Final answer:
Beta blockers are prohibited in precision sports such as archery and shooting. The use of performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids is banned due to the unfair advantage they offer and their harmful side effects, with strict enforcement coming from organizations like WADA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beta blockers are banned in sports like archery and shooting, where a steady hand and calm nerves provide a competitive advantage. The question about beta blockers relates to the broader issue of the banning of performance-enhancing drugs in sports due to the unfair advantages they provide and the potential health risks to athletes. Anabolic steroids, a class of synthetic hormones, are often banned because they can help athletes build more muscle, improve endurance, and alter physical appearance and performance. However, these substances can also lead to serious side effects like increased aggression, infertility, liver damage, heart issues, and severe acne.
Since the founding of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 1999, the fight against the use of banned substances like steroids in sports has intensified with more rigorous testing procedures. Prior to that, sports federations struggled to keep up with advances in pharmacology and relied heavily on the integrity of the athletes. It wasn't until substantial advancements in drug testing that these organizations could effectively enforce anti-doping rules.