This was written by a poster named ForceLineBacker on another board.
I thought it was pretty good and since the subject comes up here from time to time, I thought it would be useful
NCAA Banned Substances FAQ - College Athletes Read This
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Well recently there has been a lot of misinformation spread around these boards and others about exactly what is banned. You hear it all the time...creatine is banned by the NCAA...you'll test positive if you use N02...etc etc. Well that is far from the truth. So to clear up any rumors and hopefully stop any new ones from the start I decided to help spread some light on the situation. I play D1 football and I know what's on the up and up.
Hope this helps.
So what exactly is banned by the NCAA?
http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/ed_o...ug_classes.pdf
The following classes listed on that sheet are the ONLY substances the NCAA does and can test for. We sign a sheet every year saying that is what they test for. Guess what if they find something else...does not matter if it does not fall into one of the classes as that is all the can test for and have consent for.
Wait, I don't see creatine on that list?
You're absolutely right. Creatine is not banned, and whomever you heard it from was full of crap. Creatine is perfectly legal. Same with whey protein and any other supplements that you have heard that are banned not on that list (or fall into the classes).
I heard Muscle Milk is banned, is that that true?
Well the answer to that is, technically yes. Muscle Milk was banned by the NCAA because it contains IGF-1 (insulin growth hormone 1) precursors. if you read the container it says it has "Growth Hormone releasers." Well anyone who knows anything will tell you that any increase, if at all, of IGF-1 you get from Muscle Milk is so negligible that it will never show up in a test. So unless you get caught carrying a container by NCAA testing officials continue to take it you will be fine. But, since technically it is "hormonal" it has to be banned according to NCAA regulations. Also you must note that the NCAA has deals with Gatorade and other companies that supply protein drinks and there is money to be made by them banning MM. Recently Cytosport and the NCAA entered into an agreement that allows Muscle Milk Collegiate. Now if you were Cytosport, and a majority of your MM customers were high school and college athletes, and the NCAA banned your product, would you not come out with a compliant product, different or not? Of course.
WHAT!?!?!? Caffeine is banned, WTH?
Don't worry, the mcg's/ml limit that is in state can only be reached if you were to around drink 12 cups of coffee in two hours. Also caffeine's half life is 6 hours so it is out of your system very quickly. So continue to take caffeine supplements.
What exactly is the drug testing process? How do they do it and where?
http://www.ncaa.org/library/sports_s...ng_program.pdf
You can read all about it there in the NCAA handout that you have surely gotten if you have ever had an NCAA drug testing official visit your college.
What exactly do they find?
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=803521
That article does a very good job of explaining the science behind the process.
But I heard that Protein supplements without certain ratios are banned?
Wrong, this bylaw only means that Colleges cannot supply their athletes with supplements that are more than 70% protein and not carbs. This does not mean they are banned though. Seriously how would they even test for macronutrients?
I am taking an over the counter cold/allergy medication, will I test positive?
No, pseudoephedrine and other OTC cold medications are not banned.
I take a prescription medication that is on the banned list? Is that okay?
Yes that is fine as long as you have a prescription and a legit reason from a doctor why you are taking it.
How do I find out if a certain supplement or medication/drug is banned by the NCAA? I cannot find any information on it?
First of all when in doubt, don't take it, JW for example. As many things can show false positives, and while it may be cleared later, your reputation willbe ruined and it will cause some serious headaches.
But, if you must really know this site offers confidential help on questions regarding particular supplements/drugs.
http://www.drugfreesport.com/rec/home.asp <<<Use the login NCAA d1 and password ncaa1
[b]Other FAQ's from the NCAA:[b]
Who will be drug tested beginning 2004-05 academic year?
* Every Division I institution will be drug tested at least once each academic year beginning this fall. Please know, however, that your institution may be selected for testing more than once each academic year.
* Every Division I sport your institution sponsors is now subject to out-of-competition (year-round) drug testing.
* If your institution sponsors football, 18 football student-athletes plus eight student-athletes from one additional sport will be randomly selected for drug testing.
* If your institution does not sponsor football, only eight student-athletes from one sport will be randomly selected.
When can a student-athlete be selected for drug testing?
Student-athletes are subject to drug testing before, during or after their competitive season.
How and when are institutions notified of their selection for drug testing?
The National Center for Drug Free Sport (Drug Free Sport) will notify institutions via email of their selection for drug testing no earlier than two days before the test day. In some cases, institutions may be notified one day before the test day.
How are student-athletes notified of their selection for drug testing?
* Each institution will designate an athletic administrator to serve as their drug-testing site coordinator.
* The drug-testing site coordinator will provide Drug Free Sport with a squad list containing the names of each student-athlete participating in the sport.
* Drug Free Sport randomly will select student-athletes for drug testing and provide the names of the selected student-athletes to the institution's drug-testing site coordinator.
* The drug-testing site coordinator will notify the selected student-athletes. Selected student-athletes are required to sign the Out-of-Competition Student-Athlete Notification Form, acknowledging their selection for drug testing and will be present at the time and location designated by the drug-testing site coordinator.
How are student-athletes tested and how long does it take?
* Student-athletes are drug tested through urinalysis.
* Student-athletes will be observed by a drug-testing crew member of the same gender.
* The length of the collection process depends on the student-athlete's ability to provide an adequate specimen. If a student-athlete provides an adequate specimen immediately upon arriving at the drug-testing station, the entire process is usually completed in less than 20 minutes.
What about dietary supplements?
Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore purity and safety of nutritional/dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk.
Are over-the-counter dietary supplements approved by the NCAA?
The NCAA does not approve any dietary supplement. Furthermore, the use of any dietary supplement can lead to a positive NCAA drug test.
Does a student-athlete have to disclose the use of prescription medications to the drug-testing crew?
* No. The drug-testing crews do not ask or accept any information about medications student-athletes are taking.
* The team physician/athletic trainer should be aware of all prescribed medications (and supplements) a student-athlete is taking. This information should be kept on file at the institution.
* If a student-athlete tests positive because of a prescription medication, the institution may request a medical exception for certain banned drug classes as outlined in the NCAA Drug-Testing Exceptions Procedures at
www.ncaa.org/health-safety.
Can student-athletes beat a drug test by consuming large amounts of fluids?
* No. NCAA drug-testing protocol requires the specific gravity of each student-athlete's urine sample be measured onsite prior to sending the sample to the lab. (Protocol 6.2.5.1)
* If the specimen is too dilute, the student-athlete will be required to remain in drug testing until an adequate specimen is collected. This could take several hours.
So relax and calm down, your whey protein is not banned. The NCAA is very rational, believe it or not, about what they ban. Hope everything has now been cleared up for you.
