NCAA Banned Substances

The NCAA is allowed to randomly drug test Division 1 college football players. Many don't know what is a banned substance and what is not. There is no actual list but players are still responsible for knowing about it. This is hard for athletes because there's so many substances that are not well known. It is important to report any medicines or supplements to the athletic trainer no matter how small amount you are taking, like an inhaler for asthma. Taking creatine is okay but caffeine in large doses would fail the test. Diet supplements will also fail the test and even some flavors of Vitamin Water can fail a test. If a football player fails the random test, they will lose their eligibility and will possibly lose their scholarship. The NCAA website has good information about drug testing and how they do it.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/53e6f4804e0b8a129949f91ad6fc8b25/2009-10+Banned+Drug+Classes.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=53e6f4804e0b8a129949f91ad6fc8b25

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f15/good-faq-ncaa-banned-substances-answers-why-muscle-milk-banned-686353/

Supplementation in College Football

One of the arguments against creatine supplementation in sports is that it increases dehydration and cramping. A recent study at Arkansas State University shows that a group of athletes taking a creatine supplement showed no more incident of cramping then a group of athletes that took a non creatine supplement. I take a creatine supplement during season due to the fact studies have shown creatine increases the rate of muscle repair. I also take it to boost energy in the gym to help get through weight workouts after practices. Whether I am using creatine during season or not I make sure to hydrate before and during physical activity to decrease any chances of cramping or dehydration.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12701814

Dehydration During Athletic Training

Many athletes lack proper hydration levels which often leads to dehydration and cramping. The problem is not always hydration during exercise but due in most part to improper hydration prior to training and practice. Dehydration happens prior to being thirsty, so many athletes do not begin to hydrate until it is too late. Not only does hydrating quench thirst but it replaces lost sodium and electrolytes. This is why it is important to hydrate with sources other than water, such as Gatorade and other electrolyte drinks. It is also important to drink not only when it's hot out but in the cold weather too, especially because you don't feel as thirsty.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/many-football-players-begin-practice-dehydrated