N.J. steroid tests a good start
As a start, the tests would be limited to high school teams that qualify for championship games. Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who leaves office next month, would like the program expanded to regular season athletics and students who do not participate in athletics. Lame-duck governors' initiatives often fall by the wayside, regardless of the merits of their proposals, so it remains to be seen if this testing program will stick. But credit Codey for identifying a troubling trend in high school sports and making a move to address a growing health threat.
Utah leaders should take heed because youths as young as eighth-graders have admitted to using steroids, according to statistics from the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Approximately 3.4 percent of all high school seniors nationwide self-reported that they used them at least once last year, according to NIDA.
While these are not large numbers of students, the health risks of taking steroids are significant. According to the Mayo Clinic Web site, anabolic steroids are particularly dangerous for adolescents because their bones are still developing. Steroids can halt bone growth and damage the heart, kidneys and liver. Users may also experience angry outbursts known as "roid rage." Some teens experience depression when they stop taking anabolic steroids, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In Utah, individual school districts have instituted educational programs regarding the dangers of steroids. Some have debated using drug tests to detect steroid use, but for some, cost has been a deterrent. Murray School District subjects students to random drug tests, which administrators say helps students stand up to peer pressure to use illegal substances.
While this page customarily defends the autonomy of local school boards and school districts, protecting high school athletes from the dangers of steroid use may be best handled on a blanket basis. The Utah High School Activities Association oversees high school sports competition, establishing rules on everything from player eligibility to realigning regions. Seemingly, it should also be the organization that ensures that all athletes compete on an equal footing.
Funding for this responsibility could come from a surcharge on high school activities, or the Legislature could provide a special appropriation. For example, New Jersey's initial program will cost an estimated $50,000. That appears to be a wise investment in protecting the integrity of high school sports and safeguarding the health — and future health — of high school athletes. Utah should get on board.
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