TrueSport and Performance Enhancing Drugs

TrueSport is a program sponsored by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).  By imparting lessons including clean competition, sportsmanship, and peak performance without the use of performance enhancing drugs (PED), USADA hopes to encourage a positive sporting experience for youth.  TrueSport’s 3 pillars of clean competition, sportsmanship, and peak performance give positive objectives for both adults and youth that are involved in youth sports.  While the TrueSport program is predominately designed for those involved in youth sports, the information posted on their website is an invaluable resource for everyone.

TrueSport has educational programs designed for parents, coaches, athletes, camps, ambassadors, and educators.  They also have TrueSport University, a program that they have joined with Penn State University, to educate parents, kids, coaches, and administrators.  I found the resources for parents and coaches most helpful.  Psalm 127:3 tells parents, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”  This tells me that children are a gift from God, and should be treated with respect.  Proverbs 22:6 gives specific instructions to parents, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  As a parent, I have to teach my child to have values, and to learn responsibility.  TrueSport’s information to parents includes the Parent Handbook.  In the handbook, they offer directions that parents can follow not just with their children, but with all relationships.  Specific topics include an introduction, Being a True Sport, Shortcuts and Cheating, Energy Drinks, Supplements, and Nutrition, and an action plan designed for True Sport parents.  These sections encourage parents to set an example for their children.  Whether it be through nutrition, being consistent in our messages, or informed to the mixed messages the youths receive regarding PED, it is the parent’s responsibility to set the example for their children.

TrueSport provides an online learning center for coaches to help the youth under their influence to reach their highest potential.  The TrueSport Coaching education Program offers a 3 course interactive learning experience leading to certification as a TrueSport Certified Coach.  Topics include developing ethics and a coaching philosophy, communicating effectively with athletes and parents, promoting a drug-free sport, developing sound nutrition and healthy training habits, and supplement and energy drink awareness training.  Promoting team work is a primary function of coaching.  Ephesians 4:16 tells us, “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”   When a coach helps a child learn how to be an effective member of a team, he helps that child also learn how to be an effective member of his class, his peer group, and his community.

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Reference

Official Website of TrueSport | U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://truesport.org/