FanPost

Caffeine = Banned substance!

...in high school at least.  The NorCal High School MTB league has banned the use of caffeine, gaurana and taurine because "...over the past few years, the League has seen an increase in caffeine usage amongst its athletes; some even strategizing with timed consumption of caffeinated products on the final lap of a race. This is a "performance-enhancement-based mentality" the League would like to nip in the bud."  
"...over the past few years, the League has seen an increase in caffeine usage amongst its athletes; some even strategizing with timed consumption of caffeinated products on the final lap of a race. This is a "performance-enhancement-based mentality" the League would like to nip in the bud."  

Apparently, concern began when the league organizer was approached repeatedly by an energy drink who was seeking to target the youth audience.  He compared the tactic to that of the smoking industry in years past.  "...they get the free samples out there, and then they can count on a percentage of life-long addicts. Though less harmful than cigarettes, the strategy is the same."

In addition to the "performance-enhancement-based mentality", they cite heath concerns with high doses of caffeine during development.  

Seems to me that this is a step in the right direction.  Perhaps not the banning of substances per se, but having coaches and organizers focused on educating young athletes on healthier mentalities regarding sports/competition.