Cape Town - There has been mixed reaction to the plan that could see a life ban from sport for pupils found to be doping.
The departments of Sport and Basic Education briefed the committees on these portfolios on possible amendments to the SA Schools Act and the Drug Free Schools Act.
The plan was a bid to stem the tide of steroid and drug use at schools, where pupils could face the same consequences as professional athletes who use banned substances.
Granville Whittle, spokes-man for the Department of Basic Education, said the government was reacting to mounting concern from principals and teachers about the use of performance-enhancing drugs by young athletes.
As sport becomes more popular and events are given live coverage, there is enormous pressure to perform, he said.
Whittle said the use of performance-enhancing substances was most prevalent in rugby.
SA Rugby Union (Saru) Sevens manager Sebastian Prim said there was a big “grey area” with regard to supplements.
“The problem starts when young rugby players begin with supplements and it then leads to illegal substances. The thing is there is a big grey area about what can and can’t be used, which is why once they enter Saru level we make them sign a waiver to cut out supplements completely,” he said.
Prim said, however, he felt a lifetime ban from sport was too harsh a punishment for minors.
“They are young and should be given a second chance. Rehabilitation structures are in place and more should be done to educate coaches and teachers at school level,” he said.
But Roger De Sá, head coach of Premier Soccer League club Ajax Cape Town, said a harsh punishment was the best way to deal with the problem.
“In football we deal more with social drugs, but in terms of harsher punishment for minors caught using illegal substances I think they should stamp it out quite early.”
Ajax’s 21-year-old captain, Travis Graham, said: “It’s a good thing and age shouldn’t be an issue. These guys are not only cheating themselves, but they are cheating their opponents too. It shouldn’t matter because if professionals can abide by the rules then minors should abide by them too.”
Cape Times