following areas:
1. Over-the-counter drugs and their abuse
2. Street (recreational) drugs
3. Alcohol and tobacco
4. Prescription drugs
5. Performance enhancing drugs and supplements
• Each experience will culminate with an examination.
• Earning a passing score on an examination will allow the student-athlete to advance to the next drug education learning experience.
• Each student-athlete will be required to pass (score of 75% with unlimited re-takes) all of these learning experiences each academic year.
• Each coach will be responsible for monitoring his/her players.
• The student-athlete may request counseling through the Southern Polytechnic State University Career and Counseling Center.  Professional counselor/psychologist confidentiality will be maintained for the student-athlete requesting counseling.
• The lectures and/or workshop experiences of each semester will be coordinated by the Coordinator of Health Promotions and Wellness.  Besides the professional resources of Southern Polytechnic State University, additional professional resources from the surrounding communities may also be utilized on a voluntary basis.

Substance abuse is a major societal problem which demands the attention of all segments of society, in particular the education community.  The magnitude of the problem compels this Association (NAIA) to accept the responsibility to provide leadership in educating student-athletes who may be using or may be under pressure to use these substances.

While maintaining institutional autonomy and individual institutional control, the NAIA is committed to establishing and monitoring requirements which will have a positive impact upon the substance abuse problem as it relates to athletics and, more specifically, to student-athletes.  Through this national policy on substance abuse the NAIA desires to communicate a concise message to student-athletes and to other concerned segments of society.  The NAIA is committed to facing the issue of substance abuse among student-athletes in a positive, forceful and straightforward manner.  We are determined to bring all available educational resources to bear upon the issue in a caring, yet definitive mode.

Substance Abuse Policy on Postseason Competition:
Any NAIA student suspended for substance abuse by a national or international sports governing body, or by any amateur sports governing body, shall not be allowed to participate in any NAIA-approved postseason competition during the imposed period of suspension.

Alcohol and Tobacco Products:
The use of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products is not permitted by participants, coaches, cheerleaders, trainers, game administrators, or officials in the playing areas during all NAIA sanctioned competition and practices for such competition.  The institution's coaching staff, event games committee, administrator or host site coordinator (as applicable) shall enforce this policy through the following steps:

1. On the first offense, the individual(s) shall receive an official warning.
2. A second offense will cause expulsion from the game, tournament or event.