Blood In the Water! OMPA Releases Mid-season Blood Doping Guidelines.
Too much regulation? Poolside infusions now banned due to electrocution risk.
In a stunning turn of regulatory events, the Orinda Moraga Pool Association (OMPA) (1) has drastically revised its anti-doping regulations, plunging the community into a mixture of shock and confusion. This bold move comes on the heels of a recent scandal involving young swimmers, prompting the association to clearly delineate what is permissible and not in the competitive arena.
The revised regulations, detailed on the OMPA's official website, have introduced stricter measures against some doping practices while surprisingly permitting others that are aggressively enhancement-oriented. This dual approach has left many questioning the direction and integrity of youth competitive sports.
Among the practices still permitted, the guidelines explicitly allow treatments that were once thought to be on the fringes of ethical sportsmanship. These include the administration of monkey growth hormones, a substance that, while controversial, is touted to enhance performance significantly. "Who would put a kid on monkey growth hormone? I hear it makes you seconds faster," expressed Nile Standish, a parent of an OMPA swimmer, reflecting a mix of astonishment and concern over where such substances could even be sourced."Where would you buy it? How much would you dose a kid who is six years old? What kind of testing would show if you had given your child monkey growth hormone? Is it expensive? Are the long-term side effects really that bad? Is freezing eggs an alternative? I have a monkey. Is it safe to give it to him, or should I first test it on my child? " these are all questions that parents have been asking coaches since the new guidelines have been released. "I'm a swim coach, not a chemist, but I say go for it," stated Topher McDaniel, youth coach at Orinda, Shady Oaks Pool and Tennis Club.
The OMPA's new framework categorically outlines permissible methods of enhancing oxygen transfer and red blood cell count—techniques critical to endurance in competitive swimming, including limitations of their use. These methods include:
Erythropoietin (EPO) Injections: Synthetic EPO is used to boost red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles.
Limitations: Allowed in juice boxes only; not to be injected, even at the poolside.
Blood Transfusions:
Autologous Transfusion: Involves withdrawing and reinfusing an athlete's own blood.
Homologous Transfusion: Using blood from a compatible donor to increase red blood cell count.
Limitations: It must be from a human donor or a species with opposable thumbs. Transfusion may not be from a marine mammal.
Synthetic Oxygen Carriers: Chemicals like HBOCs and PFCs carry additional oxygen in the blood.
Limitations: No more than 500mg per day. Not to be given before nap time.
Blood Substitutes: Products such as Hemopure and PolyHeme that mimic hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capabilities.
Limitations: Must be sourced from a GMO-free certified supplier (see list on website for local certified suppliers)
Artificial Enhancement of Oxygen Transfer: Methods such as using HIF stabilizers that mimic the body's response to high altitudes.
Limitations: In candy form only
The new regulations allow each swimmer to choose two methods from the above list. Halfway through the season, a swimmer is given the option to change out one method for another. A swimmer can take a "Bingo" approach at the beginning. This allows the swimmer to rotate methods throughout the year but must rotate strategies each week and can only employ one strategy at a time. "I already have to keep track of enough crap this summer; now I have to add my kid's blood doping schedule. This is a lot to ask from a working parent." stated a working parent who did not want to be named. "There should at least be an app." another parent asked to remain anonymous. (1)
The release of these guidelines has raised eyebrows and sparked a heated debate among parents and coaches about the long-term implications for children's health and the ethical lines of competitive sports. While some parents see this as a pathway to maximizing their children's potential and competitive edge, others view it as a dangerous precedent that prioritizes winning over well-being.
As the community grapples with these changes, the overarching concern remains: how far is too far when enhancing performance in youth sports? The OMPA maintains that these regulations are in place to ensure fair competition. Yet, the controversy suggests a deep divide on what is considered fair and safe in pursuing athletic excellence.
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Footnotes:
1) OMPA is the local organizing body for Orinda and Moraga youth swimming
2) A recent study published in JAMA states that sunscreen containing PABA has no positive impact on times or splits.
3) Legend pride!