Anabolic Steroids 5-57.2

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Regulation 5-57.2

STUDENTS

Anabolic Steroids

1. Objectives

   The school board has directed that the superintendent implement procedures designed to provide education about the use and dangers of anabolic steroids, the identification of suspected users and intervention strategies.

2. Definition

   Anabolic steroids are compounds occurring naturally as hormones in the male body in humans and animals. The male hormone testosterone is one of the most common steroids. The steroids most frequently used by doctors (The medic al use of anabolic steroids in treating school-age persons is very uncommon. The most common use is for the treatment of growth disorders but this is very rare.) and athletes, however, are produced either synthetically or come from animal sources, such as horses.

3. Key Personnel

   Physical/health education teachers, coaches, trainers, nurses, psychologists, guidance personnel and home-school coordinators are encouraged to utilize their specialized training in achieving the objectives established in Part A. Teaching and counseling about the dangers of using anabolic steroids should be accomplished as opportunities arise.

4. The Dangers of Anabolic Steroid Use

   Studies have shown that many severe adverse effects can result from using steroids. Among them are:

   1. The development of liver tumors and other forms of liver disease.
   2. Cardiovascular disease.
   3. Acne.
   4. Fluid retention.
   5. Mood swings and uncontrollable aggressive behavior.
   6. Changes in the male reproductive system, including decreased sperm production and lack of sperm in semen leading to infertility.
   7. Females experience growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice and menstrual irregularity.
5. Indicators of Possible Steroid Use
   1. Physical Indicators
      1. Growth of breast in males.
      2. Large gains in lean mass over a short period of time.
      3. Increased time in the gym.
      4. Increased discussion about a need to gain weight or strength.
      5. Sudden increases in training capacity.
      6. Increased acne on back, chest and face.
      7. Abnormally aggressive behavior or moodiness.
      8. Facial puffiness, water retention.
      9. Needle marks in the buttocks or thighs.
      10. Increased body consciousness.
   2. Speech Indicators

      Use of terms such as Roids, Juice, Sauce, Slop, Product (slang words for steroids); Stacking (slang for the simultaneous use of several different steroids); Cycle, Cycling (slang for a period of steroid use); Pipes, Pythons (slang for muscular arms); Cut, Ripped (slang for very defined muscularity); Nuclear, Micro-wavable (slang for someone using steroids); Test (slang for testosterone); "D," Deca (slang for Decadurabolin); D-Bol (slang for Dianabol); Anavar, Equipoise, Winstrol, Anadrol, Sustanon (the trade names of steroids popular among adolescent users).

6. Intervention
   1. Employees shall report the names of students suspected of steroid use to the principal.
   2. The principal shall convene an advisory group from among the key personnel enumerated in Part C.
   3. An assessment of the evidence shall be made by the advisory group.
   4. The advisory group may recommend that the home school coordinator advise parents of the suspected use.
   5. Invisiting with parents the home school coordinator shall
      1. Report that no disciplinary action is contemplated.
      2. Help parents take constructive action to keep the student from being harmed through the use of steroids.
7. Confidentiality

   Personnel involved in these procedures shall respect the student's privacy including maintaining confidential records.

Approved by Superintendent: September 21, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)