University of Oregon has adopted a new drug testing policy which will allow the authorities to conduct random drug testing on its athletes without any prior notice, effective Sept.1

According to the university, participating in college football or in acrobatics while intoxicated with drugs creates a 'serious' risk of injury. Hence, the leaders decided to change its current department policies of drug testing, effective immediately.

Earlier, the university had planned to consider random testing following a campus hearing in October. But UO General Counsel Randy Geller instituted the testing on a temporary but immediate basis Sept. 1 through Feb. 29.

Till now, Oregon's previous drug policy allowed for drug testing only 'on the basis of reasonable suspicion.' But, the new policy will subject the athletes to 'unannounced random drug testing throughout the year including summer sessions,' think progress reports.

The university may test for both recreational and performance enhancing drugs without giving 'little or no notice' to athletes.

The final decision whether the random testing will become permanent, will be known only after Oct.3 public hearing.

The increased scrutiny over the athletes' drug habits came a result of the ESPN's April article which elaborated on the Oregon Ducks' persistent marijuana use. Also, in the summer of 2011, a football player admitted to an Oregon State Police trooper during a traffic stop that he and others had smoked pot, after the trooper noted the smell.

Within three months of the publication, the university's athletic department decided to strengthen the rules and scheduled a public hearing in August. But, as the students were away, faculty members asked the administration to hold it off until students and faculty returned to campus for fall term, Register Guard reports.

Now, the new rules are temporary till the Oct.3 hearing, but are in effect.

"Fall sports were beginning and we believed there was a compelling need for us to protect student-athletes," UO spokesman Phil Weiler said Wednesday in explaining the decision to introduce random drug testing.

"We believe it's in the best interest of our student-athletes to make sure that we don't have people under the influence."

As per the new policy, if the athlete is tested positive for recreational drugs for the first time, he will have to go through mandatory counselling, substance abuse education and psychological evaluation. The second strike requires the signing of a 'behavior modification contract,' the third results in a half-season suspension and the fourth incident results in dismissal from the team and loss of scholarship, reports Oregon Live.