IU Sports Medicine Information Sheet
SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM
A.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The sports medicine program at Indiana University works under the direct supervision of the team physician who is
located in Assembly Hall. If a student-athlete should be injured while participating in an intercollegiate sports program,
he/she will be evaluated by a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer, provided immediate care, and referred
to whatever medical personnel deemed necessary.
The role and function of the athletic trainers are to implement prevention of injury programs, provide immediate
care and treatment, and follow rehabilitation procedures for the injured student-athlete as directed by the team physician.
Certified athletic trainers will provide the student-athlete with the basic health care needs and direct him/her to the team
physician when it is necessary. Today's athletic trainer is a well-trained professional who is an integral part of a complete
athletic program.
The team physicians have at their disposal medical consultants in every field of the medical profession. If a studentathlete is sent to one of the medical consultants, he/she will be given a referral form or a phone call will be made on their
behalf to arrange for an appointment. If, for any reason, other than a life threatening situation, a student-athlete goes to a
doctor or hospital without prior approval of the team physician or athletic trainer, the student-athlete will be responsible
for those fees incurred.
The sports medicine program will provide direct medical coverage, with its staff and/or athletic training students,
only if the sport activity is an approved Athletic Department scheduled event, or coach supervised practice. Every effort
will be made to provide coverage for the non-traditional or out-of-season practices or workout during the academic school
year. Summer conditioning workouts will only receive coverage if there is strength/conditioning supervision as mandated
by NCAA.
B.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
The Athletic Training Rooms located at Assembly Hall, Memorial Stadium, Cook Hall, University Gym and the
SRSC are the main source of medical care for student-athletes during their competitive season. The Indiana University
Health Center is an ancillary facility which is used for physician referral, pharmacy, lab tests and x-rays. IU Health
Bloomington Hospital should be accessed when one is unable to locate their respective staff athletic trainer and/or team
physician. The hospital is also used for physician referral, surgeries, diagnostic tests, emergencies, etc.
C.
IN-SEASON AND OUT-OF-SEASON INJURIES OR ILLNESS
All injuries, cuts, abrasions, etc. must be reported after practice or competition during the athletes' traditional as well
as non-traditional seasons. The athletic trainer responsible for the sport will make an evaluation and take the appropriate
action of treatment or referral. If an illness occurs, the student-athletes must check with their respective athletic trainer
and let him/her evaluate the problem and refer to the appropriate physician, adult nurse practitioner, or medical facility.
The Athletic Department can only provide expenses for medical treatment incurred by a student-athlete as a result of
an athletically related injury (coach supervised practice or competition) or while participating in voluntary physical
activities that will prepare the student-athlete for competition during the academic year (as per department policy). When
out-of-season and the team physician or nurse practitioner is not available, the Indiana University Health Center or IU
Health Bloomington Hospital is the source of medical service. Any costs or fees incurred at this time are the
responsibility of the student-athlete. The athletic trainers, however, will always be available for consultation about
personal problems and provide any treatment and rehabilitation for injuries caused during the in-season.
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D.
MEDICAL CARE AFTER ELIGIBILITY
When a student-athlete's playing eligibility is completed, he/she must receive an exit physical review from a sports
medicine staff member to identify any existing medical injury or problem. It is a Department policy that a student-athlete
be allowed one year to take care of any medical problem, i.e., surgery, rehabilitation, etc., as a result of direct and eligible
athletic participation. This should be coordinated through the team physician and staff athletic trainer. Otherwise, the
Athletic Department cannot be responsible for the charges.
E.
EMERGENCY TREATMENT
When the athletic training room happens to be closed and you find yourself in need of medical treatment, call either
the head athletic trainer or the staff athletic trainer responsible to your sport. In extreme emergencies, and only after
failing to reach either the head athletic trainer or staff trainer at home, notify the team physician as soon as possible and
report directly to IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
F.
THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM
As stated previously, the Assembly Hall, University Gym, SRSC and the John Miller (Stadium) athletic training
rooms are the main facilities for the sports medicine program. During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Athletic Training
Rooms will generally be open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for injury evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation.
Other athletic training room hours will be set up between the athletic trainer and their respective athletes.
G.
H.
GENERAL TRAINING ROOM RULES
1.
Student-athletes should park their vehicle only in those areas so designated. Do not block the driveway to the
loading area.
2.
All Athletic Training Room facilities are co-educational; therefore, be sure to be dressed properly.
3.
Do not wear cleats or dirty uniforms into the Athletic Training Room. Shower first before entering to receive
treatment, be evaluated for injury, or use cold whirlpools, etc.
4.
The Athletic Training Room is not a self-serve facility. All taping, first aid, and treatment will be administered
by the athletic trainers in charge. Be patient and wait your turn.
5.
The telephones in the Athletic Training Room are for business only. Student-athletes are not to use their cell
phones in the Athletic Training Room.
6.
Return all loaned items to the Athletic Training Room. Each student-athlete will be charged
for those items not returned and placed on a checklist until returned.
7.
Remember, all the athletic trainers are dedicated to each student-athlete's health and safety. We will attempt to
give each the best possible care but we expect courtesy, cooperation, and respect in return.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND CLEARANCE TO OBTAIN EQUIPMENT
Any student wishing to participate in athletics must be physically and academically cleared and provide proof of
current health insurance prior to participation. Each student-athlete must have on file in the Sports Medicine Office an
approved physical examination, a medical history and an insurance form in order to participate in an intercollegiate
sport. Approval for participation is based on a thorough review of the student-athlete's health status. Equipment will not
be issued until the manager of the equipment room is notified that the student-athlete is eligible to receive equipment.
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First year scholarship, recruited walk-on and returning rostered student athletes will be given physical examinations
by a designated physician in the office of Sports Medicine at scheduled times after arriving on campus. To facilitate this
process, please complete the Medical History Questionnaire and Insurance information in your student portal
account by June 25th so we have this information before your son/daughter arrives on campus.
The manager of the equipment room will be given written notice of the eligibility of new scholarship and new walkon student athletes who are to receive equipment after the appropriate staff athletic trainer has received the following
information:
1. Notice of academic and compliance eligibility,
2. Determination that your health status is satisfactory,
3. Proof of current health insurance on file with copies of insurance cards in your student portal account*
The manager of the equipment room cannot issue equipment until the signature of clearance is on file in the Athletic
Training Room.
Each student-athlete and cheerleader shall have an initial physical examination when they enter a Conference
intercollegiate sports program. The extent of the physical examination including laboratory studies and other diagnostic
procedures will be determined by the team physician. Thereafter, an annual review of their health status shall be
performed. This may include a physical examination at the discretion of the team physician.
A)
The final decision on physical qualification or reason for rejection shall be the responsibility of the team
physician.
B)
The team physician shall have final authority regarding participation in practice and competition subsequent to
an injury or illness." (Agreement for Men's and Women's Programs Section 16.4, Handbook of the Big Ten
Intercollegiate Conference.)
*There are no exceptions to this policy unless specifically authorized by the Director of Athletics.
I.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Indiana University is very concerned about providing a safe and healthy environment for all students. The
University must comply with an Indiana state law which requires that all students must provide immunizations
information to the Office of the Registrar. To be in full compliance of this state requirement, all students must:
A. Each student must have been given a Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) booster within the past 10 years. (If your last booster
was given more than 10 years ago, you will need to obtain a current booster).
B. The University is required to inform each student about the risk associated with meningococcal diseases and
recommends meningitis vaccination.
C. Each student is to show dates of immunity for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
D. International students are required to be tested for tuberculosis (TB) in the United States.
New students are required to complete and submit the On-line Immunization Compliance Form in OnStart before the
first day of classes. Failure to comply will prevent students from registration for the second semester. We ask that this
immunization information also be completed in the student portal immunization section.
Moreover, there is a major concern among health care professionals about the rise of infectious disease in this
country and the worry about the risk of transmission of blood pathogens in contact/collision sports. The Hepatitis B Virus
(HBV) is 100 times more contagious than the more publicized Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Thus, the Center
for Disease Control (CDC) and now the NCAA are recommending that all adolescents and young adults receive hepatitis
B immunization.
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J.
DENTAL CARE
While a student-athlete attends Indiana University, the Athletic Department will be responsible for all dental
problems caused by injury while participating in an authorized practice or intercollegiate contest. All dental injuries are to
be reported to the athletic trainer assigned to that particular sport during that practice or contest, or immediately thereafter.
Routine dental care such as routine examinations, dental cavities, wisdom teeth extractions, etc., are the responsibility of
each individual athlete.
K.
EYE GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES
All athletic eye glasses must be safety glasses with shatterproof lenses and frames. Contact lenses will be purchased
for only those athletes who, in the opinion of the staff athletic trainer, are in definite need of visual correction in order to
participate in intercollegiate athletics. Replacement of lost lenses and glasses will be furnished by the Athletic
Department only if they are lost or damaged during practice or a game. The loss or breakage of lenses must be reported
immediately.
L.
M.
INSURANCE
1.
The Department of Athletics is responsible for medical services administered to student-athletes who are ill or
become injured in a practice or game, which was under the coaches' supervision or while participating in
voluntary physical activities that will prepare the student-athlete for competition during the academic year.
The word "injury" applies only to those ailments that are caused by the participation in a coach supervised
practice or a game. The removal of tonsils or appendix by surgical procedure are examples of the medical
problems for which the Department of Athletics cannot be responsible. The participation in sports will not
cause conditions such as these and, according to department policy, we cannot be responsible for their
remediation. For the above reason, we highly recommend that student-athletes or their parents carry an
adequate medical and hospitalization plan on their son/daughter while he/she is in school.
2.
The Department of Athletics utilizes a self-insurance program with the Office of Risk Management; however,
medical expenses are continually rising. We ask that each athlete review his/her personal medical insurance to
help cover the hospitalization and medical fees incurred. The student-athletes' and parents' cooperation will
allow the Department of Athletics to utilize your health insurance information. If one belongs to a group
policy, such claims typically do not affect the premium. However, if the insurance happens to be an individual
policy, discretion should be used.
3.
If there is no insurance coverage, we highly recommend that you enroll in the voluntary health coverage plan
that is offered by Indiana University called the Aetna-Student Health Insurance. This plan would provide
coverage of potential non-athletic problems. You may enroll for the Aetna-Student Health Insurance plan at
Poplar Building, Room 165 or obtain other similar coverage on your own. This policy should be obtained prior
to matriculation.
4.
After completing the insurance tab in the student portal, please attach a copy of your insurance and
prescription card(s) (front and back).
ADD/ADHD POLICY
Indiana University Sports Medicine is committed to providing optimal and ethical care to our student
athletes. Concerns in the medical field have surfaced about over diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Attention
Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD). Some of the concerns are the lack of empirically validated criteria for
diagnosis and the potential for acute and permanently debilitating side effects of stimulant medication
prescribed to treat the condition (the FDA requires the most serious type of warning label for these drugs and
they are monitored by the DEA). Additionally, stimulant medications (i.e. Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta
and others) might actually worsen conditions that masquerade as ADHD such as depression, anxiety, behavioral
problems and addiction.
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Stimulant medications are BANNED SUBSTANCES by the NCAA and Big Ten for athletic
competition without “appropriate documentation.” The NCAA requires documentation to include proof of
Formalized Testing that confirms the diagnosis of ADHD for student-athletes to be allowed stimulant
medication. Furthermore, non-approved use of stimulant medication can fall under both the illicit street drug
AND performance enhancing substance categories depending on the testing organization. The NCAA and Big
Ten test for stimulant medication in their respective Year Round Performance Enhancing Drug Testing
Programs. Generally, penalties for performance enhancing drugs are more severe than penalties for illicit drugs.
Stimulant medications are strictly prohibited in Olympic and most International competitions.
Student-Athlete First-Time or New Evaluation:
1. Referred to a healthcare provider for an appropriate screening process.
2. Based on the screening, the athlete may be referred to a local physician for appropriate
medical management of ADD/ADHD.
3. Prescriptions for medication will be written by a local physician and the athlete will be
responsible for the cost of the medication. The athlete will NOT obtain their
prescriptions for stimulant medication from the IU Sports Medicine Department.
4. All documentation of testing and medication use should be provided to the Team
Physician to keep in the student-athlete’s medical record.
Incoming or Returning Student-Athlete with a diagnosis of ADHD already taking prescribed stimulants:
1. Must submit documentation of appropriate testing to the Team Physician to keep in
the student-athlete’s medical record.
2. Will be referred to a local physician for stimulant medication prescriptions while the athlete is
on campus. Alternatively, the athlete may continue to get prescriptions from the original
prescribing physician at home. In either case, the athlete will be responsible for the cost of
the medication. The athlete will NOT obtain their prescriptions for stimulant medication
from the IU Sports Medicine Department.
N.
HOSPITALIZATION AND SURGERY
If a student-athlete requires either hospitalization or surgery, the team physician or the team athletic trainer will call
the parents and advise them of the information concerning the case.
O.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS SAFETY
Participation in intercollegiate athletics involves unavoidable exposure to an inherent risk of injury. However,
student-athletes rightfully assume that those who sponsor intercollegiate athletics have taken reasonable precautions to
minimize the risks of injury from athletics participation. In an effort to do so, the NCAA collects injury date in
intercollegiate sports. When appropriate, the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of
Sports makes recommendations to modify safety guidelines, equipment standards, or a sport’s rules of play.
It is important to recognize that rule books, safety guidelines and equipment standards, while helpful
means of promoting safe athletics participation, are themselves insufficient to accomplish this goal. To
effectively minimize the risks of injury from athletics participation, everyone involved in intercollegiate
athletics must understand and respect the intent and objectives of applicable rules, guidelines and standards.
The institution, through its athletics director, is responsible for establishing a safe environment for its
student-athletes to participate in its intercollegiate athletics program.
The team physician and athletic health care team should assume responsibility for developing an
appropriate injury prevention program and providing quality sports medicine care to injured student-athletes.
Student-athletes should fully understand and comply with the rules and standard of play that govern their
sports and follow established procedures to minimize their risk of injury.
In summary, all persons participating in, or associated with, an institution’s intercollegiate athletics
program share responsibility for taking steps to reduce effectively the risk of injury during intercollegiate
athletic competition.
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