The Island's top soccer players will abide by strict new rules adopted by the Bermuda Football Association regarding international competition.

Close to 30 players gave the plan a resounding thumbs up by signing a document this week. It is believed that the document also included the players agreeing to random drug testing.

The players were summoned to a meeting on Monday night and asked to become a part of the squad being formed for the upcoming Caribbean Nations Cup to be held here in May and also the Olympic qualifying round which will be played in the United States next month.

The stern message delivered by the BFA to players was loud and clear: You are not welcome if you don't make a full commitment and agree to the BFA's policies for international competition.

Bermuda's Director of Coaching Clyde Best said that he was pleased to see the players respond positively.

"The players seemed to understand the importance of playing for their country,'' he said.

"It was vital for us to get their full attention and commitment at this time.

I have been concerned about the lack of commitment that has existed among the players since I came back home nearly two years ago and now that they are committed we hope to see our programme make vast progress.'' The players have been told that the coaches will be tough, giving little leeway if they see signs of slackening off in training or any acts of misconduct.

They have been told that any player missing more than two training sessions without a legitimate excuse will automatically be thrown out of the squad.

"What people must understand is that we have sponsors who have stuck by us and we are indebted to them. We all want to go out and do our country proud.

"We feel by enforcing strict rules and regulations and by getting as many matches for our players along the way that we can help to rally everybody and get the support that we need to accomplish our goals,' said Best.

"The BFA have gone out and gotten us four international games in the last four weeks, that's a good sign. Now we can no longer make noise about the lack of pre-tournament games. We have the games, we have good sponsors behind us, now it's up to us to step onto the field of play and do the job.

"It's up to us, coaches and players, to show that with decent preparation we can get results.

"But one thing I want the public to realise is that we have to give the squad a little time, we have to allow the players to progress by taking step by step. It's not going to be done overnight.

"It took Jamaica four years to prepare properly and qualify for the World Cup.'' While the bulk of the players will be training for the Nations Cup, the latest squad also includes many of the younger ones eligible for the Olympic qualifier to be held next month at a venue yet to be named.

A planned visit here next month by DC United, a Washington professional team, is another task ahead for the local players.

Also included in the squad announced by Best this week are the professional and college players who are based abroad.

Best is optimistic about their availability for the Nations Cup.

"We are in contact with all of our overseas players and the news from those in England is quite encouraging. Hopefully we will have confirmation about everybody in the very near future,'' he said.

"We are quite optimistic that we will be fielding one of our strongest teams for the Nations Cup.'' Full squad: Dandy Town: Antoine Lightbourne, Dano Outerbridge, Devarr Boyles North Village: Kaiwon Dill, Kevin Jennings, Kofi Dill, Randy Spence, Jemeiko Jennings Somerset Trojans: Andrew Rahman, Karl Roberts, Sean Simmons Devonshire Colts: Jahmah Samuels, Keishon Smith, Shannon Burgess PHC: Kenny Mills Wolves: Ellington Weldon Vasco: Ascento Russell, Clifford Roberts, Dennis Robinson, Diallo Sharrieff, Dwight Basden, Kentoine Jennings, Meschach Wade, Otis Steede, Tafari Outerbridge, Tim Figureido Social Club: Tokia Russell Overseas: Blenn Bean, Damon Ming, David Bascome, Dwayne Adams, Joe Rego, John Barry Nusum, Kyle Lightbourne, Shawn Goater, Stanton Lewis, Khari Sharrieff