The REC reports provide information on supplement use trends and forwards information to the FDA about reported negative side effects associated with these products. When the NCAA established a drug-testing program in 1986, a marked drop in steroid use in collegiate football soon followed. In the intervening years, the use of performance-enhancing drugs spread to other sports. The committee believes year-round drug testing in baseball and swimming is overdue. A pilot project, including a comprehensive assessment of impact, is under development for Division III schools.
Funding is requested to expand the pilot across all three divisions.
The competitive-safeguards committee is committed to promoting a healthy athletics environment.