More drug testing at Youth level

[rainbowgirl28]

PRESS RELEASE

National USATF Youth Division

Contact: Lionel LeachPhone: 917-913-5505

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan 29, 2009

Educating our Youth

As you know, at the 2007 USATF Annual Convention, the Youth Committee
voted to heighten anti-doping education initiatives at its three youth
national championships in 2008 and begin in-competition drug testing at
the 2009 championship events. The programs are in partnership with the
U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and are tied to USATF's Zero Tolerance
anti-doping initiative and Win with Integrity youth outreach program.
(To read the complete press release click here)While we are working on
putting the finishing touches to this new program for the upcoming year,
the USADA has developed a website to educate youth about the use of
drugs. While you will be receiving more information in the coming weeks,
a quick view of this website will give you an idea of how serious
Cheating Your Health may be. USATF & our Zero Tolerance Committee are
serious and committed when we say that, "cheating is wrong and
cheaters will be caught."

Our goal is very simple and clear on our youth level. Since our program
is the foundation of Track & Field, then it is our job to do everything
possible to educate and prepare our youth to compete on the elite level,
including educating them on the use of drugs.

Norrie Richardson, USATF Youth Legal counsel and the National Office
will be working very hard to prepare our kids and our program for the
task ahead. Please continue to view our website for updates and forward
this important message to a friend so they can be informed.

[Livininthepast]

I am in the medical field, but I am in the minority on this subject. I think anything should be allowed that an athlete wants to use to enhance his/her athletic performance.
After all, some men produce enormous amounts of testosterone natually. Does this mean all athletes should be tested and they should all be either enhanced or lessened in order to have the same testosterone level?

Is protein an enhancer? Is caffeine?

I think the use of enhancers should be left up to the athletes and their parents.

[Riley Crosby]

good. Keep it natural and healthy
-Riley