Policy 5131.63 - Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids

The Board of Education recognizes that the use of anabolic steroids presents a serious health hazard to students. The Superintendent or designee shall make every effort to ensure that students do not begin or continue the use of anabolic steroids.

Teachers of science, health, physical education and drug education shall include a lesson on this hazard in instruction programs for grades 7-12.

Students participating in interscholastic athletics are prohibited from using steroids and dietary supplements banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency as well as the substance synephrine.

Before participating in interscholastic athletics, a student athlete and his/her parent/guardian shall sign a statement that the student athlete pledges not to use androgenic/anabolic steroids and dietary supplements banned by the U.S. AntiDoping Agency and the substance synephrine, unless the student has a written prescription from a licensed health care practitioner to treat a medical condition.

A student who is found to have violated the agreement or this policy shall be restricted from participating in athletics and shall be subject to disciplinary procedures including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation.

Coaches shall educate students about the district’s prohibition and the dangers of using steroids and other performance-enhancing supplements.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that district schools do not accept sponsorships or donations from supplement manufacturers that offer muscle-building supplements to students.

Rule 5131.63

The district shall not accept a sponsorship from any manufacturer or distributor whose name appears on the label of a dietary supplement that contains substances banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the substance synephrine. Such supplements shall not be sold, distributed, or marketed at a school-related event.

Marketing includes, but is not limited to, direct product advertising, provision of educational materials, product promotion by a district employee or volunteer, product placement, clothing or equipment giveaways, or scholarships. Marketing shall not include the inadvertent display of a product name or advertising by a person who is not a manufacturer or distributor.

School personnel and coaches may provide only nonmuscle-building nutritional supplements to student athletes for the purpose of providing additional calories and electrolytes, provided that they do not contain any dietary supplements prohibited by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the substance synephrine. Permissible nonmuscle-building nutritional supplements are identified according to the following classes: carbohydrate /electrolyte drinks, energy bars, carbohydrate boosters, and vitamins and minerals.

School personnel, including coaches, shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when discussing the use of any drug or food supplement with a student athlete. In order to minimize the health and safety risks to student athletes, school personnel shall not supply or recommend any drug, medication, or food supplement to enhance an athlete’s performance.

The following warning, reproduced in 10-point bold type, shall be posted in every locker room and contained in any contracts for the lease or rental of the school’s athletic facilities:

Warning: Use of steroids to increase strength or growth can cause serious health problems. Steroids can keep teenagers from growing to their full height; they can also cause heart disease, stroke, and damaged liver function. Men and women using steroids may develop fertility problems, personality changes, and acne. Men can also experience premature balding and development of breast tissue. These health hazards are in addition to the civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized sale, use, or exchange of anabolic steroids.