Drug Testing in High School Activities

Introduction

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations, and their member secondary schools are often asked about drug testing as a method of responding to drug use among secondary school students, particularly among high school activity participants. Testing athletes for drugs has been occurring since the mid-1970's, when efforts to reduce drug use increased. Professional sports leagues, college athletic organizations (including the NCAA), and other amateur athletic programs (including the U.S. Olympic Committee) have considered and developed drug testing programs as a method of responding to problems created by drug use among athletes. Drug testing among high school athletes, other student activity participants, or secondary school students in general has been conducted infrequently and with varying degrees of success. However, recent court decisions have removed some hurdles for drug testing of high school athletes. The NFHS wants its state associations and member schools to have accurate, up-to-date information regarding drug testing. Select one of the following for information concerning these commonly asked questions:

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of drug testing?
• What drugs will tests detect?
• How much does drug testing cost and how accurate is it?
• Who should be tested and what is the selection process?
• What are the legal issues?
• What issues should we study before we determine whether or not to drug test?
  

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Links or references: Below is information about the supplemental materials referenced in these Web pages.

Excerpt from Coaches Guide to Drugs and Sport by Kevin R. Ringhofer, PhD, and Martha E. Harding. Copyright © 1996 by Human Kinetics.

Excerpt from "The Steroids Game" by Dr. Charles E. Yesalis and Virginia S. Cowart. Copyright © 1998. Available from Human Kinetics.

"Anabolic Steroids in Sport and Exercise," edited by Dr. Charles E. Yesalis. Copyright © 1993. Available from Human Kinetics.

"Legal Issues: Options should be explored before starting student drug-testing program." by Joseph C. Franz, M.D. Interscholastic Athletic Administration (Volume 24, No. 1), Fall, 1997.


"Supreme Court rules in favor of drug testing." NFHS NEWS, Volume 13, No. 1: September, 1995.

"Sports and the Courts: Several issues should be considered before starting drug-testing program." by Tim Flannery. Interscholastic Athletic Administration (Volume 22, No. 3), Spring 1996.

"Sports and the Courts: Despite Court's ruling on drug testing, school leaders should move cautiously." by the NIAAA Publication Committee. Interscholastic Athletic Administration (Volume 22, No. 1), Fall 1995.

U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Vernonia vs. Acton.