Association of Surfing Professionals to begin random drug testing

The Association of Surfing Professionals is set to begin random drug testing of all athletes for the start of the 2012 world tour, beginning with the Quicksilver Pro in Australia.

"It will send a good message to the world of sport that surfing is getting that much more professional," said Randy Rarick, an ASP board member.

Rarick says members are likely to approve the anti-doping proposal in the coming weeks. "Really, to be a professional sport, it has to act professionally."

The ASP says the proposed policy would likely test both surfers and ASP officials for recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

Many in the surfing community give their full support to the proposed drug-testing policy.

For disciplinary actions when someone tests positive for drugs,

The

"if someone tests positive, (they will) go for a second test, then counseling. There’s a lot of protocol that goes into place, so it’s not like if you get caught you’re kicked off the tour".he ASP says it’s taking cues from the World Anti-Doping Agency to write up its drug testing policy. ASP plans to announce details of its drug-testing policy by late February.