INFORMATION FOR ALL BASKETBALL PARTICIPANTS REGARDING THE USE OF CAFFIENE

In light of the recent discussions in the media regarding the use of caffeine supplements by athletes, Basketball Australia wishes to reiterate that it discourages the use of caffeine in basketball.

Basketball Australia Chief Medical Officer Dr Peter Harcourt confirmed BA’s standpoint that caffeine is of no benefit in the sport of basketball as skill and good hand-eye coordination are vital functions which may be reduced by the misuse of caffeine.

What is Basketball Australia’s position on the use of caffeine to enhance performance?

Harcourt: “I discourage anyone from using caffeine to enhance performance. Basketball is primarily a skill sport and while the use of caffeine may have slight effects upon the energy systems of the body and strength, it’s barely useful.

It’s rarely used by players and usually only in the form of coffee or chocolate. Basketball Australia has never used caffeine pills in a competition environment.”

How would you recommend a local association handles the subject of caffeine use?

“I don’t think caffeine should be used in a sporting environment for people under 18 years of age so I would recommend that caffeine be prohibited for under 18s in basketball venues. That won’t necessarily stop someone having a coke, for example, but it’s not the best thing for a young athlete to do.”

Are there restrictions on the levels of caffeine use allowed by the Australian Sports Anti Doping Agency and the World Anti Doping Agency?

A normal dose is 1mg of caffeine per 1kg of body weight. For example if you weighed 50kg you would limit caffeine use to 50mg which is about the amount in a can of coke or a coffee.

WADA does not prohibit the use of caffeine but they monitor instances of high dosage.

From a medical perspective and for safety, an athlete should not exceed 1mg of caffeine per 1kg of body weight. If an athlete exceeds that amount it may in fact be counterproductive to their performance, eg. make the athlete jittery.”

If a player was found to be taking caffeine supplements, what would Basketball Australia do?

I would certainly discourage anyone from using caffeine tablets which contain high doses of caffeine.

But if it’s part of a player’s normal routine to have a cup of coffee before a game, I would never stop that. I would make sure they understood what they were doing and that their caffeine intake was limited to that one drink.”

Are there any other issues regarding caffeine use that the basketball public should be made aware of?

You should never use caffeine and other prescription medications together. Under those circumstances the athlete should be under medical supervision as there are long term risks associated with the use of uppers and downers.

For any further information all basketball participants are asked to seek advice from their local General Medical Practitioner.