Hofstra University Athletic Training. Policies & Procedures Guidelines

Transcription

1 Hofstra University Athletic Training Policies & Procedures Guidelines

2 ATHLETIC TRAINING / SPORTS MEDICINE POLICIES & PROCEDURES GUIDELINES The Hofstra University Athletic Training Program offers athletic training and sports medicine services to all University student-athletes. This care is provided through athletic training facilities in Margiotta Hall, the Physical Fitness Center and Hofstra Arena. By providing preventive care, athletic injury and illness management, rehabilitation and education, the program strives to enhance the overall health and welfare of our student-athletes. The athletic training staff will provide access to these services for all University athletic teams with coverage of practices and competitive events. Furthermore, appropriate medical and health care referrals will be made when necessary. The goal is to provide rapid intervention and treatment of identified injuries and illnesses to enable student-athletes to return to sports when they can safely do so and to reduce the risk of injury and re-injury. Certified athletic trainers and team physicians are directly responsible for all medical issues concerning Hofstra University student-athletes. They will determine injury, treatment and rehabilitation, and return-to-play status. The athletic training staff will communicate the status of the student-athletes to the coaches. The athletic training program has a staff of highly educated professionals. All are certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association and the State of New York to practice as athletic trainers. The staff will comply with professional standards as established by the National Athletic Trainers Association and New York State law. The staff of this program will always treat student-athletes with compassion and care, upholding the highest levels of professionalism. The atmosphere in the University athletic training facilities is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Athletic Training Room Decorum The athletic training facilities at Hofstra are coeducational. All student-athletes must dress appropriately for all treatments. Student-athletes should enter the athletic training room in their practice attire. CLEATS OR SOILED PRACTICE GEAR ARE NOT PERMITTED in the athletic training room. To ensure proper hygiene all athletes must shower before post-practice treatments are given. Except in an emergency or otherwise stated. Any studentathlete wanting preventive tape must adhere to a strengthening program developed by the certified athletic trainer for that respective team. All student-athletes are expected to follow through with rehabilitation and treatment until released by the certified athletic trainer or team physicians. All student-athletes are expected to act in a mature 1

3 manner at all times. The athletic training staff will not tolerate any rude behavior or language. Any student-athlete acting inappropriately will be asked to leave, and his or her Head Coach will be notified. All student-athletes are expected to treat the entire athletic training staff with respect. Any display of disrespect will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately. The athletic training room is not to be utilized as a social club. Therefore any student-athlete who does not need to be seen or treated by the athletic training staff should not be in the athletic training room. Telephones The telephones in the athletic training rooms are for emergency use only. At no time should any student-athlete utilize any of the phones in the offices of the certified athletic trainers. This is an NCAA violation. If a medical appointment is to be made, a certified athletic trainer will assist in making it for the student-athlete. Medical Records and Release of Information All student-athletes at Hofstra University have medical files located within the Athletic Training office and the University Student Wellness Center facilities. These records include but are not limited to medical history information, athletic injury and illness reports, informed consent forms and medical clearances to compete. Each year that a student-athlete competes in intercollegiate competition, he or she must update a medical history questionnaire, health and safety program consent form and medical information release/authorization consent form for the athletic training department. All forms and documents are kept on file for a minimum of seven years, as required by state and federal laws. Upon the completion of the seven-year limitation, all medical documents will be shredded and discarded in an appropriate fashion. Release of medical information is limited and confined to that of the Hofstra University Athletics Department, Hofstra University medical personnel and other medical personnel involved with a Hofstra University student-athlete. All requests for medical information by the press or non-related personnel will be directed to the Director of the Office of Athletic Communications and the student-athlete s Head Coach. Under no circumstances will any information be released to the press by the athletic training staff. Certain circumstances require complete confidentiality between a student-athlete, certified athletic trainer and coach. These situations warrant that information be released only to the appropriate personnel. Under no circumstances will sensitive information be released to student-athletic trainers, uninvolved staff athletic trainers or assistant coaches without prior discussion amongst the involved parties, unless in life-threatening cases. 2

4 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law, which states that colleges and universities will maintain confidentiality of a student s education records (address, phone listing, social security number, major, dates of attendance, etc.). No one outside the institution shall have access to the student s education records, nor will the University disclose any information from these records without written consent of the student. Any request for information contained in a student s educational records will be referred to the Office of Financial and Academic Records. Should an athlete be under 18 years of age, parents will be notified of any and all injuries incurred. Due to HIPPA regulations, anyone over the age of 18 must provide consent of notification of health related issues. Should the athlete sustain an injury in which they are unable to communicate, consent is implied and the parents will be notified. Pre-participation Physical Exam All freshman or transfer students entering the University must submit prior to the first day of classes or their preparticipation physical exam, a complete medical history questionnaire, physical examination and immunization record completed by his/her private physician to be eligible for class registration and athletic participation. Failure to do so will slow the clearance process for all student-athletes and students. Hofstra University further requires all intercollegiate student-athletes to undergo a stringent pre-participation physical examination prior to each athletic season. During this time each student-athlete updates his/her medical history form for both the athletic training department and the University Student Wellness Center, obtains a complete physical examination, which may include orthopedic screening if necessary, completes a urinalysis for medical screening and drug testing if randomly selected (see Health and Safety Program for details). No student-athlete will be permitted to practice or compete without an athletic physical clearance. Ongoing Assessment While the pre-participation physical exam is intended to ensure the health and well-being of the studentathlete, and others that may depend on him/her, one s condition may obviously change over time. All student-athletes who are participants in Hofstra University s athletic program are constantly assessed for any potential health problems. This includes the normal, everyday observation of student-athletes by the University staff. It will also include random urine testing throughout the year for drug screening. This ongoing assessment reflects the continued concern of the University athletic staff for the well-being of their student-athletes. Should any member of the University staff believe that a student-athlete may have a potential health problem, that staff member should immediately inform the Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer or his/her designee. If, upon preliminary examination of the situation, either of the officials deems it warranted, the student-athlete must report to the Team Physician for an examination of the problem. This 3

5 examination may include any required medical tests to evaluate the problem. If a student-athlete refuses to participate in any testing or examination, he/she will be suspended from participation in intercollegiate athletics at Hofstra University. This suspension will be lifted only on the full compliance with the terms of the Athletic Health and Safety Program. Should such an impairment be suspected while a student-athlete is traveling with his/her team, it is the responsibility of the coach to prohibit participation in practice or contest until a medical judgment is rendered. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a bacterial infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics. For actions that are taken to reduce the possibility of the spread of MRSA, see Athletic Training Room Decorum on page 1. Detection of MRSA is done through routine skin checks by Athletic Trainers for the purpose of identifying this condition early. Treatment of this condition would involve referral to team physician for proper diagnosis, wound maintenance and treatment plan. Daily follow ups with athletic trainer is necessary to ensure proper healing of condition. Insurance Hofstra University student-athletes are provided insurance through four different plans. They are as follows: All University students are provided accident insurance with a maximum benefit of $5000 per incident This policy provides benefits for non-athletic accidents. This does not cover athletically related accidents. Claims for this insurance are processed through the University Wellness Center. All University resident students (living in University housing) are provided with sickness insurance with a maximum benefit of $2500 per incident. This plan has several benefit restrictions. Also available is an extended plan, with greater benefits, that may be purchased by the student at a reasonable fee. Non-resident students can purchase this health insurance plan at a reasonable per semester cost. Contact the University Wellness Center for information on this plan, or to file any claims. All student-athletes are covered by athletic accident insurance. This plan provides insurance benefits for injuries incurred while participating in the Hofstra University intercollegiate athletic program. It provides benefits when a student-athlete is injured during their participation on a University athletic team. NCAA Catastrophic insurance plan. This policy will cover expenses over $50,000. All of Hofstra University s insurance plans are Secondary or Excess plans. This requires submission of all claims to their primary insurance through their parents/guardian s or own plan. This coverage will pay 100% of whatever the primary insurance does not pay (up to $50,000). For student-athletes without insurance through their parents/guardians, or their own, the University s insurance plans become their primary insurance. Under these 4

6 plans, coverage is for 100% of reasonable and customary claims up to $50,000, subject to all benefit limits as described in the specific plan. The following pertain to the student-athlete insurance policy (when used as either a primary or secondary policy): The benefit period is 2 years from the date of the accident. The first expense must be incurred within 180 days (6 months) of the date of the accident. Student-athletes are responsible for completing University insurance forms. This must be done for each injury/illness requiring medical attention and treatment. With the exception of an emergency, student-athletes must follow the policies and procedures of their primary insurance carrier. If a student-athlete is initially cleared by a team physician for full participation, any pre-existing conditions will be covered by the insurance plan. International students, including student-athletes, are provided coverage through both accident and sickness insurance. This plan provides benefits up to $100,000 per accident or sickness. The student-athlete is responsible for a $25 deductible and 20% of the first $5000 of expenses per accident or sickness. In the event of an injury from an athletic accident, the student-athlete will be covered under the Athletic Accident insurance. Complete explanations of these insurance policies are available in all Athletic Training Rooms, as well as the University Wellness Center. Insurance Filing Procedures All student-athletes will complete an Insurance Information Form, and provide a photocopy of their personal medical/health insurance card, at the beginning of each year. This must be done prior to participating in any competition events. The athletic training staff will prepare for travel a photocopy of each student athletes Insurance Information Form and insurance card. These are to be brought whenever a team travels for practice/competition. The Head Coach will be given these copies for teams that do not have an athletic trainer travel with them. The originals will stay filed at Hofstra University. Hofstra University insurance forms (AmeriBen/IEC Group) will also be included in the travel insurance file. A Hofstra University insurance form (AmeriBen/IEC Group) will be completed for any injury requiring any outside medical/health care before receiving this care. This is to include any physician, hospital or other health care provider that is not in the direct employment of Hofstra University. A copy of the student-athlete s Insurance Information Form, their insurance card, and the completed Hofstra University insurance form (AmeriBen/IEC Group) will be given to the outside health care provider at the time of service. The original Hofstra University insurance form (AmeriBen/IEC 5

7 Group) will be sent to Hofstra s insurance company. An insurance file will be created for each incident. This file will include a copy of the Insurance Information Form, their personal insurance card, the Hofstra University insurance form (AmeriBen/IEC Group), the Injury Report form, and any EOBs or other correspondence for this claim. Insurance files and medical/health records will be kept separate. Active student-athlete insurance files will be kept separately in a binder in the team s Certified Athletic Trainer s office. Upon graduation, resignation or dismissal from Hofstra University Intercollegiate Athletics, the student-athlete s insurance files will be secured in a separate file cabinet/drawer, at a central location determined by the Head Athletic Trainer. Each file will clearly indicate the student-athlete s name, sport, and year of departure. All insurance records will be maintained for seven (7) years after leaving the Hofstra University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics program. All insurance records will be properly destroyed (shredded) after seven (7) years so that no personal information is inadvertently released. Using Non-University Health Care Providers The University Certified Athletic Training Staff, Team Physicians and Wellness Center Staff will make referrals of Hofstra University Student-athletes. Please consult a staff member with questions. Non-authorized referrals to off-campus physicians or other health care providers is not accepted procedure at Hofstra University. A student-athlete may self refer to an off-campus medical/health care provider of his/her choice. However, should a student-athlete choose to use outside (non-university) provider without proper referral from the University Medical Staff, they will be responsible for any and all costs incurred. They must use their private medical/health insurance and personal financial resources for payment of their bills. University provided insurance and financial resources will not be available in these cases. Physician Availability and Appointments Hofstra University team physicians are available to all student-athletes at physical clinics held in the athletic training facilities. Physicians will be at all football games, home men s lacrosse games, home men s and women s basketball games and all conference and NCAA Championship events hosted by Hofstra University. University health care is available at the campus Wellness Center as well. Student-athletes needing medical attention should see their certified athletic trainer to set up an appointment or call the University Student Wellness Center at (516) The University Student Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and is closed on Sunday. Medical clinics are also held Monday through Thursday in the athletic training facilities. Student-athletes need to see their certified athletic trainer for an appointment. Orthopedic 6

8 clinics are held on campus twice a week during the fall and spring semesters, and periodically during intercessions. Appointments will only be made by a certified athletic trainer. It is very important that our athletes keep the appointment made for them. Our physicians and medical facilities try to accommodate our athletes in every possible way. If a student-athlete misses or cancels an appointment, it is the responsibility of the athlete to reschedule. This responsibility also applies to appointments at orthopedic clinics, medical clinics, and physical therapy appointments on campus. Medical Referrals Hofstra University has committed tremendous resources to provide appropriate medical and health care services to its student-athletes. This commitment includes a professional, licensed Athletic Training staff, three state of the art athletic training facilities, weekly on-campus physician clinics, an on-campus University Wellness Center, and availability to a variety of medical specialists in the local area. With this commitment, Hofstra University personnel fulfill nearly all of the medical and health care needs of our student-athletes. At some time, it may be necessary to refer student-athletes off-campus for medical and/or other health care services. In the best interest of the student-athlete, the University Athletic Training staff, Team Physicians and Wellness Center staff utilize non-university medical/health care professionals to provide such services when necessary. Extensive lists of medical/health care referrals within the local area, and beyond, are maintained by the Athletic Training staff and University Wellness Center. Hofstra University has an agreement with ProHealthcare, Inc. of Lake Success as a provider for various medical specialists. At all times, ProHealth shall be the primary referral base for University student-athletes. The University Certified Athletic Training staff, Team Physicians and Wellness Center staff, will make all referrals of Hofstra University Student-Athletes. Please consult a staff member with questions. Non-authorized referrals to off-campus physicians or other health care providers is not accepted procedure at Hofstra University. This includes recommending, encouraging or inducing a student-athlete to see an outside medical/health care provider. Failure to comply with these procedures will result in review by the Athletic Director and Team Physician. Sanctions may be imposed on the personnel involved. A student-athlete may self refer to an off-campus medical/health care provider of his/her choice. However, should a student-athlete choose to use outside (non-university) provider without proper referral from the University Medical Staff, they may be responsible for any and all costs incurred. They must use their private medical/health insurance and personal financial resources for payment of their bills. University provided insurance and financial resources may not be available in these cases. It is the student-athlete s responsibility to inform their Certified Athletic Trainer and the 7

9 Team Physician of any such appointment or treatment. A completed University referral form and/or written documentation must be presented to the Team Physician for final clearance. In the event that an Athletic Department staff member, other than the Certified Athletic Training staff and/or Team Physicians, makes such an appointment, University insurance and medical budgets will not be utilized for reimbursement of non-authorized referrals. Medical Referral Lists include, but are not limited to, the following: Acupuncture Obstetrics/Gynecology Chiropractic Occupational Therapy Dentist Orthosis Diagnostic Testing Ophthalmology/Optometrist (X-rays, MRI, Bone Scan, etc.) Physical Therapy Ears, Nose, Throat Plastic Surgery Internist Urology Neurology Coaches have an obligation to notify a Team Physician and the athletic training staff of any known injury/illness of a student-athlete. Under no circumstances should information be withheld from a Team Physician or the athletic training staff regarding a medical illness or an injury. The decision as to the need for referral for rehabilitation, or other treatment, belongs to the physician and patient. Taking into consideration the individual s needs, transportation access, insurance, etc., the student-athlete may determine the referral site, subject to the conditions described above. All applicable laws regarding referrals must be adhered to at all times. Transportation It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to find transportation for all off-campus medical appointments. This includes diagnostic testing, physical therapy, pre-surgical testing and surgery. When all options for finding transportation have been exhausted the student-athlete shall arrange for transportation through the certified athletic training staff using a taxi voucher system. Appropriate paperwork will be taken care of by the certified athletic trainer and the athlete will not incur any expenses related to the transportation. This service is to be used for transportation to and from athletic trainer approved health care facilities. 8

10 Surgery All surgeries performed by a Hofstra University orthopedic surgeon will be done so at his/her affiliated health care facility. Each athlete will arrange transportation and an escort to and from the hospital. In accordance with New York State law no patient will be permitted to leave after surgery unless accompanied by another adult (18 years or older) after any surgical procedure. Prior to each surgery, PRE-SURGICAL TESTING needs to be completed. This requires that each student-athlete have complete blood work testing, a physical examination and in some cases an ECG and chest x-ray. The student-athlete is responsible for providing his/her own transportation, as above. Rehabilitation Hofstra University athletic trainers are responsible for the rehabilitation of injured student-athletes. With the guidance and support of the University and team physicians, Hofstra s athletic trainers will provide rehabilitative services as required. The professional athletic training staff will evaluate each injury, develop a rehabilitation program as well as document the progress of each student-athlete. On occasion the physicians may refer student-athletes to off-campus rehabilitation facilities. This may include injury due to motor vehicle accident, workmen s compensation or other non-athletic injury. To expedite a rapid return to participation it is important that student-athletes fully comply with their rehabilitation schedule. Lack of attendance is detrimental to the recovery process. The rehabilitation support system includes the student-athlete, athletic trainer, physician, coaching staff, as well as the athletic administration. All of the involved parties share the responsibility of providing motivation and encouragement to comply with the rehabilitation program. To maximize compliance, all post-surgical rehabilitation will be scheduled by appointment. Other injury rehabilitation will also be scheduled by appointment as needed. Attendance or lack thereof will be reported to both the treating physician and Head Coach. Coaches should feel free to impose disciplinary action, as they deem necessary. Physical Therapy is available on campus several times per week. Athletes will obtain a prescription from the team physicians should this be the course of treatment the doctors feel is necessary. Athletic trainer along with the physical therapist will complete the appropriate paperwork in order to facilitate the physical therapy sessions. Payment for this service will be processed through the appropriate insurance channels, as would any off campus doctors visit or diagnostic test. 9

11 Athletic Clearance When a student-athlete becomes ill, the student-athlete should first seek medical attention by team physician through contact with the teams certified athletic trainer or at the University Student Wellness Center. All emergencies should continue to follow campus protocol by contacting public safety at (516) Prior to returning to activity the student-athlete is required to present a clearance slip from the University Physician to the certified athletic trainer. For those student-athletes who see an outside physician, final medical clearance will only be given if a written explanation of illness, laboratory tests and prognosis is brought to the University Physician from the treating physician. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to furnish such written records at the time final clearance is to be given. When a student-athlete suffers an orthopedic injury, the student-athlete should report to a certified athletic trainer as soon as possible. The athletic trainer will determine if an injury needs orthopedic evaluation. Final clearance to return to athletic competition will be determined by Hofstra University s orthopedic surgeon. If treated by an outside orthopedic surgeon, final clearance will only be given when the treating orthopedic surgeon gives written notification to the student-athlete and it is reviewed by Hofstra University s orthopedic surgeon and the certified athletic trainer. Medication Policy The athletic training staff at Hofstra University will follow strict protocol for the handling of non-prescription and prescription medications to student-athletes. This protocol will be in compliance with all federal, state and Drug Enforcement Agency regulations. Furthermore, the NCAA has developed specific guidelines on medication dispensing and administration. Please do not ask the athletic training staff to knowingly violate medication procedures. Responsibility for the filling of prescription medication prescribed to an athlete by our Team Physician or Surgeon for any reason will fall upon the athlete. Normally, the cost of the medication (minus any co-payments) will be absorbed by the athletes primary insurance. In the event that the athlete does not have primary insurance, our University athletic insurance will reimburse the cost of the medication. The exception to this policy is if the athlete in question is a Pell Grant recipient. In this instance, the athlete will submit any medication receipts to the University for submission to the NCAA Special Assistance Fund. The athlete will then receive reimbursement from this fund. In any event, the athlete is responsible for obtaining the initial funds necessary to fill any 10

12 prescriptions needed. If the athlete has any questions or concerns with this policy, they should address the situation as soon as possible with their Athletic Trainer. Drug Testing Student-athletes may be randomly selected for testing for drug use as part of their pre-participation physical exam. Forty percent (40%) of the student-athletes on each team will be randomly selected for drug testing as part of their athletic physical. In addition to this pre-participation process, random urine testing of Hofstra University studentathletes for drug use will occur throughout the academic year. Approximately ten percent (10%) of each team s student-athletes are tested every three to four weeks through this random process. In addition, those athletes with a prior positive test will be tested regularly as directed by the Team Physician. Random selection of student-athletes for year-round testing will be based on the following criteria: 1. A percentage of student-athletes on each individual team will be selected during each testing period as established by the Head Athletic Trainer upon consultation with the Team Physician. 2. Student-athletes will be randomly selected for testing during their specific sport season (Fall, Winter, Spring), off-season conditioning or training programs and during their non-traditional season. Student-athlete drug testing selection Procedures Athletes will be randomly selected for drug testing by use of a computer generated program. The student-athlete will be notified of their drug test selection in a manner that allows confidentiality, i.e. privately. For the individual sports teams of tennis, golf and cross country, the Team Administrator and the Head Coach will be notified that the selected student-athlete must report to the athletic training room at the specific testing time. It must also be communicated that failure to report will be considered a positive drug test. At no time will it be revealed that this appointment is for a drug test. Testing of student-athletes on potential NCAA qualifying teams will be insured by non-random selection of those student-athletes who have not been selected by the random process. All studentathletes who will represent Hofstra University in an NCAA championship event must be tested at least once before the final regular season game. The Athletic Training staff will inform the student-athlete that they have been selected for drug testing no more than 12 hours before the test. The student-athlete will be directed to the collection site at the scheduled time. Sample collection for random testing will be done after physical activity. The collection of all urine samples must be witnessed by University personnel or another designated person. Male student-athletes will be accompanied by a male witness. Female student-athletes will be accompanied by a female witness. Although every effort must be made to ensure proper decorum, and the comfort of the student-athlete, the witness will verify that the sample collected is that particular student-athlete s. Any student-athlete who fails to comply with a directive to submit to drug testing will be suspended from participation of sports until he or she has come into full compliance with this policy. 11

13 The student-athlete will provide the sample required for testing in the appropriate containers as supplied. They will then properly close the sample container. The witness, in full view of the student-athlete, will seal the sample container and follower proper chain of custody procedures as directed by the testing laboratory. The studentathlete will also follow the specified chain of custody procedures. All test results will be sent to the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician. The Head Athletic Trainer will make every effort to notify the student-athlete within 24 hours of receiving any positive test results. An appointment with the Team Physician must immediately be scheduled in order to discuss findings, ask/answer any questions and communicate possible treatment plans. The Head Athletic Trainer or team physician will inform the student athlete s Head Coach and the Director of Athletics, who in turn will inform the University President of any such results. At the appointment when the student-athlete is informed of the positive test result, he/she will be given a copy of the written notification; the laboratory chain of custody form; and the lab report. The administrative process will be explained. This includes notification of required appointments with the team physician, Director of Athletics, and their Head Coach. An explanation of how to initiate the appeals process will also be provided. The appeals process must be initiated by the student-athlete within seven (7) days of this notification (as explained in the Appeal Procedure section of this document). The written notification will be signed by both the student-athlete and the Head Athletic Trainer. Should the student-athlete remain in the Hofstra University intercollegiate athletic program the following procedures will be applied: The student-athlete will be directed to the Team Physician for treatment programs and/or the Director of Athletics for any applicable sanction (See sanctions for positive drug test.). He or she must make an appointment to see the Team Physician and the Director of Athletics *once being notified of a positive test result. All positive tests will be confirmed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GM/MS) before a student-athlete is informed of such a result. Drug testing will include substances from the National Collegiate Athletic Association list of banned substances (Appendix A). This may include any or all of these substances, and additional substance if determined necessary. Selection of substances to be tested will be determined by the Team Physician and Head Athletic Trainer. A member of the University s health or athletic staff may request additional testing, outside of the random selection process. Such testing will be ordered by the Team Physician. 12

14 Counseling If a student-athlete demonstrates a health concern that requires counseling, that student-athlete will be encouraged to seek support from the University Student Counseling Center. Counseling is mandatory for a student-athlete who tests positive for drug use, and must be sought prior to restoration of eligibility to participate and compete in intercollegiate athletics. Counseling can be arranged at the University Student Counseling Center or may be sought form an outside counselor at the student-athlete s expense. A student-athlete who identifies his/her own need for counseling may, upon notification to the Head Athletic Trainer or Team Physician, refer him/herself into the Substance Counseling Program. Student-athletes who refer themselves into counseling will be placed in the assigned pool for selection for drug testing as are those who have tested positive. Such a student-athlete is bound by the regulations of the Athletic health and Safety Program and may be subject to specific sanctions if there are future violations. The counselor will provide to the Team Physician and Head Athletic Trainer, in writing, confirmation of attendance, participation in, any missed appointments and completion of the counseling program. The Director of the University Student Counseling Center must be informed by an outside counselor, if one is used, of the enrollment, successful participation and completion of the drug counseling program. To confirm attendance, participation and completion only the student-athlete will be required to sign a consent form. All specific information discussed in counseling will be confidential between the student athlete and the counselor. All communications regarding student-athletes enrolled in counseling will go through the Team Physician and Head Athletic Trainer. The Head Athletic Trainer will inform the Director of Athletics and the student-athlete s Head Coach of the student-athlete s status. The student-athlete may request a meeting with the Head coach and Head Athletic Trainer to discuss such a referral. A student-athlete who fails to attend, participate in or complete his/her counseling program will be immediately suspended from intercollegiate athletics at Hofstra University. NCAA Banned Drugs If the test for the presence of drugs is positive, written notification of the positive test results will be given to the student-athlete by the Head Athletic Trainer or his/her designee within 24 hours of receiving the results. This will be signed by the student-athlete, acknowledging receipt of results. Performance Enhancing/ Recreational Drugs - Sanctions for Positive Drug Test A student-athlete who tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug, recreational or street drugs as outlined in the NCAA Manual is subject to the following sanctions: 13

15 First positive result - a.) Suspension from 20% of regular and post season competition, b) mandatory counseling. c) All scholarship awarded will remain. Second positive result - a.) Suspension of eligibility to compete for 12 months from the date of the positive test and b.) loss of scholarship. Third positive result - Loss of all remaining eligibility in all sports at Hofstra University. During the period of ineligibility, the student-athlete is not eligible for renewal of athletic scholarships under NCAA Bylaw Furthermore, this period of ineligibility may be binding at all NCAA institutions. Upon reinstatement, the student-athlete is eligible for athletic scholarships based on the coach s recommendation. Please note: In all NCAA championship events and year-round testing programs, NCAA guidelines will be in effect, and will supersede Hofstra=s program and sanctions. Treatment And Sanctions A student-athlete who manifests a physical, psychological or other health impairment will be directed to the Team Physician for recommended treatment or therapy. The Team Physician will determine the student-athlete s fitness for participation in athletics. Hofstra University reserves the right for its coaches to impose additional, and/or more rigid, sanctions than those listed in the Athletic Health and Safety Program. Coaches will work with University and Athletic administrators in designing and implementing such sanctions. Questions regarding these sanctions should be referred to team administrators or the Director of Athletics. Prescription Pain Relievers Hofstra University tests for the use of prescription pain relievers such as Vicodin, Tylenol III, and Percodan. Their chemical names include hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Although the NCAA does not test for these, we feel it is important to include them in our testing procedures. If a positive test is from a prescription that the student-athlete was given, presentation of the prescription to the Team Physician will waive the sanctions of a positive test. If the student-athlete cannot present a valid prescription, the test is considered positive. This represents illegal use, or possible abuse. A first time positive test result for prescription pain relievers will incur the following sanctions: 1. required meeting with the team physician for education on prescription drug misuse, 2. increased rate of drug testing, 14

16 Any subsequent positive test will be considered a positive drug test for illegal drug use with all appropriate sanctions applied as per the Health and Safety Program. Alcohol Cases involving alcohol abuse will be treated as a health and safety concern. A student-athlete who demonstrates an alcohol abuse problem will be directed to the Team Physician for referral into an alcohol counseling program and will be immediately suspended from participating in intercollegiate athletic until he/she is enrolled in the counseling program. The Team Physician, Director of Athletics, Head Athletic Trainer and the student-athlete s Head Coach will be informed of the successful completion of the counseling program. Tobacco The use of tobacco and tobacco products has long been recognized as a serious health threat. It has been named as the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Such use is also inconsistent with the goals of sports and athletic conditioning. Furthermore, in 1994 the NCAA enacted legislation banning the use of tobacco products by student-athletes and athletic department personnel during all practices and games. It is the concern of Hofstra University that all of its students are provided with proper information regarding the use of tobacco. This includes both the long and short-term effects on the human body. Further, Hofstra University desires to maintain the proper environment within its intercollegiate athletic program to discourage tobacco use. The use of tobacco, in any form, by student-athletes is banned in the athletic environment. This is to include office areas, locker rooms, weight rooms and athletic training rooms, as well as during practice, events, on the side-lines and on road trips. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action from the Department of Athletics. All members of the University Department of Athletics staff are responsible for the enforcement of this policy and NCAA legislation in this matter. Supplements Student-athletes, at times, use dietary supplements or training aids to help increase their strength, endurance or other performance factors. Notwithstanding the promotional claims for these products, they are not subject to governmental oversight, testing or other quality control regulations as are medications. Most often, the claims for their beneficial effects are not based on scientific evidence and in many cases no research has been performed at all to substantiate claims. Student-athletes are also reminded that the use of supplements may carry the risk of adverse health effects. These substances are sometimes mislabeled or incompletely labeled, and may contain banned or otherwise harmful 15

17 substances. Student-athletes are cautioned about using any unknown or unproven substances. The student-athlete is responsible for whatever is in his/her own body. Hofstra University will not be responsible for claims made by the manufacturers of these products. The University will not test any products to verify their composition, nor verify that they are free of banned substances. Furthermore, Hofstra University, its employees and other representatives will not supply University studentathletes with dietary supplements or training aids without the direction of the Team Physician. Questions regarding supplement use should be directed to the University Athletic Training Staff, Team Physician, and/or Wellness Center. Appeal Procedure A student-athlete who is sanctioned under the provisions of the Health and Safety Program has the right to appeal. The student must submit a written petition for appeal within 7 calendar days of being notified of their sanction, to the Vice President for Campus Life. The petition for an appeal should specifically address why a hearing should be granted. Please note: All positive drug test results are tested by two different methods to insure accuracy. As such, all positive tests are considered valid. Therefore, an allegation of an invalid test is not usually grounds for an appeal to be granted. If a student chooses, the University can have a second test performed on the original sample. The University, at the student-athlete s written request, will re-test the original sample, at the original lab, before a final decision regarding an appeal is given. The cost of the re-test of the original sample, at the original lab, will be covered by the University. In those situations, where documentation is deemed inadequate or when grounds for appeal involve merely an allegation of an invalid test, an appeal hearing may be denied. If an appeal hearing is granted, the necessary documentation - test results, notification letters, previous incidents, etc., will be forwarded to the Vice President for Campus Life and be available to members of the appellate panel. The appeal panel will consist of 6 members including the Chair who will be appointed by the President. While the student-athlete is in the process of appealing, he/she will be temporarily suspended from competition, but may participate in practice and conditioning activities. The Appellate Hearing 1. Any student-athlete contemplating an appeal is encouraged to meet with the Vice President for Campus Life to discuss the process. 16

18 2. Throughout the appeal process, students are encouraged to have an adviser. 3. If the student-athlete s appeal hearing is granted, the following procedure will apply: a.. Student-athlete will have the opportunity to address the Panel with an opening statement. b. The Panel will question the student. c. Any appropriate/necessary witness(es) will have a chance to speak. d. The Panel will question the witness(es). e. Student-athlete will make a closing statement. 4. All decisions by the Appellate Panel will be communicated to the student-athlete in writing. Athletic Training / Medical Staff Travel All athletic teams are budgeted for athletic training / medical staff for away games. This will include travel, hotel and meals. The following are guidelines for the minimum number of athletic trainers / physicians each team should budget for. Football: Men s Lacrosse: Field Hockey, Men s Soccer, Women s Soccer, Volleyball, Men s Basketball, Women s Basketball Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Women s Lacrosse: Cross Country, Men s Tennis, Women s Tennis: Golf: 5 Athletic Trainers plus 2 Physicians (Orthopedic & Medical) 3 Athletic Trainers 2 Athletic Trainers 1 Athletic Trainer No Athletic Trainer This staffing is based on the following criteria: Ability to provide complete medical attention for each team Ability to provide quick and efficient pre-game treatment and preparation. Ability to provide quick and efficient response to injury, treatment and safe return to play. Ability to provide game injury evaluation and treatment while maintaining a field/court presence. Ability to provide consistent support and service to each team. 17

19 Certified Athletic Trainer travel will be consistent with and based on the NCAA Sports Medicine Guidelines including injury rates as listed in the Guidelines, schedule of practice and home events, and staff availability. Prior to each season the Athletic Training staff will distribute a travel staff list to each head coach. The Athletic Training staff strives to provide each team with appropriate athletic training coverage for all practices and competitive events. Factors such as conflicting event schedules and lack of certified staff may occasionally affect our ability to achieve this. It is possible that teams will travel with less than the optimum number of athletic trainers or no athletic trainer at all. Lightning Policy The Certified Athletic Trainer is responsible for calling off a practice. The Certified Athletic Trainer will make a recommendation to the Athletic Administration for a game to be canceled or postponed up until the beginning of a competition. Once a competition has begun, the official is responsible for calling the game. The Certified Athletic Trainer will consult with the official if thunder or lightning is in the area. If a Certified Athletic Trainer at one field ends an activity, he/she will use hand held radios to communicate to the other fields to end their activities. The Certified Athletic Trainer will obtain a weather report prior to activities to look for thunderstorm watches and warnings. The flash to bang method will be used to estimate how far away lightning activity is occurring. The number of seconds between when a flash of lightning is seen and a bang of thunder is heard is divided by 5 to determine how many miles away lightning is occurring. The athletic training staff will use, when available, electronic lightening detectors in determining the threat of lightening. The NCAA and the National Severe Storms Lab recommend that when the flash to bang count falls below 30 seconds (6 miles) activities must end and all participants and spectators must go to the nearest safe shelter. Activities may resume 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder or flash of lightning. A safe shelter is a building that people occupy. A storage shelter, dug out or under the bleachers are not safe shelters. For the following areas, the Hofstra Arena is the nearest safe shelter: softball field, baseball field 18

20 For the following areas, the Physical Fitness Center/ Swim Center is the nearest safe shelter: soccer field, Jets field, tennis courts. For the following areas, Margiotta Hall is the nearest safe shelter: stadium, football practice field. When a game is canceled or postponed, a message will be broadcast to spectators and competitors to go to the nearest safe shelter. Spectators will be advised to go their cars, roll the windows up and not touch any metal part of the car. General guidelines for lightning safety: a) Stay away from tall or individual trees, solitary objects, metal objects, standing pools of water and open fields. b) A vehicle with a hard roof and the windows rolled up can be used as a safe shelter (not a convertible or golf cart). c) If unable to get to a safe shelter, crouch in a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or in a dry ditch. Crouch with only the balls of the feet in contact with the ground. Wrap arms around knees and keep head down, making yourself as small as possible. d) Do not use a land-line telephone. Cellular phones and hand held radios are okay to use. e) If you feel the hair on your body rise or tingle, get into the position described in (c). f) People struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is safe for the responder. References: 1) Bennet, BL: A Model Lightning Safety Policy for Athletics. Journal of Athletic Training 32(3): ) Benson, M: NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. USA: National Collegiate Athletic Association. pp12-14,

21 Injured Athlete Escort Athletes who are injured during practice and require transportation to a hospital must be escorted by an Administrator of the University. If practice is still in progress and no other member of the Athletic Training department can go with the athlete, a member of the respective coaching staff must escort the athlete to the hospital. At no time may practice continue without the presence of an Athletic Trainer on site. The coach will be relieved by a member of the Athletic Training staff as soon as one is available. All appropriate medical information must be sent with the injured athlete and Administrator (i.e., athlete insurance information and signed HIPAA forms). Any non medical escort should contact the appropriate Athletic Training staff member with any questions that may arise at the hospital. 4 Minute Response For those sports that do not have an on-site Athletic Trainer assigned for games and/or practices on campus, there is a 4-minute response policy by the Athletic Training department. At any given time, the Athletic Training staff must be notified in advance of a practice or event taking place. Should an injury occur where medical attention is required, there will be no more than a 4-minute response by a staff member to the scene. Again, the Athletic Training staff must be aware of the activity taking place and there should be a predetermined line of communication from the site to the appropriate Athletic Training staff member. Heat Policy Practice or competition in hot and/or humid environmental conditions poses special problems for student-athletes. Heat stress and heat related-illness are a primary concern in these situations. Air temperature, humidity and dehydration are common risk factors associated with heat-illness. Nutritional supplements, medications, drugs, certain medical conditions, lack of acclimatization, poor fitness and dark clothing are other factors that put studentathletes at increase risk. To identify heat stress conditions, regular measurements of environmental conditions will be recorded. Ambient temperature and relative humidity are used to determine heat index (Figure 1). Wet-bulb temperature, dry-bulb temp and globe temperature are used to determine the wet-bulb globe temperature (Figure 2). A WBGT >80 suggests careful control of all outside activity be undertaken.. The ATC will determine HI and WBGT on the field of play minutes prior to proposed practice/competition. Practice may be modified at the discretion of the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in consultation with the Team Physician. Such modification may include timing or length of practice, intensity, clothing/uniform, water breaks, etc. Dehydration must be avoided because it not only hinders performance but also increases risk of heat-illness. Fluid replacement must be readily available. Student-athletes will be encouraged to drink as much and frequently as 20