IHSA Random drug testing
by Dana Johnston
November 21, 2008
The Illinois High School Association’s Board of Directors at its monthly meeting Monday moved forward with a decision to implement a random testing program for performance-enhancing substances used by athletes who compete in IHSA state series, beginning with the 2008-09 school term.
This has hit home too, Principal Ron Edwards passed out the agreement to all the cheerleaders, and girls and boys basketball players last week at Pleasant Hill High school. There are many different feelings when asked, some people think it is a great idea and others think of it as a pain. Even with all the mixed feelings it is a major issue at some schools. All students who play sports in Illinois must sign this agreement in order to play. The plan calls for random testing of student-athletes during selected IHSA state series competitions.
In advance of the 2008-09 school terms, the IHSA Board of Directors will finalize a series of items related to the plan. The IHSA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will continue its work in preparing necessary recommendations and information for the Board and member schools to ensure the program’s start next school year.
