The 聽on Monday聽that it will partner with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to conduct athlete testing during the 2015 season. Grid is a that pits two coed teams against each other in two-hour matches of weightlifting and bodyweight challenges. There are currently eight NPGL teams across the country.
USADA will independently administer NPGL鈥檚 anti-doping programs聽according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.聽
鈥淭he NPGL is happy to be partnering with USADA,鈥 Aaron Bailey, NPGL鈥檚 commissioner and director of competition, said in the release. 鈥淲e are committed to keeping our sport fair and drug-free.鈥
USADA鈥檚 program for the NPGL will strive to educate athletes and personnel about various substances and supplements, conduct testing in and out of聽competition, and manage test results.
鈥淚t is a strong statement in support of clean and safe competition that the NPGL is making by taking the important step to protect the rights of clean Grid athletes by implementing a WADA-level anti-doping program this season,鈥 Andrew Morrison, director of sport testing and聽resources for USADA, said in the release. 鈥淲e commend them for their stand for clean sport and the message it sends to all those who want to compete clean at the highest levels of sport.鈥