Drug Policies

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Learn the policies to stay in the game.

Policy Update: Side-by-Side Comparison Policy Update FAQs

 

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Drug Testing Dates

April 20 - August 9
 

All players receive one annual test under the SOA policy. The SOA annual test does not test for THC.
This testing may only happen in groups. Free Agents: you will usually be tested within a week of signing, and will be tested if you have not already had the annual.
 


Training Camp Report Date -> 1st full weekend of preseason games:

(does not include HOF Game)

All players receive one annual test under the PES Policy. A percentage of annual tests under the PES Policy will also be tested for THC.
 

From the start of training camp until the week after your last game, if you are notified of a test in the morning, you must complete the test before the start of afternoon activities. If notified in the afternoon, you must complete the test within an hour after afternoon activities end.


Any day of the year:
 

Random Testing for PES 
 


During the offseason:

You may be tested up to six times. You have 24 hours to complete the test after notification from Drug Free Sport. Notification begins at the time you are informed either directly or when the message is left on your voicemail or when the text message is sent. Read the 2025 Offseason Memo here.
 

 

Substances Tested for

The SOA Annual tests for the following substances:

  • Cocaine
  • Synthetic Marijuana
  • Amphetamines (includes Adderall)
  • Opiates
  • Opioids
  • PCP
  • MDMA (i.e., ecstasy, molly)

The PES Annual tests for the following categories of substances:

  • Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids (e.g., testosterone, nandrolone, turinabol)
  • Protein and Peptide Hormones (e.g., hGH, GHRP, BPC 157)
  • Anti-estrogenic Agents (e.g., tamoxifen)
  • Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMS) (e.g., Ostarine)
  • Diuretics (e.g., chlorothiazide)
  • Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, Ritalin, ephedrine)
  • Gene Doping (e.g., GW1516)

Check out banned substances here.

 

Update Your Address

Keep your address updated here to avoid fines and being subject to additional testing under the SOA program (up to 10 times per month) and the PES policy (up to 24 times per year). This includes in-season, off-season, and vacations. 

  • A memo describing the process can be found here.
  • Get help with your username/password or changing location by calling (614) 620-6052 or emailing Dr. Lombardo.

If you are traveling internationally:

  • Testing WILL be conducted at international locations and players are still required to comply with testing while traveling internationally.
  • The testing time limits are the same as if you were in the US. If you are in the SOA program, you will have four hours to provide a specimen. If you are selected for a PES test, you must respond to the collector's call, voicemail or text message (per Section 3.2 of the PES Policy) so the PES test can be completed within 24 hours of the collector's contact.
  • If you provide false or misleading information regarding your international travel, you will be in violation of the Program and may be disciplined.
  • If you are traveling internationally you MUST provide the dates of your travel to each location as well as a street address and telephone number where you can be reached at all times.
  • You also MUST keep copies of travel documentation for four months after your trip. Travel documents include boarding passes, hotel and meal receipts and/or other forms of proof that you traveled.

 

SOA Policy

Read the full Substances of Abuse policy here. 
 

Drug Program FAQs
All players receive the annual test. A player in the SOA Program can also be tested up to 10 times per month and is tested for all SOA substances including THC.


Note: SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS are PROHIBITED and have been added to the tests under the SOA Policy. Using any level of these substances (commonly known as synthetic weed, K-2, Spice, etc.) will likely cause a positive test result. A positive test for these substances will likely lead to advancement to the next stage in the Program and discipline.

 

PES Policy

Read the full Performance Enhancing Substances policy here. 

A player in the PES Reasonable Cause pool will receive an annual PES test and can also be tested up to 24 times per year.

Additional Resources:

 

Therapeutic Use Exemption TUE

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Requirements Memo

TUE Portal Instructions

If you have been or are seeking to be treated by a physician with a banned substance for any condition (including ADD/ADHD, male pattern baldness, hypertension, hypogonadism, or hypopituitarism), you must have your physician file a TUE application with the Independent Administrator. If you test positive for a prohibited substance without having been granted a TUE, it will constitute a positive test and will be referred for administrative action.

 

Contact Someone

Contact Andrew for information on drug-related discipline and the SOA or PES policies.

Contact Amber for information on clinicians and counseling.