PositiveSports.net

Avoiding Athletic Supplement Contamination

Author: Lee, Jimson

Source: SpeedEndurance.com

Protecting our athletes from accidental doping is extremely important within the goal of helping them lead a healthy lifestyle. Accidental doping resulting from the consumption of unregulated nutritional supplements that have been contaminated with band substances is the reason some athletes fail drug tests on the Olympic and college level. High school level coaches, or recreational league coaches within the same age groups need to be aware and educate their athletes of these risks, especially if they are considering using supplements. Jimson Lee puts this issue into perspective, as offers suggestions for companies which should be trusted more than others. Protecting our athletes from accidental doping is extremely important within the goal of helping them lead a healthy lifestyle.

Click here to view full article at SpeedEndurance.com.

Health Risks and the Teen Athlete

Source: Women's Sports Foundation

It is conventional wisdom that sports participation promotes good health. However, this is not always the case. This article from the Women's Sports Foundation presents research findings on the positive and negative health impact of sports on both girls and boys. This report also points out specific policy recommendations for administrators and coaches. This report ends with giving advice towards reducing the health risks associated with sports.

Click here to view full report at the Women's Sports Foundation's website.

Sins of a Father

Corey Gahan was a champion in-line skater at 13. Then his dad put him on a regimen of steroids and HgH.

Many coaches and parents believe steroids do not become an issue until at least high school, or later on at the college or professional levels. This article from SI.com is an important true story that all youth coaches should read.

Click here to view full article at SI.com.

Steroids: The new high school temptation?

Many coaches are unaware of the actual threat steroids holds against high school athletes. This is due to the lack of likelihood of a coach hearing of their athletes facing the option to take steroids. However three to five percent of athletes are using performance enhancing drugs, which equates to over 6,000 athletes.

This year Florida will max out their budget of $100,000 to randomly test 600 of their student-athletes. While three to five percent is a low percentage, this is a statistic that has increased drastically over the years, and Florida recognizes the need to encourage compliance. This article provides insight from a student athlete, coach, and sports administration, all advocates of implementing random drug testing. As coaches we must have our eyes and ears open, and be educated of possible signs of drug use.

Click here to view full article at NBC-2.com