CHS looking at drug testing

designed to be punitive, but to be preventative. "I believe this is a great tool for coaches to keep their players clean," Roman said.

In the drug testing, students would have to provide a urinary sample. If the student tests positive, there would then be a backup test of the sample and if that came back positive as well, then the student would effectively be in violation of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association drug policy.

A first offense would mean a six-week suspension that could be reduced to two weeks if the student completes the NIAA's substance abuse intervention program. A second offense would be a six-month suspension and a third offense would be a ban from participating in extra-curricular activities while the student is in high school.

Roman said the Ohio company stands by the accuracy and the privacy of its testing. He said the drug testing wouldn't be used for any kind of legal punishment.

The testing would be done in a similar way in which Olympic athletes are subject to testing. Students could be tested at any time while they are at school or involved in a school activity.

The student would be escorted to an area in which the test would be done and the student would then hand over the sample.

There's an appeals process in place, but when a student signs up for an activity, they would effectively agree to the drug test and its results, Roman said.

In all the years of testing the Ohio company has done throughout the country, only two cases have gone to court, Roman said.

As far as the Constitutionality of the drug testing, the Supreme Court has ruled its Constitutional. In the past, the Supreme Court has effectively ruled that not all students can be drug tested because it would violate their right to an education, but that students involved in extra-curricular activities can be tested because extra-curricular activites are a privelege, not a right.

And Roman said parents support drug testing. "I have not had one parent yet that has told me coach this is wrong we should not be doing this," he said.