I just got back from Hilton Head and just got a chance to read much of this thread (you all probably liked it better that way:) .

How do you define illegal performance enhancer vs. legal performance enhancer unless something is listed as one or the other?

For example, what we generally refer to as good nutrition is a performance enhancer we approve of.

We don't disqualify boxers that just switched to a trainer that gets them to eat the perfect amount of protein supplements to increase strength over the long haul and mega doses of carbs just prior to fight night to get peak stamina even though we didn't expect the improved performance.

How do you do keep the lists of approved/unapproved things current when science is constantly coming up with new ways of improving performance?

Suppose someone is using various herbs, vitamins, minerals, food supplements etc... that improve health, reduce pain and inflamation, treat various health conditions etc... That's not completely different from using other naturally occurring compounds that are also extracted from plants, animals etc... and have a stronger effect. The main difference is that over time people form different opinions about what is OK and what is not OK. However, there are always some people that are ahead of the general information curve about what works.

IMO, what is needed is a list of "approved" medications, supplements, vet procedures etc.. and just make everything else illegal as the default. Then freeze blood and urine samples.

If some nutitionist, chemist, or vet out there comes up with something new that works, it should simply go through an industry/state review process to determine its merits.

IMO, the way it is now there's loads of grey in all this. There are almost certainly a few trainers/vets that are using naturally ocurring supplements or new medical procedures etc.. that improve performance that are NOT listed as illegal. I can't see how you seperate those from all the other things used to improve performance unless you list the approved ones and call everything else illegal.

We all know we don't want this going on without our knowledge, but IMO we need specifics.





Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/2005 06:10PM by classhandicapper.