DRUG TESTING FOR N.J. HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES CLEARS ANOTHER HURDLE

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey will become the first state to institute a
drug-testing policy for all high school athletes under a plan set to
receive final approval next month.

The policy, which received preliminary approval Wednesday from the
executive committee of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic
Association, would bar high school athletes from competing unless
they and their parents agree to random tests.

Testing would start in the fall if the committee again endorses the
plan June 7.

Key points of the preliminary plan:

* High school athletes whose teams qualify for championship games, or
who qualify for state tournaments as an individual, face random testing.

* About 80 performance-enhancing substances are banned, ranging from
amphetamines to steroids.

* Those who test positive or refuse to be tested will be ineligible for a year.

* Students can appeal suspensions to an NJSIAA committee. Further
appeals from public school students would be heard by the state's
education chief, while appeals from private school students would go
to state courts.

Then-Gov. Richard J. Codey last year signed an executive order to
institute random steroid testing for athletes competing in championships.

Codey, who remains president of the state Senate, has said the state
would provide $50,000 to help cover the cost of testing. The NJSIAA
said it would provide an additional $50,000.

Statewide testing policies have been considered in at least two other
states, including California and Florida.