Pubdate: Sat, 03 Apr 2004
Source: Imperial Valley Press (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Imperial Valley Press
Contact:  http://www.ivpressonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1877
Author: Brian Craig

DRUG TESTING FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES A GOOD IDEA

I was surprised to read such lousy arguments against drug testing in
the sports section by Mario Renteria. Just because some drugs are not
performance-enhancing it does not mean athletes should be taking them.

Putting a uniform on with your school name is enough. Athletes, as
representatives of their school, should not be taking illegal drugs --
neither steroids nor "commonly" used drugs such as marijuana, cocaine
and heroin. (I'd like to know where Mario lives.)

The solution offered by Mario is absurd -- teammates and coaches
spotting signs of drug abuse and reporting it. How would you like to
report someone just on a suspicion? Besides, the signs of casual
off-campus drug use are unclear, especially in teenagers, inherently
susceptible to mood and personality changes.

There could potentially be errors on testing, but not having the tests
altogether for that reason is like the DMV not having a driving test
just because they cannot assure an unbiased test provider.

Mistakes rarely happen in professional sports. What happens is the
testing is much more rigorous and athletes take medicines or
supplements with unknown prohibited substances, but the proposed high
school testing is nothing of that magnitude.

At the heart of your argument is in your world it is fine for someone
representing your school to take drugs, as long as they are not
performance-enhancing. But being an athlete is a privilege and should
be regarded as such.

Best of all was your argument that testing would push away students
from clubs that they have joined to avoid drugs, resulting in more
free time to experiment with drugs. But if you are clean, is there a
reason not join a sport just because you might be potentially tested?

Students pushed away are precisely those undeserving to wear a
uniform. Being part of high school athletics is one of the greater
experiences of your life. If you do not think that cannot be used as a
deterrent for using illegal drugs, I do know what else would.

Brawley is taking steps to stop drug abuse. This is a good idea, not
just a bad one because you say so.

Brian Craig

El Centro
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin