By now, everyone has heard about athletes using banned substances to improve their performance on the field. Regardless of what your views towards the use of banned substances are, you need to follow the rules or you won’t play. It’s that simple.
With that being said, many athletes jeopardize their eligibility by using supplements they buy from their local sports supplement supplier, and being unaware what’s inside the product. Then, when tested for any banned substances, they fail the test. Even though they were unaware they were taking any banned substances, they won’t play. Ignorance is not an excuse.
So what can you do to protect yourself? First of all, I suggest you don’t use supplements. Follow my investing advice, and spend your money on something that has the potential to really benefit you. Ben Hanson hit the nail on the head, when he said:
Personally, I think most supplements are a waste of money. There’s so much junk out there, it’s nearly impossible to tell which ones are crap and which ones work.
Secondly, if you insist on using supplements even though there’s a good chance you’re taking a banned substance and the product probably doesn’t work (those products’ claims aren’t verified by the FDA), you should know what substances are banned by your ruling organization. While every organization is different, many of them have a lot in common. The NCAA banned substances list is used by most high school organizations, and, obviously, NCAA-affiliated colleges, so when in doubt, follow that list.
You work hard to be the best you can be, don’t jeopardize all of that through a lack of judgement.
