The inaugural year of The Resource Exchange Center (REC) is complete.

Hopefully, we have done our job getting the word out to the NCAA membership that REC services are available. As a reminder or an introduction to those who have not heard, the REC is a service provided by The National Center for Drug Free Sport (The Center), to which the NCAA subscribes.

The REC is a free, confidential source of information available to all those involved with NCAA athletics who wish to inquire whether specific dietary supplements or other substances are or contain NCAA banned ingredients.

As information about the REC spreads, the REC staff expects an increase from the more than 2,000 inquiries received during the first year of service. We also expect to gain a better understanding of more successful ways to educate student-athletes through trends indicated by the inquiries.

If you have used the REC, feel free to submit feedback through the survey on the REC Web site (www.drugfreesport.com/rec) under "Tell Us What You Think."

This information is helpful in determining what, if any, changes might be necessary. One change already planned for the near future is a Web page with current information pertaining only to NCAA athletics.

The REC is not a source for a complete list of banned dietary supplements; such a list does not exist because of the ever-changing supplement market.

Furthermore, there are no NCAA-approved dietary supplements.

The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing or the availability of dietary supplements in the same manner as it does products such as medications -- purity and efficacy are a concern.

Also, the use of any dietary supplement is done so at the student-athlete's own risk, despite the implication of the advertising done by many of the supplement manufacturers and distributors. Remember, ignorance is not an excuse.

Posters advertising the REC are available on the REC Web site. After viewing the posters online, e-mail your contact information to info@drugfreesport.com.