a Bermuda drug-free sports policy.

A mission statement designed to unite all 36 of the Island's national sports bodies in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse was delayed indefinitely when just 20 attended the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation conference at Bermuda College.

And those delegates that did attend spent much of the evening debating word distinctions on a statement that had already been formulated at the November drug free sports conference.

Paul Melia, a consultant from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and Ministry director Anthony Roberts, moderating the conference, appeared frustrated before representatives from the national bodies finally voted 14-6 in favour of an amended version.

The old statement -- one of three choices with subtle differences mailed out on January 8 -- had been signed by just 13 national sports bodies before being scrapped. The new one -- stating that the groups "pledge to to achieve excellence in a sporting environment free of substance abuse'' -- will be again mailed to the 36 national bodies, who will be asked to sign and return it to the Ministry before a drug free sports workshop in April.

The quarrelling came despite Melia's assurances that the statement was merely a "commitment in spirit'' and did not bind them to anything other than a vow to clean up sports.

But several groups -- North Village and Devonshire Colts soccer clubs key among them -- took it to mean they would be losing precious alcohol revenues and balked at signing the form.

On the illicit drugs front, at least, representatives were willing to put on a united front. Bermuda Football Association and Bermuda Cricket Board of Control -- the Island's two largest sports groups -- were particularly supportive.

"If you have a youth in sport, this menace is not far from your door,'' warned BFA president Neville Tyrrell.

Tyrrell and BCBC president Ed Bailey stressed that any player attempting to be selected for their respective national team would be subject to drug testing.

But the fact remains that 20 national bodies think so little of drug problems that they failed to send a representative to the conference. Roberts said some groups had voted by proxy and that this list would be cross-checked with the registration to see which groups failed to show.

Those that didn't can expect some questions from a Government determined to get a handle on the problem. Officials have already said those unwilling to take a stand risk losing Government funds and recognition.

New Sports Minister Dr. David Dyer on Friday issued a veiled threat when he vowed to "continue on with the policies and strategies that have already begun.'' Dyer said sports was "a privilege, not a right'' and called on testing if necessary in order to create a "new spirit'' in sports.

Melia laid the groundwork for the policy by introducing a four-prong approach: Education, testing, research and treatment.

In order to work, he said the policy needed teamwork -- hence the importance of the mission statement -- and the focus of Government and clubs on three target groups: The athletes, their influence and spectators.

"It's a mistake to focus on drugs (by themself),'' he said.

The April workshop will bring into play employers, youth groups, Police, the National Drug Council, coaches, parents, sponsors and teachers for input.

DRUGS DGS