DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Ottawa University Department of Athletics personnel will not distribute dietary supplements to OU student-athletes, nor encourage their use. Student-athletes who raise questions regarding supplements will be referred to the Substance Abuse Education and Testing Coordinator who will assist the athlete in accessing information regarding products on www.dfsaxis.com so that they may become better informed and educated as to various products they are taking or considering taking. This consultation does not serve to promote or endorse any products and student-athletes are solely responsible for any substances they ingest. This consultation is to help educate and help student-athletes make informed decisions regarding the supplement industry.
Many dietary supplements or ergogenic aids contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
Often the labeling of dietary supplements is not accurate and is misleading. Terms such as “healthy” or “all natural” do not mean that dietary supplements do not contain a banned substance or are completely safe to take. Using dietary supplements may result in a positive drug test. Student-athletes who are currently taking dietary supplements or intend to take any are encouraged and advised to review the product with the Substance Abuse Education and Testing Coordinator. To reiterate, the use of all supplements for any reason is at the student-athlete’s own risk. Student-athletes are solely responsible for any substance they ingest.
By signing the Ottawa University Substance Abuse Policy consent form, the student-athlete:
• Acknowledges that he/she understands that they are to disclose all dietary supplements used to a full-time athletic trainer on staff;
• Acknowledges the aforementioned policies and statements, and fully accepts that they have been made aware of the Ottawa University policies with regard to the use of dietary supplements;
• Accepts any and all liability if they have in the past used, continue to use, and/or use at anytime in the future, dietary supplements in any form; and releases the Ottawa University, its agents, and all personnel of any and all responsibility and liability related to such use.
