Student Athletes

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical or mental health care advice.

Substance Use/Banned Substances

The NCAA Guidelines

  • You can visit NCAA www.ncaa.org/heatlh-safety for the guidelines on performance enhancing, and physically and mentally harming, substances.
  • The NCAA list of banned substances also includes some used for legitimate medical reasons; use is allowed in well-documented and supported medical cases through NCAA exceptions.
  • While the NCAA list is extensive and the spectrum of substances and their various names could be overwhelming, pleading ignorance doesn't help when you lose eligibility – even if due to "an error in judgment" or without intent to do anything improper. The responsibility lies with the student athlete.

Educate Yourself (even if you don't compete in the NCAA)

  • Research and check with the team doctor or trainer before starting any medication, substance or supplements, including herbals. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn't regulate supplements, so the actual content and effect of each product is unknown.
  • The best policy is to avoid substances or supplements, including energy drinks. Remember that most vitamins and minerals are best absorbed from well-balanced daily food intake, which is often less expensive than supplements. Even simple supplements can lead to health complications such as headaches, cramps, dizziness, high blood pressure, fatigue or even death.

    • The Way to Win

    • With a well balanced diet, adequate rest and recovery time (including hydration), diligent and balanced practice, high quality conditioning and training, and overall well balanced self care (including stress management via meditation, yoga or other strategies) you can...
    • Win without banned substances and/or supplements!

    Additional Resources

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