Following the recent doping scandals featuring some prominent Jamaican athletes, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), proposes to start testing athletes from the junior stage, starting at the annual ISSA Boys and Girls Championships.

JADCO’s executive director, Carey Brown announced that they intend for the tests to be in place by the time the 2015 Championships rolls around, using the 2013/2014 allocated budget.

In the meantime, JADCO in partnership with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) have been informing and educating athletes and coaches of testing procedures via workshops, booklets, brochures and websites.

Let us know what you think. What is your take on the decision to dope test student athletes participating in Boys and Girls Championships?

I believe that the decision to dope test student athletes competing at the Boys and Girls Championships is a move in the right direction by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO). This will ensure that the Championship is transparent and fair, which will help to facilitate good sportsmanship and competition. However, Mr. Carey, executive director of JADCO and his team will have to ensure that they disseminate accurate information so that student athletes and their coaches become aware of the changes to be made.

— Shawn Ferguson

It is only a motion for the greater good, not only for the athletes but also for the scope of track and field in Jamaica. Meanwhile I’d love to respect the integrity and hard work put in by the competitors at Champs, I won’t overlook the possibility of them using performance enhancement substances, so I am in full support of the testing.

— Nicholas Martin

It makes sense, given how many records were broken last year. It’s a measure to keep the games fair and competitive to everyone. Also, since athletes are competing a lot more internationally and at a younger age, it will be in line with international standards. Also, dope testing protects from side effects of anabolic steroids in the future. It also gives everyone a fair chance of impressing scouts or gaining scholarships to continue with their sporting careers.

— Rachid Parchment

Introducing dope testing at Champs will enhance fair competition as only athletes that are drug free and talented will get to perform. This will not only affect athletes, as the better coaches will be able to come to the fore front while those who tend to cheat the system to enhance athletes’ performances for the purposes of securing a job or achieving any other objective will be banned. This testing initiative will save us the embarrassment whenever Jamaica is represented on world stages and even at less high-profile meets.

— Alex Creary

Athletes at the high school level often feel pressured to improve their chances of winning their event or being recruited. I believe that it is reasonable to dope test ahead of competition, especially in light of the growing popularity of performance enhancing drugs among teenagers. Of course, I don’t expect that they’re going be badgered and tested unreasonably frequently but fairness must take precedence.

— Daniel Dundas