position over the banishment of three players from the Bermuda Under-17 for failing drug tests.

"What we did was positive and we have taken the first step of telling our participants that we are serious about revitalising this programme,'' said general secretary David Sabir, voicing anger at comparisons to the Miami Seven episode of 1994.

"We're just saying to all of our players `let's perform in accordance with the BFA's policy'.

"To the public we would say that we are taking steps to ensure that we have a team consisting of the players that have complied with the regulations of the national policy and urge all of Bermuda to come out in support of the team during Friday's final (of the International Youth Tournament).'' The Royal Gazette yesterday reported that three players had tested positive for marijuana and had been dismissed from the squad prior to the start of the competition. Sabir reiterated the move was in line with a newly-instituted national policy governing those selected for international duty.

While hesitant to get into specifics, Sabir implied that all players currently in the under-17 squad taking part in the ournament had cleared the test. It was also learned that testing took place sometime in June.

Sabir indicated no further punishment would be taken against the three who tested positive and that the association would seek to aid in resolving any players' "problems.'' "Our policy is a non-punitive, measured policy,'' he explained. "Our policy is an athletic assistance policy.'' The BFA also got support from sports minister Tim Smith for dropping the players.

In a prepared statement, the minister commended the BFA on its stance and its efforts to create a drug-ree sports environment .

"We are aware that drug use in Bermuda is pervasive and touches every corner of our society, including sport,'' said Smith.

"The ministry is taking the leading role in partnership with the National Sport Governing Bodies ... to develop a National Drug Free Sport policy for Bermuda which will include education, intervention, deterrents, treatment and testing.

Bermuda, Canada in consolation of the tournament will take place tonight at National Stadium.

Bermuda, after a horrendous start to the campaign, finished credibly with a pair of 2-2 draws against United States and Glasgow Rangers.

And tonight they get an opportunity to avenge their lone loss when they face Canada, who battered the local side 4-1 in the opener. The pair clash at 6 p.m.

Featured in the nightcap (8 p.m.) will be Rangers and the US. Rangers were the only unbeaten team in the round-robin tourney, edging Canada and the U.S.

Coach of the Americans, Gerry Sharpe, on Wednesday announced his team as prepared for revenge against the Scots, who beat them 2-1 in their first meeting.

"We're ready,'' said Sharpe. "They are a good team and very well organised because they have played together for a while, but we feel confident and our kids are on a high now.''