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Education Top Priority, Not Drugs, Reports College Professor

Sports heroes such as Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, three-time Olympian Calvin Harrison and several other of our most elite athletes are under investigation for allegedly using banned substances. But athletic drug use isn't limited to Olympians. Surveys taken at four different middle schools in Massachusetts, reported that students as young as 10-years old are using anabolic steroids. What can concerned parents and coaches do?

Santa Barbara, CA -- July 14, 2004 -- The excitement of the Olympic trials has been overshadowed by talk of steroids, lifetime bans and lawsuits. Sports heroes such as Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, three-time Olympian Calvin Harrison and several other of our most elite athletes are currently under investigation for allegedly using banned substances to enhance athletic performance.

Athletic drug use isn't limited to Olympians. Surveys taken at four different middle schools in Massachusetts, reported that students as young as 10-years old are using anabolic steroids to increase athletic performance (Los Angeles Times, Tuesday, May 5, 1998).

"Knowledgeable coaches and trainers are the first line of defense for keeping school children from using dangerous performance-enhancing drugs," said Dr. Tom Fahey, Professor of Kinesiology at California State University Chico. Fahey is the current masters world and US national champion in the discus throw and author of a coach training course for young athletes called Youth Fitness Trainer (YFT) published by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

"Coaches work with athletes every day and are like an extended family. Athletes look to them for guidance and advice in almost all areas of their lives. Coaches and trainers must prove to athletes that they can achieve athletic success without anabolic drugs by using systematic training programs and modern methods of sports nutrition."

"Anabolic steroids build strength and power but can produce serious side-effects in children, such as stunted growth, accelerated maturation, and high blood pressure. When I see an athlete taking banned substances, the first place I look is to the coaches because they usually leave the door open for illegal drug use. While they may not openly advocate taking banned substances, they often put their heads in the sand and ignore steroid use by their athletes. Athletes will experiment with steroids and growth hormone if they have even the slightest of inkling that the coach will "look the other way."

Dr. Fahey finished by saying, "Coaches and trainers must state clearly and passionately that they will not tolerate athletes using banned substances. They must take a proactive stance that encourages athletes to boost performance through intense training and development of precise movement skills without resorting to drugs. Any athlete can improve using modern sports science and training techniques — without taking banned substances."

"Widespread drug use by Olympic and professional athletes gives our young people the idea that they can't compete without using drugs. We must change these attitudes at the grassroots level by properly teaching coaches and sports trainers principles of scientific training and nutrition programs. The educated coach, who has received training from a reputable source, has the knowledge to help athletes develop to their maximum potential without resorting to banned or illegal substances," said Dr. Fahey.

An example of a course designed to educate the coaches and trainers about preparing young athletes for sports and exercise is the ISSA Youth Fitness Trainer (YFT). The course teaches you everything you need to know about special physical and emotional needs of growing children, modern methods for teaching sports technique and skill, the latest methods of systematic training and assessment, and how to make the athletic experience positive for children of all abilities. Also discussed are sport-specific training methods, functional training techniques, sports nutrition, and extensive coverage of drugs and supplements used in sports.

If you are the parent of a child interested in sports, make sure the coach or trainer is knowledgeable and acts in the best interest of the athletes. Ensure your children are receiving sound athletic guidance by asking the coaches about their education and certifications as well as their opinions on training, sports nutrition, and use of performance-enhancing substances. In addition to the ISSA ( www.issaonline.com ), other professional organizations offering coaching and training certification for working with young athletes include the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America ( www.afaa.com ), and The Cooper Institute ( www.cooperinst.org ).

Since 1988 the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided certification and continuing education to over 50,000 satisfied fitness professionals. ISSA certifications are recognized worldwide. From Youth Fitness to Senior Fitness, ISSA offers 10 certification programs and dozens of continuing education courses. For more information on the ISSA, please visit: www.issaonline.com

To schedule an interview with Tom Fahey or Dr. Sal Arria, please contact: Rochelle Yoshida at 805-745-8111.

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