IHSA Testing Athletes for Drugs

Testing for performance-enhancing drugs is about to start in some Tri-State schools. The Illinois High School Association just passed a rule requiring random drug testing on school athletes. Its a trickle down effect from accusations of doping in professional sports. Most of the big league athletes were not happy when their names were publicly associated with performance enhancing drugs. But watching whats happening in the big leagues has an effect on the teenagers who want to be just like the professionals. Thats why starting next school year all Illinois Athletes will face the random drug testing. The Carmi Basketball Invitational is a far cry from professional play, but soon these boys will all be under the same rules as the pros. Testing for performance enhancing drugs "I think its a good rule," says Parent David Read. Read has no problem with his son Josh, number 20 on the court being tested. "I think it puts everyone on an equal playing fields." Thats important for Joshs family who spend a lot of time attending the juniors sporting events "He plays golf, Baseball, Basketball, track." Drug testing is nothing new for many of these schools, but those tests were for illegal drugs like pot. Looking for something like steroids puts a different spin. A spin that comes from the professionals kids like Josh look up to. "Its the same trickle down effect that you see in athletics,".says Carmi Athletic Director Kurt Simon. Because of that many involved in school sports saw this coming. Not because its a problem but to "educate our kids it may look good but in the future it may not be good." Because in sports no matter what the level, it shouldnt be about whos the tallest or fastest - its about the team" Illinois is the first state to voluntarily make this rule. Theyre still working out details like how and when it will happen and what punishment students and schools could face if someone tests positive.