Blatant use of marijuana at football matches is dragging children into a world of drugs and could end up killing the sport, says educator Clinton Smith.

The Educational Officer for Physical Education, Athletics and Health said at one club marijuana was packaged on the club bar. He added: "It's like a drugs supermarket.'' But he refused to name the club.

And he said spectators across the Island were smoking weed openly while it was the habit on some teams for players to get together to smoke before and after matches as well as half-time.

"Some smoke in the changing room or go to a sympathetic house before going to the game.

"It goes from the Premier clubs right down to the Commercial Division and to the junior teams.

"Random testing doesn't work because they don't care, because if they are going to smoke it they are going to smoke it -- they will say OK I just won't play.

"How can you stop it? I don't know, ideally you educate them about the harmful effects. They need to see the difference about playing at a high level on drugs and playing without.

"But marijuana makes you think you are doing better than you are doing.

"Soccer is a game of co-ordination, judgment and stamina -- but it's destroying their game.

"At some clubs it's the players smoking and some clubs are plying the trade.

"Everybody knows Tim Smith's statement was so close to the truth that it's frightening -- I am surprised no one has taken it up.

"It's destroying our youngsters and young people. Youngsters join a club to play football and get dragged into it.

"People are reluctant to send their children to clubs to play or watch. We must stop the drugs or football will die a natural death at club level.'' He said children could see the adults were letting the drug activities take place and so felt comfortable trying drugs themselves.

He said: "You can clearly see adults are turning a blind eye to the illicit behaviour -- it's clearly evident. You would have to be Ray Charles not to see it.

"When a child belongs to a certain club, he will have to walk through a cloud of marijuana smoke to get to the changing room and then through it again to get out and play.

Island football under cloud of smoke "But the adult management of that club are sitting around and allowing it to happen.

"Adults can do whatever they like in their own home but my criticism is that people are watching their behaviour and think it's what you do. It's almost like they are advertising it.

"It's a ripple affect hitting those who are getting younger and younger.

Players in junior matches are coming off the pitch and smoking straight after the match. Some of the players are 15 and 16.

"I was talking to a group of 14-year-olds who said if they had drugs tests at school no one would come.

"In my day the attitude was that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but these characters really seemed to believe that a joint a day helped them relax and perform better.

"When you tried to rationalise with them they said it (the marijuana) kept them cool -- they weren't being spiteful or trying to be funny -- they really believed it.

"There are a lot of people like me who want to say this -- but I am not afraid to say it. It needs to be said.

"It's so open it's just like being in Amsterdam.

"People in a position today to do something about it are like ostriches going along like it doesn't exist, hoping it will go away.

"What they are doing is acquiescing with negative behaviour. But people who love football are choosing not to go.

"That's why attendances are declining - the players are as high as kites but they want us to pay $5 to watch this. Some of them even expect to be paid.

"And some get paid with a bag of marijuana. It's pathetic.

"From St. David's to Somerset I could take you to each field and say where they are using the drugs - why the Police can't do that or put in cameras? "I went to one game in Somerset and was surrounded by people smoking joints - there was nowhere to go.

"You can't get out - if you ask them to put it out they want to fight you.

They are not even watching the game, they are just talking a lot of foolishness.

"Some of them have their own children there and they are blowing smoke around them and we wonder why kids are retarded when they get to school.'' Bermuda Football Association President Neville Tyrell said: "Clubs have to stamp down.

"At one time it used to be a section using drugs - now you can smell it to the left of you and the right of you - it's all around. It's become too open.

"I want to get the message over that it's not on.

"I don't want to bring in the authorities to solve the problem -that's not how I believe it should be solved - it should be solved from home first. A lot of guys maybe get the example from home. "I wouldn't wish to see at every football match Police come into the ground but if someone is openly selling drugs there is no way Neville Tyrell would condone that - Police need to be called.

"I just don't know if the police have the men to come to every match to smell marijuana and get the culprits.

"It's a collective thing - we in this country have to say enough is enough.'' Asked what could be done Mr. Tyrell said: "It's not like something sport alone can do - in every aspect of our community we are dealing with this problem of drugs, unless we come out of denial.

"I don't agree the sport will die - I hope we will come to our senses long before that happens.

Asked about drug use amongst players Mr. Tyrell said: "I know at the national level we seem to have eradicated it - those who want to make the national sport know they can't dabble with it.

"Until the clubs say something - it needs a get-tough stand.'' He said random testing at club level league matches was only getting a percentage of players.

He said: "A lot of people are escaping as it is - we are now looking at it bringing it in for cup matches.'' SPORTS SP