Should I Take This?: How Coaches Can Talk Supplements the Right Way
#41 - Strength & Speed Coaching - Pursuing Your Best ⚡️
Coach, should I take creatine?
Is this protein powder okay?
What’s the best pre-workout?
If you’ve been around high school athletes for more than five minutes, you’ve heard questions like these. And with social media, online influencers, and locker room myths all shaping the conversation—these questions aren’t going away.
So how should we respond?
This issue kicks off our four-part Supplement Smarts series by giving you a clear, responsible framework for discussing supplements as a high school Strength & Speed coach. We’ll unpack what’s appropriate, what’s helpful, and what actually builds trust with athletes and parents.
Let’s get to work!
Why This Conversation Matters
Most kids aren’t asking about supplements because they’ve read peer-reviewed studies.
They’re asking because they want to get better.
They’re curious.
They want results.
And they want to know if they’re missing something.
Your job isn’t to make the decision for them.
It’s to give them a clear, responsible lens to see it through.
5 Key Guidelines for Coaches Discussing Supplements
1. Education Over Recommendation
Coaches can talk about supplements—as long as the goal is educational, not prescriptive.
You can say:
Creatine is one of the most studied supplements in sports.
Protein powders can help if someone struggles to get enough food in.
You can’t say:
You should take this brand.
I’ll bring you some to try.
🚫 No recommending.
✅ Stay informational.
2. Know Your Role
You're not a registered dietitian. You’re not a doctor. And you're not a parent.
You are:
A coach who can provide perspective
A connector who can point toward good resources
A leader who reinforces foundational habits
Respect your lane. It makes your voice more credible when it matters.
3. Include Parents in the Loop
If an athlete is asking about supplements, it’s a red flag to not bring parents into the conversation. We always say:
“This is something to talk about at home. I can give you some info, but it’s a family decision.”
Send resources home. Encourage parents to speak with their doctor or a registered dietitian if they’re unsure.
4. Frame It with a Nutrition-First Lens
You don’t need to shame supplements. But you do need to set the record straight.
Supplements might help—but if your sleep, food, or hydration is off, it won’t matter.
Lead with:
Whole food first
Consistent meals and snacks
Proper hydration
Recovery routines
We’ll dig into all of that in next week’s newsletter.
5. Stay Within School & State Guidelines
In Iowa (and most states), coaches are allowed to educate about supplements—but not to prescribe or endorse.
Some key reminders:
Check your school district’s policy on supplements
Never give, sell, or store supplements for athletes
Don’t discuss dosages or tell athletes what to buy
Need a phrase that keeps you safe? Use this:
Let’s talk about your training and diet first. And make sure you speak with your parents before trying anything.
It’s not dodging the question. It’s modeling maturity.
Sample Language You Can Use
Iowa High School Athletic Association Position Statement on the Use of Supplements
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be an expert in supplements.
You just need to be a steady voice of reason when it counts.
Athletes will keep asking. So let’s keep giving them answers that build trust, educate responsibly, and stay rooted in what really works—effort, habits, and consistency.
You may not be the final decision-maker, but your influence shapes how those decisions are made.
What’s Next?
Next Up: Building a Nutrition-First Culture: Why Food Comes Before Powders
Supplements get the attention. But nutrition is what actually moves the needle.
In the next issue, we’ll dig into how to:
Reinforce whole food habits with high school athletes
Coach consistency in fueling without overcomplicating it
Keep the focus on what athletes can control every day
If you want your athletes to stop chasing the quick fix—and start owning the basics—this next edition is for you.
Want Help Strengthening Your Program?
I offer consulting for PE teachers and Strength & Speed coaches looking to:
Build or refine systems for training, communication, and athlete development
Align strength, speed, and recovery with the realities of your school day
Create practical tools that work for large groups, mixed training ages, and multi-sport demands
Whether you're starting a new program or leveling up an existing one, I’d love to help. Just reply or shoot me a message and let’s build something that fits your athletes, schedule, and goals.
Until then, keep pursuing excellence.
— Preston ⚡️