Doping in South Africa

Question 1

What type of culture exists around doping in school boy rugby?

Answer 1

‘Race to the bottom’ culture that makes it extremely hard for individuals to be recognised by scouts. Often resulting in athletes recognising that the only way to be
recognised is through drastic development: Get Bigger, stronger and faster.

Question 2

True or false

Boys are frequently tested around the country

Answer 2

False, Individuals often don’t undergo tests at school and outside authorities don’t intervene at School boy level. The National School boy competition - in which the
best rugby players from each province compete - is where the South African Rugby Union and the anti-doping authorities have the capability of testing the players.Other than that, there is hardly any means in which steroid users can be held accountable. This increases the chances of athletes doping, as they realise that doping comes with an enormous reward with very little risk (at surface level)

Question 3

Name 3 means of reform:

Answer 3

● Education: Provides individuals with an in-depth understanding of the
consequences that arise from using anabolic steroids - equipping the players with
the chance to make an educated/informed decision.
● Increasing the possibility of getting caught by initiating more tests
● Sanctioning the players appropriately when caught

Question 4

Is a culture of winning more prevalent nowadays among adolescents?

Answer 4

Yes, Competition amongst the youth has heightened to unprecedented levels. The ‘win at all costs’ mentality has bread the mentality that individuals should attempt to gain an advantage over their opponents at all costs. This leads to the notion that steroids are necessities, providing the user with a chance to gain an edge over their opponents at an accelerated rate.

Question 5

To what extent is social media to blame for the mass influx of anabolic steroid users?

Answer 5

Another reason for the exponential increase in steroid use amongst young males is the influence of social media and mainstream advertising. Males are currently
facing a similar situation to the one that females are facing and have faced for decades, being that social media and mainstream advertising portray an ideal body
image - that being one of a strong, physically fit and bulked up individual. Consequently, all males that don’t fit in the category of a ‘physically appealing’ male
are othered. This results in people taking performance-enhancing supplements, in the hope of achieving society’s idea of the ‘perfect body’. Media sensationalizes the use of anabolic steroids.

Question 6

What happens if one person cheats the system?

Answer 6

The use of steroids from one individual that goes undetected by the system - especially within sports - results in other individuals conforming to the same means, with the desire to level out the playing fields and gain an advantage over their opponents. Domino effect. Eventually, the whole system collapses as more and more athletes will desire to develop to the level of their peers at an accelerated rate.

Question 7

Why are steroids so attractive?

Answer 7

Undoubtedly, there are alternatives for meeting fitness and performance goals include eating a proper diet, getting enough sleep, and having good overall mental and physical health. However, this requires dedication and hard work, whereas steroids provide users
with a quick and easy fix. This is why individuals resort to steroids - an efficient short-cut with guaranteed results.

Question 8

For centuries athletes have been using performance-enhancing substances to improve
athletic performance, in order to gain an advantage over their opponents/competitors.
● Ancient Greek :
● 19th Century :

Answer 8

Sesame Seeds

Alcohol, Caffeine and Cocaine