Drug Testing in Masters Swimming

Wow, John, quite a proposition there. Honestly, I think most of USMS's swimmers are upstanding. That being said, I don't doubt for a second that there is cheater out there. But here's some thoughts, both for and against: Assuming a 1st place winner, both genders in every single event in every single age group from 18-99, thats a max of 576 drug tests. Obviously there will be repeats. I have no idea how much a drug test costs, but lets say its $75 x 350 swimmers - thats $30k. Testing winners - I have a problem with just testing the winners. How biased! What about the rest of the field? This year, you still have a ~1100 non-winners and potential cheaters. Professionals, Olympians, NCAA athletes - they all have somebody (or manybodies) watching over their diets, meds, supplements, etc., as these babysitters all know what is and isn't legal/performance enhancing. How many times do we hear of athletes testing positive for something that was in an allergy/cold med? There would have to be a massive education campaign, and I am sure that would be a HUGE cost. To what standard of testing would USMS adhere to? Olympics? FINA, NCAA? NFL/MLB/NHL... There are plenty of standards out there. Finally, I think the most common infraction would be a diet-related banned substance. I think we've all seen some pretty questionable quick weight-drops in our time... :2cents:

Can we please get a full list prior to Austin so I can make sure I'm clean by the time the swimming and testing starts. I would give the current items I take but then gull and scyfreestyler would disown me.

This is what happens when JS takes a leave of absence from the forum....goes for a nice 45 degree dip over the weekend.....clears his head and back with a vengance! I'd actually like to see the "Team Clean" proposal that the head of testing at UCLA has made several times....there's little doubt that there is some level of cheating most likely on every level of every sport....its sad and pathetic and a reality....but tough to figure out how to fix.

First off - what is the maximum level of caffeine :coffee: allowable?

Personally, I think the Smiths should be the first to belly up to the urinal to set the example for all of us. I've heard catheterization is the only way to get a truly accurate test. Therefore, let that be the mode the Smiths employ on the first ever USMS Drug Testing Protocol. We shall make it a 2/3 testing routine also. Based on their experiences, we shall decide the best course for the rest of us.

First off - what is the maximum level of caffeine :coffee: allowable? Are you sure you want to ask that Mr.:coffee: :coffee:Red Bull :coffee: :coffee:Red Bull :coffee: :coffee: Tums!

In all seriousness, it is only Masters Swimming. There is no prize money at stake. There are no USMS athletes on Wheaties boxes. It's about fun. If somebody chooses to juice in order to improve their performance, that is their misfortune and they will most likely suffer the consequences without any sort of USMS intervention. Matt....there are some people (very few) out there who are making money (very little) from competing in USMS. There are also a number of high caliber USS swimmers competing in masters meets.....probably not a big deal but these days when swimmers like Thorpe are suspected every great achievement is going to be looked at....USS, USMS, age group, etc..... I still would be curious is a voluntary testing program could be put into place with little if any cost.....the UCLA guys point was that it would basically "shame" people into participating.

Why test? It is, after all, only masters swimming. Miles

Just doesn't seem feasable due to cost among other things. What would our membership cost increase to - $500/ year? I actually wouldn't be opposed to paying a huge yearly membership fee if we got certain things in return for it like equal, random drug testing (not just the winners as mup stated); if you attend a sanctioned meet, times will count for Top 10, ; free tee shirts; etc. With increased age, people seem to need to take more drugs for serious issues. What a nightmare to have to decide what would and would not be "allowed." Would people stop taking required, necessary meds at a risk to their health just to be "clean?" I'm still of the firm belief that people are hurting themselves if they are taking something that's performance enhancing - it will come back around to them either physically, mentally, or otherwise. What's that Justin Timberlake song - What Goes Around Comes Around. . . Ick. What a mess to try and test and determine what's banned and not. Masters ain't the Olympics.

I say spare no expense...these cheats need to feel the wrath of L'Equipe.