July 14, 2005
The Illinois High School Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have taken a proactive role toward steroid awareness by developing a new campaign entitled, "Make the Right Choice." Recognizing the growing nature of steroid use by high school student-athletes, the IHSA and the NFHS believe that the multimedia package of DVDs, brochures and posters will help educate high school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, parents and students on steroid abuse.
Two 10-minute videos specifically geared toward coaches/students and parents are featured on the DVD. The video highlights include interviews with Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Lori Lewis shares with parents how she courageously blew the whistle on her son and fellow teammates after finding anabolic steroids in her son's room. Don Hooton tells the story of his son, Taylor, who tragically took his own life after suffering from depression following steroid abuse. Ric Dye, a former high school, college and semi-professional football player, shares his story of side effects resulting from long-term steroid abuse.
The brochures and posters also present medical information about steroids, including quick facts and side effects. The parents brochure includes measures regarding how to deter steroid use.
"We are pleased to be partnering with the NFHS on this project," said IHSA Executive Director Dr. Marty Hickman. "Unfortunately, more and more young people erroneously believe that they can gain a competitive edge by taking steroids. However, as we see far too often, the dangerous effects of steroid use are depriving young people of enjoying a long and prosperous life."
With the recent passage by the Illinois General Assembly of Senate Bill 0064, a bill which amends the Illinois School Code to require school districts to provide steroid education to students who participate in interscholastic programs, this joint venture by the IHSA and the NFHS comes at an opportune time. "Our member schools should find this information, particularly the DVD presentations, to have a powerful impact on student-athletes, coaches, and parents," said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Kurt Gibson, who oversees the association's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. "Hopefully, schools will make the DVD a part of their curriculum in addressing the recently passed legislation and get the brochures into the hands of as many people in their school communities as possible. To combat an issue such as this will take the effort of entire communities banding together to send a clear and strong message to young people that steroids have no place in high school sports."
The NFHS Board of Directors, at its meeting last month in San Antonio, Texas, approved a revised policy statement on steroids. The statement, listed below, continues to be supported by the IHSA.
"The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the national service organization to all 50 state high school athletic and activity associations as well as the District of Columbia, strongly opposes the abuse of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances by high school student-athletes. Such use violates legal, ethical and competitive equity standards, and imposes unreasonable long-term health risks.
"The NFHS supports prohibitions by educational institutions, amateur and professional organizations and governmental regulators on the use of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances, except as specifically prescribed by physicians for therapeutic purposes."