History

NCAA Nutrition and Performance

"Do not allow the body to attain extreme thinness for that too is treacherous, but bring it only to a condition which will naturally continue unchanged, whatever that may be."  

Hippocrates 400 B.C.

Hippocrates' statement was an early reference to issues that are still with us today - disordered eating, body composition and optimal performance.  During the last two centuries we have learned much about these topics, yet current NCAA student-athletes still list them as major areas of concern.  

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), through its Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports,  has made a strong commitment to educate its member institutions and the larger medical and athletics communities about optimal performance, body image, nutrition, and eating disorders in college athletics.

1988. Stimulated by concerns from the membership, a NCAA task force was developed to provide information about eating disorders in collegiate athletics.  The resulting three-part videotape series, related written materials and poster were distributed to member institutions in 1989.  Materials are also available to other interested parties at a nominal fee. (Karol Video 800 526-4773)

1989. Legislation allowing counseling expenses related to the treatment of eating disorders specifically addressed at the NCAA Convention. 

1990, 1992. NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports conducted eating disorders prevalence surveys.  

1991.  A symposium on eating disorders in athletics was sponsored by the NCAA at the national American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) meeting.  The Association has worked with ACSM's Women's Issue Task Force in recent years to encourage recognition of and research towards the female athlete triad (eating disorders, amennorhea, osteoporosis). (www.acsm.org under publications)

1993.  The NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, distributed annually to member institutions, includes guidelines on weight loss-hypohydration (added 1985), assessment of body composition (1991), eating disorders (1986), and menstrual-cycle dysfunction (1986).  The guidelines are updated every five years.  (http://www.ncaa.org/health-safety)

Mid-1990's.  Nutrition and eating disorders educational components added to CHAMPS Life Skills program.  (www.ncaa.org/edout/champs_lifeskills/)

Mid-1990's.  Public service messages have been aired during selected televised NCAA championships.

Mid-1990's.  Several articles regarding nutrition and eating disorders published In the Association's Sports Sciences Education Newsletter, a biannual publication directed towards administrators, medical personnel and athletes.

1998, 2000. NCAA National Eating Disorder Screening Day (NEDSP) sponsor. (http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org)

1998.  Development of two new posters shared with all member institutions. (Link to NCAA Sports Library)

• "There's a fine line between dedication and obsession"          
• "Doing my best doesn't mean winning at any cost" 

Discussion in the past two years with student-athletes, administrators, medical personnel and representatives of the CHAMPS/Lifeskills program indicates that nutrition, optimal body composition for performance, body image and eating disorders are still issues of significant concern. 

2002.  The Nutrition and Performance Web site launched in the spring of 2002.

• The first informational brochure for the Nutrition and Performance project was developed and distributed to membership institutions in the fall of 2002.      
• The Nutrition and Performance Web site first presented at the NCAA Convention to delegates at the Education Services information table. 

2003.  Nutrition and Performance poster developed as a promotional piece and distributed to membership institutions in the spring of 2003. 

• The Nutrition and Performance kit developed as a promotional piece for the Web site. The kit included a newly designed poster, updated brochure, a promotional magnet with the icon and Web address, as well as Fast Fact bookmarks addressing four areas of interest: hydration, eating on the go, balanced diet, and food over supplements. The kit was distributed to head athletic trainers and CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinators of membership institutions.

2003.  Survey of coaches of female athletes identifies need for resources.

2005.  Coaches Handbook: Managing the Female Athletes Triad, was distributed Association wide. (www.ncaa.org/health-safety)

2007.  Student Athlete Nutrition Survey Underway - Analysis of Nutritional Needs and Barriers.

This Web site is part of a current initiative that builds on past efforts by promoting a healthy and safe environment for student-athletes regarding optimal nutrition, positive body image and peak performance by providing education and awareness.  

Five target audiences have been identified that can have a significant impact on this environment: 

• Medical Staff          
• Coach          
• Student-Athlete          
• Administration          
• Parents/Guardians 

The national student-athlete advisory committees and the CHAMPS/Lifeskills Advisory Board support this project.

For more information, contact the NCAA Health and Safety team at (317) 917-6222. 

Special thanks to Dr. Roberta Sherman and Dr. Ron Thompson, Indiana University, Bloomington, for their insight and expertise.

ABOUT US      RESOURCES      NCAA      CONTACT US COACHES     PARENTS     ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATORS     STUDENT-ATHLETES     ATHLETIC TRAINERS