WEST MILFORD On Wednesday, June 7, New Jersey became the first state in the country to institute a statewide steroid-testing policy for high school athletes. How this will affect West Milford athletes is yet to be determined. According to School Superintendent Glenn Kamp, the Board of Education will have to form a policy which will most likely be based on a sample policy designed by the New Jersey School Board Association. So far, the state association has yet to address the issue. Under the program, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association is empowered to randomly test athletes who qualify for team or individual state championships beginning this fall. Athletes who test positive for any of more than 80 banned substances a list that includes anabolic steroids, some diuretics and other performance-enhancing drugs will face a one-year loss of eligibility. Kamp said he feels the policy is a good idea. His only concern is over the cost, since the district would have to bear the cost of the tests. The district already has to pay for drug tests in cases of suspected drug use in the general student population. Other states have considered such a policy but have not enacted one. ``I think it’s a tremendous initiative for New Jersey,’’ said New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Timko. ``What better way to show we’re concerned about the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes?’’ The athletic association developed the testing program in response to an order from then-Gov. Richard J. Codey in December. Codey, who serves as state Senate president, lauded the approval of the program Wednesday. Codey said. ``As a parent, a coach and a concerned citizen, this is something I believe in, something I pushed for and something I stand firmly behind.’’