[DALE]

I disagree with you blackcat. A random drug test and a steroid test are two different things. Back when I was playing sports in college the roid heads always passed their drug tests, the pot smokers didn't. A steroid test has a totally different make up than your basic illicit drug test, hair test, or urine test. Recently, a state that implemented a steroid testing program for its high school athletes decided to abolish the program due to its costs. A professional administering a steroid test runs anywhere from $200-300 per individual, compared to a random drug test at a local clinic that runs $20. Even a personal steroid test, the cheapest one online I could find just for sake of my defense was $150 dollars.(http://www.testcountry.com/categories.html?cat=350 )I know that these drug testing centers such as the one located at Highlands Hospital do not detect steroids. A friend of mine was on the sauce when he had to take a test to get work in the mine, he passed because steroids were all that he did. Depending on the ester or half life of a steroid, it can be detected in your system up to 18 months.

Now do I think steroids should be tested in all high school athlets. No. High school is an awkward time for kids growing up, I mean I went from 5'1 110 my 9th grade year to 5'10 165 my soph. year due to my growth spurt. I believe that testing for roids should be a decision based primarily by the coaching staff. They know these kids capabilities better than anyone. If a kid is putting up huge numbers all of a sudden, showing signs of common sides such as acne, mood swings, depression, hair loss, or even nipple sensitivity then the coach should test that kid, not eveyone.