HOMEDALE TO IMPLEMENT DRUG TESTING FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The school district has had random testing in the past, but the new
system includes all varsity and junior varsity football players.

The Homedale School District will drug test all of its varsity and
junior varsity football players this fall after the district's board
of trustees approved a request from coach Rob Kassebaum.

The district has had a random testing policy in place for students
participating in extracurricular activities since 1999, but last
week's decision expands the testing program to all football players.

"We thought it was a pretty good tool to encourage them to make
positive choices," Kassebaum said. "Our coaching focus this year is on
some character development. This ties right in."

The test, which costs $5.50, will cover opieds, amphetamines,
marijuana, meth and cocaine, said Tim Rosandick, the district's
superintendent. Steroids are not part of the test, Kassebaum said.

Athletes who failed a drug test would be subject to suspension for the
rest of the season or could remain a part of the program by agreeing
to weekly tests and counseling, Kassebaum said.

The district has budgeted money for the program and Kassebaum has
pledged some fundraising money for the tests, Rosandick said.

Kassebaum, in his second season as the Homedale coach, said he does
not believe the team has problems with drugs.

"There's no reason to think that our makeup is any different than any
other rural community. The intent with this - and I hope the intent
with most testing procedures for young kids - is to encourage them to
make positive choices," he said.

Football players will still be subject to a random drug test as part
of the district's policy that tests 10 percent of students in
athletics, clubs and student government.

Rosandick said the board could expand the program to other sports
eventually.

"It wasn't like we were picking on football," Rosandick said. "This is
something (Kassebaum) wants for his team. He pushed for it."

Neither the Boise nor Meridian school districts have random or
mandatory drug testing for students involved in extracurricular
activities. The districts have considered such tests in the past, but
for a variety of reasons did not approve them, spokesmen said.

Rosandick and Kassebaum said they have not heard a negative reaction
from the community.

"The parents and other coaches and people I've talked to think it's a
good idea," Kassebaum said.