Steroid Testing. Should it become law?

[KLH75287]

According to the article below, 2.3 % of student athletes have used steroids. Should testing become mandatory for all UIL student athletes?

GO PACK IN '05

Lawmaker seeks mandatory steroid tests for high school athletes
By JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN — A state lawmaker announced Tuesday he will seek to require random steroid tests for Texas public high school athletes.

Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, said if his bill is passed, a student-athlete who tests positive would be required to take counseling with parents. A second positive test would make the student ineligible for competition.

The bill was not immediately available. King missed the March 11 House deadline for filing bills but was granted permission Tuesday to late-file the steroid testing legislation.

King said the tests would apply to students at the nearly 1,300 schools competing under the University Interscholastic League, the governing body for Texas public high school sports. Two private schools, Dallas Jesuit and Houston Strake Jesuit, also compete in the UIL.

UIL policy makers have debated whether to require testing for performance enhancing drugs, citing high costs that could burden local districts and a reluctance to remove the decision from local communities.

State law prohibits using anabolic steroids without doctor supervision. High schools must post signs warning of their harmful side effects, including liver tumors, cancer, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, aggression and psychiatric problems.

A Texas A&M University survey two years ago found that nearly 42,000 Texas students in grades 7 through 12 — about 2.3 percent — had taken steroids. Nine students at Colleyville Heritage High School admitted taking steroids last year, according to a newspaper report.

On Sunday, the UIL medical advisory committee said it needed a detailed survey of schools to better gauge steroid use before making a recommendation on testing.

"All the evidence suggests steroid use is widespread in our public schools," King said. "We need to address it before we have some kids that are severely injured or killed."

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

According to the article below, 2.3 % of student athletes have used steroids. Should testing become mandatory for all UIL student athletes?

GO PACK IN '05

Lawmaker seeks mandatory steroid tests for high school athletes
By JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN — A state lawmaker announced Tuesday he will seek to require random steroid tests for Texas public high school athletes.

Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, said if his bill is passed, a student-athlete who tests positive would be required to take counseling with parents. A second positive test would make the student ineligible for competition.

The bill was not immediately available. King missed the March 11 House deadline for filing bills but was granted permission Tuesday to late-file the steroid testing legislation.

King said the tests would apply to students at the nearly 1,300 schools competing under the University Interscholastic League, the governing body for Texas public high school sports. Two private schools, Dallas Jesuit and Houston Strake Jesuit, also compete in the UIL.

UIL policy makers have debated whether to require testing for performance enhancing drugs, citing high costs that could burden local districts and a reluctance to remove the decision from local communities.

State law prohibits using anabolic steroids without doctor supervision. High schools must post signs warning of their harmful side effects, including liver tumors, cancer, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, aggression and psychiatric problems.

A Texas A&M University survey two years ago found that nearly 42,000 Texas students in grades 7 through 12 — about 2.3 percent — had taken steroids. Nine students at Colleyville Heritage High School admitted taking steroids last year, according to a newspaper report.

On Sunday, the UIL medical advisory committee said it needed a detailed survey of schools to better gauge steroid use before making a recommendation on testing.

"All the evidence suggests steroid use is widespread in our public schools," King said. "We need to address it before we have some kids that are severely injured or killed."
Yeah it should become law. I know back when I ran track in high school I hurt my knees then the trainers shot me up with something in the back of my knees and on the upper sides. Later I found out what it was. Let's just say my mom was pissed after she found out (luckily it was after I graduated). But my knees haven't been the same since.

[wide-e-wide]

Definitely...I say if you have nothing to hide,
giving a sample for testing shouldn't bother you.
Why not?

[TheDuke]

I agree! They shouldn't be on that stuff any way!!

[CoppellCowboy57]

it defently should be a law, make the playing feilds eqaul...there isnt much diffrence in all players in 5A schools. Strength shouldnt be to much of a factor, it should be the players heart that wins games...espically in high school

[Xfballphenome05]

it should absolutly become a law!but you said the 1st offense they have a conference with parents?i think they should b off the team..

[Dds115]

...and Carroll who inject themselves and cheat.

Never proven, thanks though. As far as anyone knows, everyone at Carroll is clean and in the weight room workin just as hard as any other school.

[LD Bell Blue Raiders]

Bell- please do not post rumors unless you can link to a credible source. Thanks.

[dragonsdaddy]

KT's Note- DDaddy, i know this is a sensitive subject in your neck of the woods but don't try and "fight fire with fire." Let's keep it civil and get rid of the personal attacks. Thanks.

[Red Raiders]

Do you think Steroids illegial anytime like if your not in sports?

[ktCarl]

I've heard on the news and from over a dozen people that Chase Daniel tested positive for steroids and had his scholarship revoked from Missouri. Even one of our own coaches attested to it

Be careful and make sure you have the absolute truth about anyone before you post accusations like that. Let's hear from drgnbkr, dragondaddy or some Texas news service. They are closer to information like that about Chase and would probably honestly confirm or deny that accusation. I sure hope it's not true.
I hope you and your friends stay clean, keep working hard in the gym and have success on the field this season.

[Big Daddy Cool]

I definitely think all high school athletes should be subjected to drug testing. Though were the problem lies is in that those doign it most likely know how to cover their tracks. So while you may catch some there will be many that make it through unnoticed.

[Red Raiders]

Steroids is just cheating on other players because there bigger and faster than others because they use steroids?

[KT2000]

Bell,

Unless you have infallible sources (IE, newspaper/tv channel site links) you should refrain from posting any "news." If you can't link or provide a credible source for the said information, then don't post it. This is not the place for rumors, no matter how true you think they might be, or personal attacks. Thanks.

[stevefoxsc]

drug testing period should be a law

[ktCarl]

Do you think Steroids illegial anytime like if your not in sports?

Yes, it's illegal but not because of my or anyone else's opinion.
Steroids are a controlled substance like cocaine. It's illegal to purchase, possess and use steroids...period.

[dragonsdaddy]

kt, i think you mean to say that some steroids require a doctor's prescription to possess and use. some of these products may be illegal to use at all however.

[JC73]

Steroids is just cheating on other players because there bigger and faster than others because they use steroids?

It is cheating, but the purpose behind the testing is to keep the athletes from harm. Lets keep this in perspective. It is a different issue in pro sports, where it is about keeping the playing field equal. But as far as our kids are concerened, it is not about one team having an advantage over another. That is not as nearly as important as keeping our kids safe from the side effects. Personally I think it should not just involve athletes, but all students. Parents are ultimately responsible for thier kids however.

[ktCarl]

kt, i think you mean to say that some steroids require a doctor's prescription to possess and use. some of these products may be illegal to use at all however.

Exactly, but those that are prescribed are usually not prescribed for sports enhancing purposes unless the doctor is making a little $$ on the side.
I've worked with bodybuilders and even someone whom had been on Englands Olympic powerlifting team. He said the whole team was taking steroids and they were'nt getting them 'prescribed'.
Some bodybuilders are taking drugs that are used on race horses!!
I would bet that anyone aquiring steroids for the purpose of enhancing their performance in a sport are not getting them prescribed by a doctor.

Are you guys getting pumped about this upcoming season? Our Katy High sports forum is a little dull right now with little Tiger football talk.

[dragonsdaddy]

right now baseball and softball are in the limelight, but once spring training starts, there'll be more interest around the gridiron. i'm anxious to see how some of the new guys fit in, though without a dog in the hunt it won't be quite the same. 7 on 7 should be fun. let's meet up the 4th sat in december how about.

[ktCarl]

right now baseball and softball are in the limelight, but once spring training starts, there'll be more interest around the gridiron. i'm anxious to see how some of the new guys fit in, though without a dog in the hunt it won't be quite the same. 7 on 7 should be fun. let's meet up the 4th sat in december how about.

Ditto on your last sentence.
Hopefully in the Alamodome again. They have good hamburgers.

[dragonfootballfan]

They should not have steroid testing. Steroid testing means that you have to prove your innocence and in this country you are innocent until proven guilty.

[TIGER07]

They should not have steroid testing. Steroid testing means that you have to prove your innocence and in this country you are innocent until proven guilty.


It is about saving the lives of our children, not being innocent until proven guilty. If your not doing it then there is nothing to worry about. If you are your life is what you have to worry about.

No this was not pointed directly at you directly just the comment.

[RPM]

Im all for random drug test weather its for health or sports advantages..with random drug test it will keep kids thinking twice before they decide to use it...

[LP_FAN_in_Plano]

I think testing without probable cause is wrong, no matter the situation. We as parents should be involved with what our children are doing, who their friends, where they hang out, and where and what on they spend their money. Proactive is the way to go, not reactive. Be the parents your children deserve instead of depending on the state to keep them from harm.

[TIGER07]

I think testing without probable cause is wrong, no matter the situation. We as parents should be involved with what our children are doing, who their friends, where they hang out, and where and what on they spend their money. Proactive is the way to go, not reactive. Be the parents your children deserve instead of depending on the state to keep them from harm.


I dont depend on the state or someone else to advise me of my childrens activities. I do know who they are hanging around with. I am very involved in my kids lives and activities. But please if you think you know what your child is doing 24/7 you are kidding yourself. Did your parents know what you were donig 24/7. Peer pressure in High School is horrible. Yes, we talk to are kids about not giving in, but that is easier said then done. A little help from testing might just save someones child. Think about it that way. Not all kids are lucky enough to have involved parents, think of it as helping them out.
I was against it at first here in Katy ISD, but know I understand more about it. My daughter was tested this year, I knew I didn't have to worry about it so I just laughed when the slip came home saying your child was drug tested today. But what about those parents who dont know, they talk to their kids and their child keeps saying NO I AM NOT DOING THAT, when they really are. This is a step to help them (the child that is) have a future not an early funeral. :(

[rangerpride]

I'm all for testing the athletes. This has been a hot topic around the SV community with all the steroid talk coming from the Dallas area. It was even discussed at a school board meeting recently about requiring testing of extra curricular participants (not just football players). However, the sticking point is the cost, which is estimated at around $175 per test and who is responsible for paying for it, the state or the district.

If the district is responsible, that could mean a $3-6 million dollar yearly bill to just test 3% of all athletes. I know it seems silly to test Girls Volleyball players, but it would be discrimination if you just tested football players, so ALL varsity sports would have to be tested, meaning many of the tests would be wasted money on testing participants in things like academic UIL competition, tennis, volleyball, golf, band, dance team, etc. I doubt districts will agree to up their budgets this much to pay for this testing just to DETER kids from doing steroids.

[gtowndrumma]

"They should not have steroid testing. Steroid testing means that you have to prove your innocence and in this country you are innocent until proven guilty."

If thats true, then taking drug tests for jobs qualifies under the same category, which is totally false. Random drug testing is to make sure that an individual is not using drugs; however, it is not accusing them of doing so. It is a true or false situation. No accusations should be made; instead just test the athlete and if they pass then good, and if they dont, they should be delt with.

[mtbray]

I believe there should be testing, although I have no clue as to how it could all possibly be funded.


Personally, I think people who use steroids deserve what's coming to them. They'll pay for it with their bodies later on in life, and pay for it while they're taking it by all of the negative effects. (i.e. limpage) I also find it comical that many times I'm sure they get swindled out of their money buying fake stuff, and that the people I have known who took them haven't gotten much bigger at all, it looks like instead they flushed their money down the toilet.

[PackAttack2005]

Testing with probable cause for steriods should be mandatory, plus all schools should also have a strick substance abuse drug testing for all student athletes.

If you don't have anything to hide, you shouldn't be worried about being tested.

[I heard that]

TESTING WILL NEVER HAPPEN! not enough schools have the money to give drug tests, and if you tried to get parents to pay for it they would refuse! never going to happen, so may god have mercy on the cheaters soul!

[LoneStarProud]

I am sure that many student atheletes have been tempted to use steroids
for that competitive edge. How many actually take the plunge we'll never know. I would hope that number is a very small percentage. I would be
all for testing but I'm not sure budgets would allow for it. The bigger
problem, I think, that is nationwide is the number of kids that are abusing
alchohol. It's too easy to get and even tolerated by many parents. You
young atheletes reading this know this goes on and you may even take part.
Take some advice ...don't screw up your opportunities (or life) with one
night of foolish (illegal) pleasure. O.K now I'll sit back and wait for someone
to start kicking my soapbox.

[LP_FAN_in_Plano]

I dont depend on the state or someone else to advise me of my childrens activities. I do know who they are hanging around with. I am very involved in my kids lives and activities. But please if you think you know what your child is doing 24/7 you are kidding yourself. Did your parents know what you were donig 24/7. Peer pressure in High School is horrible. Yes, we talk to are kids about not giving in, but that is easier said then done. A little help from testing might just save someones child. Think about it that way. Not all kids are lucky enough to have involved parents, think of it as helping them out.
I was against it at first here in Katy ISD, but know I understand more about it. My daughter was tested this year, I knew I didn't have to worry about it so I just laughed when the slip came home saying your child was drug tested today. But what about those parents who dont know, they talk to their kids and their child keeps saying NO I AM NOT DOING THAT, when they really are. This is a step to help them (the child that is) have a future not an early funeral. :(
Tiger07,
I do agree with you that no parent can know what their child is doing 24/7. I also agree that testing has the potential to help the children whose parents are not that involved in their life. My original point was that parents should be the first line of defense. This is where the battle will be won or lost. My youngest child was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. We like many parents feel this was attributed to mercury preservative in the vaccinations required by the state and federal government at that time. As we speak there are bills in congress is trying to pass that will protect the pharmaceutical companies and leave the parents of these children who were injured by vaccinations with no recourse in trying to recoup the money they have spent and will continue to keep spending trying to help their child. We spend thousands of dollars each month in treatment in our attempt to recover him to a point where he can function on his own when we are no longer around to care for him. I know I am way off topic here but I am extremely leery of allowing the state or federal government to have random access to testing my child for anything and mandating what needs to be done in order to make the problem go away. This is just my opinion, it does not make me right, it just makes me right were my children are concerned. Once again I apologize for getting off topic on my extremely large soapbox.

[KT2000]

rangerpride, you made several good points.

Personally, I don't mind random drug testing but it must be done across the board in my opinion and not limited to a certain sport. However, as you pointed out, many districts can't afford to pay for the testing.

I think it's sad that this is even a topic for high school athletes, but I guess that's the real world we live in.

[JC73]

Ditto Kt. It will cause more problems than people realize. Parents hold the ultimate responsibility though. This is a tough tough issue.