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
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