INDIANAPOLIS – The world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization today expressed its support for proposed safety legislation in the dietary supplement industry.

The American College of Sports Medicine – a professional society with more than 35,000 members and certified individuals – is a partner of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, the entity leading the charge for “Supplement Safety Now.” USADA held a press conference today with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who proposed new legislation on supplements.

According to USADA, “dangerous drugs, such as designer steroids, are intentionally being sold as dietary supplements, and current law allows these products to get easily to market.”

McCain’s legislation, “The Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010,” is applauded by USADA, which believes the bill strikes a fair balance between tighter regulations and reasonable policies. More information on the initiative can be found at www.SupplementSafetyNow.com.

Numerous other sports and health organizations in addition to ACSM support Supplement Safety Now and the proposed legislation, including all four major professional sports bodies (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL), the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the PGA Tour, and more.

ACSM has long supported anti-doping policies. In 2007, the organization founded Professionals Against Doping in Sports, uniting health care organizations and individuals in support of clean competition. To date, PADS counts more than 40 worldwide organizations in its ranks, including USADA and numerous USA sport governing bodies.

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The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 35,000 international, national, and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.