N.J. banned substances policy
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
A student athlete may not "possess, ingest, or otherwise use" the "anabolic steroid" DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) or bitter orange (synephrine), under a policy adopted by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) June 7. Caffeine or guarana - if the concentration in urine exceeds 15 µg/ml - and ephedrine (ephedra or ma huang) are also banned. Additionally prohibited are "substances that are included in the [stimulant or anabolic agent] class by their pharmacological action and/or chemical structure." The official 2006-2007 "NJSIAA Banned-Drug Classes" list notes that "many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NJSIAA banned substances," and concludes in bold type that since FDA "does not strictly regulate" the industry "the use of supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk." The policy is the result of a December 2005 executive order by former Acting Gov. Richard Codey (D). The order was issued following a state report on steroid use and prevention, which was prompted in turn by a New York State Task Force on Life & the Law report released in October (1"The Tan Sheet" Oct. 10, 2005, p. 6)...