National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCAA News Archive - 2000
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The NCAA News
There is no question that some over-the-counter "dietary supplements" can cause athletes to test positive for banned substances. There is a question, however, whether student-athletes and athletics administrators know which ones.
Those questions can be answered easily now with the introduction of the Resource Exchange Center (REC), a free-of-charge, confidential information and reporting resource created by the National Center for Drug-Free Sport. The REC is funded by the NCAA specifically to provide services to student-athletes.
Through the REC, student-athletes and athletics administrators can get the facts about nutritional or performance-enhancing supplements.
Many allegedly "safe" and "legal" products available over the counter today can cause athletes to test positive. When this occurs, the "I didn't know" defense isn't enough to protect them from loss of eligibility. By visiting the REC Web site at www.drugfreesport.com/recbefore a student-athlete takes a dietary or performance-enhancing supplement, those consequences can be avoided.
The REC also is designed to receive reported incidents of adverse reactions associated with supplement use, anonymously if necessary. Those reports will be shared with government agencies responsible for removing harmful substances from the marketplace.
The REC is headed by Rachel Olander, former NCAA Division I student-athlete and chemistry and exercise science major.
"The REC understands student-athletes and the performance issues they face," Olander said. "It is uniquely qualified to provide accurate, comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information about banned substances.
"The REC's goal is to protect athletes and ensure a level playing field for everyone."