Opinion has been divided on the issue of random drug-testing, the non-compliance of which has all but brought local softball to its knees in the last couple of weeks.

The refusal of the sport's governing body, Bermuda Amateur Softball Association (BASA), to comply with mandatory testing as required by Government through the Council for Drug-free Sport, has led to the Sports Ministry shutting down the Island's main softball venue, Bernard Park, thus cutting short the end-of-season play-offs.

Adhere to the policy or don't play, appears to be the stance taken by Government.

BASA, meanwhile, have dug in, their president Erica Smith saying earlier this week she would rather resign than comply to regulations which she and others within the association believe constitute an invasion of privacy. And there's no doubt that Smith is not alone in her thinking.

While every sport but softball has reportedly complied with the random testing, there's known to be a number of athletes ill at ease with the policy.

Soccer, rugby and hockey players are among several who have voiced their disapproval of the procedure, which was first introduced last year.

Although nearly all agree that drug-testing is a must for those aspiring to represent their country in international competition, there's a strong feeling that the recreational athlete who competes for fun and fitness and with no intention of playing at a higher level -- of which Bermuda has many -- is being unfairly targeted.

After all, the screening carried out in Bermuda is not for performance enhancing drugs, but only social drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

And if testing in the workplace for such drugs is still not mandatory, then why should the weekend athlete be singled out? Austin Woods, chairman of the Council for Drug-free Sports argues that to play any sport, at no matter what level, is a privilege not a right -- particularly when the team or individual is affiliated to a national governing body which in turn is affiliated to the world governing body.

If you play football for instance, FIFA makes the rules, and Woods would argue that in this case FIFA supports such random drug-testing. Therefore, if you play the game, you play by the rules.

But the issue in Bermuda, where drugs continue to be a major destructive force, is much wider than that.

If we're to wipe out, or at least contain the scourge of illegal drugs, then everyone has to play their part -- sportsmen and sportswomen included.

So far, every organisation apart from that which governs softball, albeit some begrudgingly, appear to have supported that policy.

But that's not to say it isn't flawed and Smith and her softball executive don't have a valid argument. There are some who believe that if the issue was taken to court, Government might have to back down.

That remains a hypothetical argument.

But if the current softball row continues to simmer, it could be the next step.

-- ADRIAN ROBSON SPORTS SP