Steroid testing program also tests for masking agents

Florida's steroid testing program will also test for "substances that are used to mask the use of anabolic steroids," the FHSAA released Tuesday.

The anabolic steroids they will test for include, but are not limited to, THG and Madol.

The program was discussed with member schools at the compliance seminar Monday and Tuesday. More details of the program were hashed out (check out link below), including confirming that, indeed, the three female sports (softball, flag football and weightlifting) will be included.

Here's how it'll work:

Any athlete who wants to participate in the six targeted sports - baseball, football, weightlifting (boys and girls), softball and flag football -- will have to sign a consent form to be tested. If not, they will not be ineligible. If they play more than one of those sports, there's a possibility they can be tested twice.

The National Center for Drug Free Sport, which will administer the testing, will first randomly select the school(s) to be tested. They will notify the selected schools at least seven days in advance that they are sending an agent to collect the samples.

On the day the agent arrives, he or she will tell the school which athelte(s) will be selected and then take them to a private room to collect both the "A" and "B" sample. The "B" sample is being taken for purposes of of an appeal.

For more information, check out the FAQ from the FHSAA.

http://www.fhsaa.org/compliance/steroid_testing/drug_test_prog_info.pdf

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com