A NATIONAL SURVEY OF DRUG-TESTING POLICIES FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES

This study examined current and proposed drug testing policies from a stratified random sample of colleges and universities in the United St ates. Two-hundred forty-five of the 288 athletic directors surveyed re sponded, and 29% reported drug testing of their student athletes. Test ing was most commonly conducted on a random basis, with cocaine and am phetamines the most frequently screened drugs, 85% and 83%, respective ly. Only 56% tested for other specific performance-enhancing drugs suc h as steroids. Referral for treatment was the most common consequence of testing positive. Among schools conducting testing, the majority of students supported the program, whereas in schools without a testing program, it was anticipated that the majority of students would be opp osed. It is suspected that more schools will initiate testing over the short term.