Requiring all public high schools participating in
state-sanctioned sports to adopt steroid policies and make parents
sign a statement with their children promising they will not use
the dangerous performance-enhancing drugs is a good first step to
controlling what could be a serious health risk for California
children.
Requiring all public high schools participating in state-sanctioned sports to adopt steroid policies and make parents sign a statement with their children promising they will not use the dangerous performance-enhancing drugs is a good first step to controlling what could be a serious health risk for California children.
But the measure does not do nearly enough to keep California kids safe from the dangerous drugs in an era of extremely competitive high school athletics.
In addition to requiring parents and students to sign statements they will not use steroids and making coaches earn certifications in the dangers of the drugs, the state should further be a pioneer in the issue and require drug testing during the physicals students take prior to participating in athletics.
Granted, mandatory drug testing would increase costs, but it would also keep children safer without infringing on privacy rights of the individuals. Let’s remember that athletics are state-sanctioned extracurricular activities that students choose to participate in. No one forces them to compete in athletics and any student who doesn’t wish to subject themselves to a test doesn’t have to go out for a team.
The ultimate goal should be to keep kids away from the drugs and supplements that provide quick results with long-term consequences.
Considering the idealistic nature of youth, steroids have an obvious appeal for kids who would rather be on the field than in the classroom and dream of a professional career making millions of dollars to play a game they love. A simple statement promising they won’t use the drugs doesn’t have enough teeth – especially when students read about professional athletes using steroids all the time.
Drug testing could only be preventative when practice begins before the season or during any off-season sanctioned practice such as spring football. Programs to educate parents about signs of steroid use and the implicit dangers associated with the substances should also be strongly considered.
It’s foolish to think schools can keep kids off steroids alone. It’s equally as futile to believe a simple signed statement will end a potential problem.
The best way to keep students safe is to make them risk the one thing they’re striving for – success in their athletic endeavors. One positive test and you’re out for the season. That’s a serious consequence that should work.
