NCJ Number
131935
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Society Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (April/June 1991) Pages: 221-227
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A critiques of the current international doping policy is presented.
Abstract
The rational of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) doping policy is examined in reference to its list of banned drugs covering stimulants, narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics, beta blockers, and peptide hormones. The reason the drugs are prohibited is because these drugs can be detected in urine samples during drug testing, which is the only strategy employed to discourage drug use by athletes. Efforts in laboratory accreditation need to be extended to the sampling and collection procedures if testing is to achieve a desirable outcome. The testing program must also be subject to international scrutiny. However, information alone will not alter behavior. Education programs such as the Social Competency model may have an impact because they reexamine the reasons drugs are used by individuals. In order for preventive drug education to be effective, it must be aimed at the target group prior to the onset of drug behavior both at school and at the sport setting. Most important for prevention of drug use in sports would be an effort for a moral and ethical sports environment where natural capabilities are matched and excellence is pursued, rather than a win-at-all-costs approach.