The NCAA relies on its drug testing policy to create a balanced playing field for all competitors.

N.C. Central University also depends on drug testing.

Each year, student-athletes will sign a consent form demonstrating their understanding of the NCAA drug-testing program and their willingness to participate.

This consent statement is required of all student-athletes before participation in intercollegiate competition during the year in question.

The policies differ in what the tests look for and in how penalties are assessed after positive tests.

Student-athletes can be tested multiple times during their respective seasons, by both the NCAA and NCCU at anytime.

The NCAA brings its own staff to campus to administer the tests for student-athletes.

NCCU independently contracts an agency to come in and give the tests.

Every year, the athletic department sets money aside to pay for its own drug tests, which cost about $25 per test.

According to NCAA policy, any positive test will result in an automatic suspension for 365 days.

NCAA tests for all drugs, but focuses on performance-enhancing substances.

The only reason the NCAA would test an athlete for a recreational drug is if it has evidence or other reason to believe that an athlete is using banned substances.

The NCAA drug testing policy focuses on making sure that no athlete has a competitive edge through the use of performance- enhancing drugs.

In contrast, the NCCU drug testing policy is aimed at dealing with recreational substances such as alcohol and marijuana.

NCCU concentrates on rehabilitating these athletes from their drug use.

If a NCCU student-athlete tests positive for drugs or alcohol, the player will receive a 10-day suspension from all University-sanctioned sporting competitions.

The player must then register at the NCCU Student Health Center to receive substance-abuse counseling.

The Center monitors the player’s rehabilitation for the duration of the student -athlete’s career at NCCU.

Physical education junior Oliver Jenkins is a receiver on the football team and starting centerfielder on the men’s baseball team.

Jenkins said the randomness of the NCCU policy aids in the fight to keep illegal substances out of collegiate sports.

“NCCU can come in at any time,” said Jenkins.

“They can test me this week, and they can test me the next week if they want to,” he said.

Although both NCCU and the NCAA have strict regulations and consequences, some say athletes will still use these banned substances.

English junior Sheldonia Summers is a member of the NCCU track and field team.

“If players want to use these illegal drugs, then they will use them,” Summers said.

“The drug testing policy simply serves as a deterrent,” she said.

“This might not stop each and every player from using illegal drugs, but the athletes understand that the policy will hold them accountable.”

One facet of the drug testing policy that the NCAA addresses is a test for the performance enhancer HGH, or human growth hormone.

There has not been a test created to detect HGH because it is a natural hormone.

Since the human body naturally produces hormones, the tests cannot detect HGH as a banned substance.

Some athletes may use HGH because they perceive that it is as effective as anabolic steroids, but has fewer side effects and is not detectable in a drug test.

Athletes also may choose to use HGH as a steroid substitute to prevent loss of muscle after discontinuing steroids.

Michael Essa, NCCU’s drug testing coordinator, has worked at NCCU for two and a half years.

“At the end of every academic school year, the training staff comes together to try to improve upon their testing policies,” he said. “Any university that does not assess their policy and look to strengthen and build upon it is doing their school a grave injustice,” said Essa.