High school student-athletes will be subject to random testing for steroids and other banned performance-enhancing substances throughout the school year under a new law that Gov. Pat Quinn signed on Friday.
While the Illinois High School Association already conducts such testing during state championship competitions, the new law spells out that at least 1,000 student-athletes will be checked during their sports' playing seasons.
Students who test positive or who refuse to submit to random testing will be barred from sports competitions for a period of time.
A student's test results will not be made public. Only the student, his or her parents and coach and top school officials will know the outcome.
Funds for the program will come from an extra $50 fine against anyone convicted of drug possession and delivery crimes.
The law takes effect immediately, but it's set to expire July 1, 2011. The idea is to give lawmakers time to evaluate how well it works, said Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat who was the main House sponsor of the legislation, House Bill 272.
"We have to do what we can to help them stay clean," Franks said. "Most kids think they're pretty immortal and they don't think of the long-term health ramifications" of steroid abuse.
Another component of the new law requires high school sports coaches to go through an educational program about preventing the abuse of steroids or similar substances.
Central Illinois high school coaches who were contacted on Friday said they're on board with the new law.
"I don't see why we shouldn't do it," said Doug Martin, football coach at East Peoria High School. "It's really trying to protect the kids because that stuff will do some terrible things."
"I'm all for it," said Ken Leonard, football coach at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield. "Anything to help prevent kids from making bad choices, I think it's good."
Adriana Colindres can be reached at 217-782-6292 or adriana.colindres@sj-r.com.
