The NCAA Sport Science Institute is committed to fostering fair, safe and ethical competition among collegiate student-athletes. Through the NCAA Drug-Testing Program, along with clearly defined policies and comprehensive educational initiatives, the NCAA helps to cultivate a campus environment that encourages healthy decision making, fair competition and a supportive environment for student-athletes. The prevention of performance-enhancing substance use by college athletes is essential to preserving the integrity of competition and protecting the health of student-athletes..

The NCAA differentiates performance-enhancing drugs from alcohol and other recreational substances. In collaboration with the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, athletics staff and substance misuse prevention experts, the SSI has developed the Substance Misuse Prevention Tool Kit and other educational resources. These materials are intended to encourage healthy choices, reduce substance misuse and promote a positive and supportive environment for student- athletes.

Anti-Doping

• NCAA Banned Substances
• NCAA Drug-Testing Fact Sheet for Student-Athletes
• NCAA Drug-Testing Manual
• NCAA Drug-Testing Program
• Report All Medicines poster
• Understanding Dietary Supplements

Substance Misuse Prevention

Substance Misuse Prevention Tool Kit

A tool kit to assist athletics administrators and their campus colleagues in efforts to reduce recreational and illicit substance misuse and to promote healthy choices and a positive environment for college athletes.

• Substance Misuse Prevention Tool Kit

Educational Resources

• Cannabis in Collegiate Athletics
• Cannabis Myths and Truths
• Preventing Alcohol and Other Substance Use in Student-Athletes
• Understanding Cannabinoids

Additional Resources

• 360 Proof – A comprehensive evidence-based program that was created to help universities reduce the consequences of high-risk alcohol use and enhance collaboration between campus prevention teams, students and their support systems.
• DEA Prevention with Purpose - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration offers a Prevention with Purpose resource for preventing substance misuse among student-athletes. 

Data & Research

Data collection, research and evidence- and consensus-based decision making are central to SSI’s approach. The NCAA studies doping and substance misuse trends, outcomes and responses to promote student-athlete health, safety and performance and develop effective harm reduction strategies.

• NCAA Research