The PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) policy, especially in contexts like the NFL, is a set of rules designed to prohibit and prevent the use of substances that enhance athletic performance unfairly. These substances typically include anabolic steroids, exogenous testosterone, growth hormones, stimulants, and related masking agents. The policy aims to maintain fairness and integrity in the sport, protect players' health, and prevent the spread of banned drug use. Key points of the PED policy typically include:
- Prohibition of steroid, hormone, and stimulant use without a valid therapeutic exemption.
- Random and scheduled testing (usually urine and sometimes blood tests) of athletes for banned substances.
- Severe penalties for violations:
- First violation often results in a suspension (e.g., 4 to 6 games in the NFL).
- Subsequent violations lead to longer suspensions (e.g., 10 games, season bans, or multi-year bans).
- Additional penalties for manipulating tests or using masking agents.
- Enforcement responsibilities lie with the governing body's management council and players' association.
- The policy does not generally apply to marijuana and alcohol, which are covered under different drug policies.
This policy is enforced to protect the credibility of the sport and ensure a level playing field among athletes while addressing health risks associated with PED use.
