EDITORIAL

Don’t base steroid policy solely on test.

   The state and the athletic association that oversees high school sports competition want to keep steroids out of high school sports.
   They will begin testing athletes who reach state championship games for a variety of performance-enhancing drugs. Under the new state policy, which received unanimous approval from the executive board of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, 5 percent of championship-level athletes would be tested beginning in the fall. The tests would take place following championship-round games. Athletes found using steroids would be suspended for a year.
   Testing results would be available two weeks after the test and would be released to the athletes and the school.
   While we agree with the program’s goal, we are concerned with its methodology. In general, we oppose random drug testing on constitutional grounds; we believe random testing assumes guilt, turning the notion that all are innocent until proven guilty on its head.
   There are other flaws with the current proposal, as well. Subjecting only those students who reach the highest levels of their sport to testing means that good players on marginal teams, those who see athletics as a ticket to college, might opt for steroids because their steroid use would fly below the testing radar.
   And stripping athletes of their titles in individual sports such as track or wrestling, while leaving titles in team sports such as football or baseball intact is patently unfair. Every athlete must face the same potential penalty.
   A targeted testing regime — one that subjects those students suspected of using steroids to test — connected to stepped-up educational efforts seems much fairer to us, and could be more effective because it would force coaches, trainers, nurses and teachers to work more closely with their charges, rather than relying on a test.
   South Brunswick and Monroe already have extensive programs designed to prevent steroid use and coaches and athletes at both schools say it has been effective.
   In South Brunswick, there is steroid education in freshman and junior health classes. Athletic trainers also talk with athletes about the dangers of steroids and monitor students’ growth. In addition, coaches receive regular training on how to spot signs of steroid use, such as quick weight gain, acne or a violent temper.
   Students suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs are referred to student assistance counselors at the high school.
   Monroe athletic officials also offer steroid education and will test students if they suspect there is a problem. Those students who test positive must undergo counseling and pass a drug test before rejoining the team.
   A steroid prevention program built on this model would seem fairer and more effective and we would encourage the state to revisit the steroid issue.