SSUSD revises steroid policy, By: Victor Garcia
February 21, 2007
The Sierra Sands Unified School District recently revised its steroids policy to reflect that of the California Interscholastic Federation.
“In May of 2005 the California Interscholastic Federation amended its bylaws dealing with students' use of steroids and performance enhancing substances,” said assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Shirley Kennedy, addressing the SSUSD Board of Education Thursday.
Students who are participating in athletics, and their parents, must now sign an agreement that states a student will abide by the district's steroids prohibition.
“Districts must prohibit school personnel and coaches from selling, promoting and distributing performance enhancing supplements to students, and the school ... cannot except sponsorship from companies that manufacture products that promote and market muscle building,” said Kennedy.
“By December 31, 2008, all coaches, paid and unpaid, must have completed a coaching education program, including training on the harmful effects of steroids.”
Kennedy said all reccomended revisions were approved by the high school and the training of coaches will be funded out of restricted categorical funds.
“... It is actually surprising to be that this is not already a policy,” said board member Michael Scott. “How are we going to know if a student is using (steroids) and if we do then what,” he asked.
“It is actually a policy. This is a revision. We currently have a steroid policy. ... As with any other violation, if we have information that there's a violation we follow board policy and (Educational) Code. ...,” said Kennedy.
Scott responded, “So what you are saying then is it's open ended. There's no cut and dry, if you use steroids this is what happens.”
Kennedy said it would depend on if the information gathered in an investigation consituted a violation of illegal drug use. “It is considered illegal drug use,” she said.
Scott responded, “How would you know if the student using (steroids)?” Kennedy said the district would do an investigation and gather information if there is suspicion of drug use.”
Board member Tom Pearl asked if the policy would prohibit a student from participating in sports if the student is using steroids. Kennedy said it depends on the violation and the outcomes of an investigation.
She said a committee would review the situation.
Scott then asked if there will be a list of the performance enhancing supplements students athletes cannot use.
Kennedy responded, “I investigated that because I had the same concern to determine what is what. There is a 72 page document on the (California Department of Education) Web site. It's the anti-doping guide, and it specifically outlines all the drugs that are considered steroids. It outlines it in detail what can and cannot be used. ...”
She said the supplements on the CDE's anti-doping guide include both items illegal items, and legal items that can be purchased over the counter at a drug store.
Board member Tom Martin asked what the drug testing process is. He said there is nothing in the revisions that adresses testing. “Unless you test for it, how can you possibly prove that the student is consuming enhancements,” asked Martin.
Kennedy said the district would have to determine consequences depending on the information that it has and the outcome of its investigation.
Superintendent Joanna Rummer said, “ One of the major points behind this whole policy is so that we can identify kids and help them along the way. A lot of times friends tell or come to us with a concern ... or a parent. We work really closely with the parents and the students whenever we think there is an issue that students might need some assistance along those lines.” She said it is to make parents aware so they can watch what's going on.
“Kids have to get the message that it's unhealthful; that it is going to harm them and that our district is not going to tolerate it,” said Rummer.
The item was approved by the board.
