Who is CASPER Our Mission Get Involved Mailing List Donations Home About CASPER Information Center Support / Letters Forum Links Who is CASPER CASPER is comprised of the nation’s leading medical, public health and sport organizations to help focus the efforts on the legislation to regulate steroid precursors and ephedra in dietary supplements. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) The American Academy of Family Physicians is the national association of family doctors. It is one of the largest national medical organizations, with more than 93,400 members. The Academy was founded in 1947 to promote and maintain high quality standards for family physicians who are providing continuing comprehensive health care to the public, as well as to provide responsible advocacy for and education of patients and the public in all health-related matters. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Founded in 1930, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. The AAP has 57,000 members in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Members include pediatricians, pediatric medical sub specialists and pediatric surgical specialists. The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. To this purpose, the AAP and its members dedicate their efforts and resources. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) was founded in 1951 in Chicago, and has more than 45,000 members and is the nation's leading group of professionals providing health care for women. ACOG is a membership organization dedicated to the advancement of women's health through education, practice, research and advocacy. American College of Sports Medicine The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) promotes and integrates scientific research, education and practical application of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life. ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 18,000 International, national and regional members are dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life. A large part of the ACSM mission is devoted to public awareness and education about the positive aspects of physical activity for people of all ages, from all occupations. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Considered America’s Authority on Fitness, American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization. American Medical Association Founded more than 150 years ago, the American Medical Association's (AMA) strategic agenda remains rooted in our historic commitment to standards, ethics, excellence in medical education and practice, and advocacy on behalf of the medical profession and the patients it serves. AMA's work includes the development and promotion of standards in medical practice, research, and education; strong advocacy agenda on behalf of patients and physicians; and the commitment to providing timely information on matters important to the health of America. The AMA strives to serve as the voice of the American medical profession. Being that voice is our mission. American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Established in 1897, the American Osteopathic Association represents more than 54,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs). The AOA is organized to advance the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine by promoting excellence in education, research and the delivery of quality and cost-effective health care in a distinct, unified profession. Through our association activities, the AOA promotes public health and advocates on behalf of the interests of DOs and the patients they serve. Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) With 65 tournaments in 31 countries, the ATP showcases the finest athletes competing in the world's most exciting venues. From Australia to Europe and the Americas to Asia, the season-long ATP Champions Race unites player and tournaments in a quest for success. The world's premier stars compete all season for ATP Champions Race points as they seek to secure a coveted spot in the Tennis Masters Cup. Blue Cross/Blue Shield For more than 70 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans have symbolized security and peace of mind throughout the United States. Today, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System is the nation's largest family of health benefits companies collectively caring for 84.7 million - or more than one in four - Americans. The Blue System is a federation of 42 independent, locally operated Plans united through membership in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). BCBSA and its Member Plans are dedicated to bringing meaningful changes and advances to the U.S. health care financing and delivery system. The Endocrine Society The Endocrine Society is the world's largest and most active professional organization of endocrinologists in the world. Founded in 1916, the Society is internationally known as the leading source of state-of-the art research and clinical advancements in endocrinology and metabolism. The Endocrine Society is dedicated to promoting excellence in research, education and clinical practice in the field of endocrinology, which is the study of the glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders. Hormone Foundation The Hormone Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization established by The Endocrine Society in 1997. Its mission is to serve as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment and cures of hormone-related diseases, and does so through public outreach and education. National Athletic Trainers Association The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) was founded in 1950 when a core group of about 200 athletic trainers met in Kansas City to discuss the future. Today, the NATA membership spans the globe and includes more than 27,000 allied health care professionals. NATA members can be found in schools, on the sidelines of professional sports, in hospitals and clinics, and in the industrial setting as the profession that began with college sports expands to guard the safety of all people involved in physical activity. National Center for Drug Free Sport The National Center for Drug Free Sport establishes and manages prevention programs for athletic organizations truly committed to creating drug-free environments. Drug Free Sport’s consultation, testing administration, education, and policy development expertise provides a comprehensive solution that deters drug use in the sports environment. Drug Free Sport is located in Kansas City, Mo. National Collegiate Athletic Association The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for 360,000 student-athletes competing in 22 sports at nearly 1,000 member colleges and universities. The NCAA conducts 87 championships each year where more than 44,000 student-athletes compete to be national collegiate champions. National Federation of State High School Associations The mission of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is to serve its members and its related professional groups by providing leadership and national coordination for the administration of interscholastic activities which will enhance the educational experiences of high school students and reduce risks of their participation. The NFHS will promote participation and sportsmanship to develop good citizens through interscholastic activities which provide equitable opportunities, positive recognition and learning experiences to students while maximizing the achievement of educational goals. National Football League The National Football League is America's most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world's biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL created the model sports league structure, including extensive revenue sharing, to create competitive balance. The NFL is the industry leader on a wide range of fronts, including the most comprehensive substance abuse policy in sports. "Business Week" magazine this year called the NFL "one of America's best-run businesses." National High School Athletic Coaches Association The NHSACA is the only high school coaches association created by and governed by coaches. The NHSACA provides high school coaches across America with a voice in current national issues. The NHSACA provides high school coaches with the finest recognition program available in America. National Junior College Athletic Association The purpose of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is to promote and foster junior college athletics on intersectional and national levels so that results will be consistent with the total educational program of its members. NJCAA is the governing body of intercollegiate athletics for two-year colleges. As such, its programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a diverse group of student-athletes who come from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds and whose purpose in selecting a junior college may be as varied as their experiences before attending college. Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc. The Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc. (PPSI) is a non-profit organization which promotes consumer public health education and pharmaceutical information. PPSI has been performing these services for almost 40 years. PPSI has been the primary architect of more than 40 public health consumer education national campaigns. These include the Great American Smokeout (GAS), safety caps on prescription vials, the pregnant man posters (Mr. Mom), and national cholesterol awareness month. United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is dedicated to eliminating the practice of doping in sport, including U.S. Olympic, Pan American and Paralympic athletes. USADA is the independent anti-doping agency for Olympic sports in the United States, and is responsible for managing the testing and adjudication process for the athletes. USADA is dedicated to preserving the well being of sport, the integrity of competition and ensuring the health of athletes through research initiatives and educational programs. United States Olympic Committee (USOC) The USOC is the custodian of the U.S. Olympic Movement and is the moving force for the support of sports in the United States that are on the programs of the Olympic and/or Pan American Games. The USOC is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole agency in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the United States teams in the Olympic and Pan American Games. The USOC's mission is to "preserve and promote the Olympic ideal as an effective, positive role model that inspires all Americans." US Biathlon The national governing body for the sport of biathlon in the United States, and the organization that helps further develop and promote of the sport in the United States. US Ski and Snowboard Association The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding, managing competition and athletic programs coast-to-coast. The vision of USSA is to make the United States of America the best in world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding by 2006, providing development and elite racing programs. USSA coordinates nationwide programs in snowboarding and six distinctly different skiing disciplines - alpine, freestyle, cross country, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and disabled alpine and cross country. US Soccer As the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States, the U.S. Soccer Federation has helped chart the course for the sport in the USA for 90 years. In that time, the Federation’s mission statement has been very simple and very clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a preeminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels. Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has the largest membership among U.S. Olympic Committee national governing bodies. The organization is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2003. US Speedskating U.S. Speedskating is the national governing body for the sport of speedskating. U.S. Speedskating's mission is "to be the premier speedskating organization in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance." Every action taken is measured against that mission, and every resource is devoted to it. Sixty-five Olympic medals make speedskating the most successful sport in U.S. Winter Olympic history. USA Boxing USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States' member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA). As a national governing body, USA Boxing is responsible for the administration, development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in the United States. USA Cycling USA Cycling is the official cycling organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and is responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competitions. USA Cycling controls nearly two dozen major events each year and issues permits for up to 3,000 more. The major activities of USA Cycling ensure the ongoing development and safe participation in the sport of cycling. USA Football USA Football, an independent non-profit organization, was created by the National Football League (NFL) and National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) in December 2002. It is the first national advocacy group representing all levels of amateur football. USA Football has been endowed by the NFL Youth Football Fund, a foundation formed by the NFL and NFLPA to provide support for organizations involved in youth and high school football. USA Football supports local, regional, and national youth football programs. It will collaborate with existing programs and create alliances to further expand the game. USA Luge The USLA/USA Luge is an Olympic class member of the United States Olympic Committee and the official American representative to the International Luge Federation. A not-for-profit organization, the USLA/USA Luge works to prepare, train, and equip the United States National Luge Teams for international and Olympic competition, as well as promote the growth of the sport nationwide. USA Swimming USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming. It administers competitive swimming in accordance with the Amateur Sports Act. It provides programs and services for our members, supporters, affiliates and the interested public. It values these members of the swimming community, and the staff and volunteers who serve them. It is committed to excellence and the improvement of the sport. USA Team Handball USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of handball in the United States, and is a non-profit organization designed to develop team handball through schools, recreation leagues and colleges; while providing multiple levels of competition for all ages, skill levels, and interests. USATH is also charged with developing the Men's and Women's National Teams for the Pan American Games, World Championship and the Olympic Games. USA Team Handball's mission is to promote and establish a focused team handball development pipeline in order to achieve and sustain competitive excellence at all levels with the goal of winning gold medals. USA Track and Field USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of the Olympics, the number one high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 50 million adult runners in the United States. The mission of USATF is to provide vision and leadership to the sport of track and field in the United States, and to promote the pursuit of excellence from youth to masters, from grassroots to the Olympic Games. USA Triathlon USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the multi-sport disciplines of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon coordinates and sanctions grass-roots and elite multi-sport events across the country and works to create interest and participation in those programs. USA Triathlon’s mission is to provide leadership and structure for the growth and development of excellence in multi-sports. USA Triathlon will inspire fitness as a healthy lifestyle, create a culture for excellence in leadership and competition and be a world leader in the sport. USA Wrestling USA Wrestling is the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States, an Olympic and Pan American member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and a member of the international wrestling federation FILA. USA Wrestling has over 150,000 members, and its programs range from youth wrestling activities all the way through the development of World and Olympic teams for our nation. USA Wrestling coordinates grassroots and elite programs and works to create interest and participation in the sport.