NHSACA Resolutions

WHEREAS, in school settings high school athletes may have limited access to current and appropriate dietary and nutritional advice to meet their needs of intense exercise and physical activity; and

WHEREAS, many high school districts across the nation are becoming increasingly concerned about the abuse of steroids and illegal performance-enhancing dietary supplements; and

WHEREAS, several states have adopted school wellness and nutrition policies, but have not focused on the particular needs of young athletes; and

WHEREAS, existing state and federal laws have not adequately covered new food and nutritional product definitions and do not directly address the expanded nutritional requirements of teenage athletes, which has resulted in confusion among student athletes, parents, and coaches; and

WHEREAS, many high school athletes do not receive sound and effective information on sports nutritional food alternatives of banned substances; and

WHEREAS, families and parents of high school athletes have expressed their concern that their student athletes are not getting enough information about proper nutrition; and

WHEREAS, many parents have expressed their confidence in coaches to advise and counsel their athletes on all physical and mental aspects of training; and

WHEREAS, there is a public health and public education need to effectively and appropriately guide high school athletes on proper diet and nutrition programs and away from banned substances and inappropriate dietary supplements;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, that we challenge coaches to be aware of new information concerning nutritional data, performance enhancing products, and abusive drugs and substances; and to share this information with their athletes.