Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2005 Source: Athens News, The (OH) Copyright: 2005, Athens News Contact: http://www.athensnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1603 Author: Beth Blair Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1198.a07.html HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH TAKING DRUG TESTS If your child tests positive for drugs more than once in a given school year, I feel it is the school's job to ensure that that student isn't representing our school on a football field, soccer field, or while jumping over hurdles. I believe drug testing is a great idea and should have been enforced when I was in high school. No one says your child has to play sports, and last time I was informed, sports were optional. Why is this such a big deal? The drug tests will be paid for, the results will be confidential, and best of all, your kid doesn't go to jail. What more are you looking for? This is just a test. It is like any other test in high school; you pass or you fail. So go ahead and write all your responses and even ask if I've been through the pressures of high school. While I can honestly and proudly say I've never done drugs, drank alcohol, or smoked anything in my life, I can tell you that my daughter thinks the world of me, and yes, I do know about the pressures of being a teenager. So instead of lecturing the schools about their drug testing, talk to your kids about drugs and making the right choices. Beth Blair Athens - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin