Athletes representing the Island internationally could be required to take part in random drug testing three times a year.The testing would be for both illicit and performance-enhancing drugs.A positive result for the illicit drug marijuana would lead to the suspension of the athlete for three to 12 months, depending on the circumstances.Yesterday, the newly branded Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority said proposed legislation could give the body more power to discipline athletes and sporting bodies that do not comply with drug testing regulations.The organisation, BASADA, was previously known as the Bermuda Council for Drug-free Sport.The new name encompasses their increased focus on performance enhancing drugs.Chairman Jon Beard said: “BSADA has been undergoing a strategic change in its delivery of services driven by the issue of the World Anti-Doping Agency 2009 Code.“There have been a number of fundamental changes that have affected our operations and we have been diligently working in several areas in order to achieve compliance for the Island of Bermuda and be identified as the best practice agency in the delivery of services.“One of the most important strategic changes identified is the need for legislation with the Government diligently working towards this.”The legislation would give BSADA more power to discipline those who fail illicit and performance enhancing drug tests as well as athletic organisations that refuse to comply with the rules.It is currently before Cabinet. BSADA is optimistic it will become a Government quango, fully funded by the Government but independent in its decision-making.Currently there are three laboratories in the US that analyse performance-enhancing tests. Each test costs $300; the results are given to BSADA in ten days. An additional fee is required for a quicker turnaround, something BSADA does for occasions such as International Race Week.Local drug tests, for illicit drugs, cost $28.Beard said since testing for illicit drugs came into practice 12 years ago on the Island the number of athletes testing positive has decreased.The group tests athletes as young as eight and as old as 70 who represent the Island.Beard added: “BASDA is here to serve the Bermuda community in this regard and we firmly believe that the Bermudian sporting community can deter athletes from using banned doping practices and illicit substances through the provision of high quality independent and accessible anti-doping programmes together with a comprehensive education and awareness plan in order to enhance the value of sport and promote a healthy environment in which to compete and the community to enjoy.”