So I've been training and coaching people for a few years now, starting with nutrition and then eventually with weights or sport performance. I recently got certified to coach Bodybuilding and Ive been very acquainted with powerlifting for quiet some time (there are no official certifications but i fully understand the principals and fundamentals).

I originally looked into steroid use when I started the BB certification because I knew it was apart of the sport but I never had any exposure to it prior. I know there is a fairly pervasive belief that if you've never competed and gone through the hell of peak week then you shouldn't coach because you dont really know what it takes. I also truly have no desire to compete. I love the lifestyle and all but im just not the guy.

I am currently working with one guy who wants to compete and we've never discussed steroid use because 1. I wouldnt be comfortable leading someone down that path. I would much rather guide someone through it if they were gonna do it on their own either way and 2. Because I am not at all equipped to guide someone down that path lol.

My questions/ discussion topics
If properly motivated, does someone have the capacity to be a good BB coach without having ever competed themselves?

How does one get the necessary requisit knowledge to help with steroid use without taking copious unnecessary compounds or relying on strictly anecdotal information?

For those of you who have or do compete in either BB or powerlifting, did you use a coach and what makes a great coach in your opinion?

As this is a fairly new venture I would love to hear any and all thoughts or opinions on the subject even if I didnt think to ask about it specifically.

Thank you