’Roid rage: District takes a tougher stance on drugs
SMMUSD HQTRS — Santa Monica students who take steroids will not only have to face possible health problems, but soon will also face disciplinary problems.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is set to adopt at it’s Thursday regular meeting a set of rules whereby student athletes and coaches would be prohibited from distributing or using steroids. Prior to participating in athletics, parents and students must sign an agreement that the student will abide by the district’s prohibition.
The ban would also include certain dietary supplements currently on the market.
Superintendent John Deasy said student drug use is already prohibited within the district.
The updated policy on steroids, however, will reinforce the message the district does not condone its use, especially in light of recent scandals in professional sports, he said.
“It’s an important concern because of everything the kids are exposed to in the media these days,” Deasy said. “They can’t help but see it in the news, and the district needs to be clear about how inappropriate it is to use steroids.”
In May of 2005, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), a group which helps regulate state public schools, adopted rules which prohibit coaches and other school personnel from selling, distributing or promoting to students steroids and other enhancements. School districts which are members of the CIF, such as Santa Monica, have been required to adopt such policies, according to a staff report.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the major side effects of steroid use include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention and high blood pressure; other adverse effects include severe acne and trembling.
Steroid use increases lean muscle mass, strength and the ability to train longer and harder; but the long-term, high-dose effects of steroid use remain largely unknown.
Many health hazards of short-term effects are reversible, but not all; and there is concern over the potential psychiatric effects. In addition, people who inject steroids run the added risk of contracting or transmitting hepatitis or the virus (HIV) that leads to AIDS, according to the institute.
According to the district’s policy, students in grades 7 through 12 shall receive a lesson on the effects of steroids or any other performance-enhancing supplement.
Student athletes who are found to have violated the district’s agreement shall be restricted from participating in sports and face suspension or expulsion.
Coaches shall also educate students about the ill-effects of using steroids.
Also, the district will not be allowed to accept sponsorships from manufacturers who offer muscle-building supplements to students.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 17, 2005. Read the original PDF.