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UAH Athletics

OFFICIAL SITE OF THE UAH CHARGERS

Section IV: Student-Athlete Health and Wellness

1. Athletic Drug Policy

Statement of Policy
Students of The University of Alabama in Huntsville are expected to abide by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Alabama, and the NCAA regarding drug and ergogenic substance usage. This includes observance of the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship, and abstinence from the use of any illegal substances and any legal drug used to enhance control performance or bodily functions without the appropriate medical justification. We are opposed to the use of substances that may have physical or mental effects. 

NCAA Drug Testing:

Student-athletes must sign an NCAA drug testing consent form. This is done through an electronic signature process through the NCAA and must be completed prior to the student athlete being added to the NCAA Eligibility List.

The NCAA conducts a year-round drug testing program. Member institutions are required to abide by NCAA requests to drug test any and all student athletes. NCAA employees will conduct the testing. The organization of the student athletes to attend the testing will be assisted by if necessary by UAH athletic department employees.

    Student Athlete Drug Testing Education:

  1. Student athletes will receive a list of the current NCAA Banned Substances when they sign the NCAA Drug Testing Consent Form and a hard copy at the annual student athlete compliance orientation session. They will also receive a small overview of the NCAA and UAH drug testing programs and a copy of the NCAA’s Drug Policies Pamphlet. At the compliance orientation they will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

  2. Student athletes will participate in UAH Athletics Charging On! Leadership and Life Skills program. In this program they will watch the NCAA’s Drug Testing Program video, complete a quiz on the video, and be given website resources for the NCAA’s Sports Science Institute, list of banned substances, FAQs on drug testing, the NCAA appeals process, and medical exceptions procedure.

    

    Penalties for Positive Results of NCAA Drug Testing-

  • Rules and penalties for positive banned substances found in testing are explained on the NCAA Drug Testing form. More information can be found at the NCAA site https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/ncaa-drug-testing-program
  • In short summary, student-athletes who are found positive for a banned substance may lose a year or more of their athletics eligibility, per NCAA rules and regulations. The only exception is for street drugs, as defined by the NCAA. Student athletes testing positive for street drugs will receive a 6 month loss of athletic eligibility. The ban will be for a calendar year, and a drug test may be taken at the end of that calendar year, if requested and approved, to request reinstatement of eligibility. 

    

UAH Drug Testing:

Student-athletes must sign a UAH drug testing consent form. This is done through an electronic signature process with the athletic department’s athletic software program. Rules and penalties for positive banned substances are explained in this manual.

Penalties for Positive Results of a UAH Drug Test-

If any student’s sample, taken according to the UAH Drug Testing Program, tests positive (i.e. it shows that drug-residue substances are present in the student’s system) and the results have been verified, the Athletics Director and/or the Head Trainer/Drug Testing Program Director, will so advise the student privately, and will explain the type of substance which was found and the health hazards involved. 

Positive Results on Banned But Legal Substances:

If the detected substances are not illegal drugs, then the Drug Testing Program Director may advise, initially, only the Director of Athletics, the Dean of Students, and the team head coach of the positive results. However, the University does not sanction the misuse of legal drugs; thus, where it appears appropriate to do so, the fact that the student has tested positive for legal drugs may be disclosed by the Director of Athletics  to others within the University on a need-to-know basis and within normal University reporting lines. In exceptional circumstances, it is also possible that disclosure will be made to the parents of the student. It may also be necessary for the information to be given to the Director of Athletic Compliance for eligibility assessment purposes.

Except as permitted by the Testing Program, the University will exercise its best efforts to assure that all test results remain confidential; provided, however, that the Dean of Students may also advise other within normal reporting lines, of a positive test for illegal drugs where such disclosure appears to be appropriate.

NOTE: Taking another person’s prescription drugs is illegal and a banned substance. The same is true of taking an out of date prescription.

Positive Results on Banned and Illegal Substances:

The misuse of illegal drugs (as outlined in the Illegal Positive Results section of this document) shall subject the student-athlete to immediate action by the Dean of Students. This may include judicial action and the student may be dismissed for the University, depending on the circumstance. If after investigation by the Dean of Students, the student-athlete is allowed to remain at the University and participate as a UAH athlete, the student-athlete will be subject to all requirements of the UAH Athletics Department Probation policy, as well as all additional demands/ requirements placed upon the student-athlete will be subject to all requirements of the UAH Athletics Department Probation policy, as well as all additional demands/ requirements placed upon the student-athlete by the legal system, the Office of Student Affairs, the Athletics Director, and the student-athlete’s coach. Failure to comply with any of the additional requirements of probation will result in the same action as violation if UAH Athletics Department probation as outlined in this document. If allowed to stay in school, the student-athlete may be subject to dismissal from the team depending on team rules.

Because of the potential serious harm from use of anabolic steroids, any athletes who tests positive for anabolic steroids will be disqualified from participation in intercollegiate athletics for the season in which he/she test positive and will lose his grant-in-aid for the same academic year. If an athlete tests positive to anabolic steroids during the season. This action is in addition to any other sanctions or action as outlined in this section. 

NOTE: Taking another person’s prescription drugs is illegal and considered under this section of banned and illegal substances. The same is true of taking an out of date prescription.

 

Disciplinary Action

Any misuse or abuse of drugs, legal or illegal, including anabolic steroids, will not be tolerated at UAH. Thus, the results of drug tests may, where appropriate, be used in connection with NCAA and University disciplinary proceedings.

    Probation

Those students who are permitted to remain at the University after testing positive for a banned substance may be placed on probation by the Department of Athletics. This probationary period will last for one year from the date of the positive test and shall include the following: 1) obligatory drug testing at 4-6 week intervals for the duration of the probation, and 2) mandatory completion of a drug counseling and or educational program. 

    Violation of Probation

Failure to comply with the requirements of the probation or testing positive for the substance in question in future samplings will result in the probationary athlete’s removal from all UAH team rosters, he/she will no longer be allowed to participate as a UAH athlete, and he/she shall lose his/her grant-in-aid for the same academic year. Again, the University will exercise its best efforts to assure that all test results and associated action remain confidential according to the UAH Athletics Department’s policy.

    Counsel and Education of Athletes

The University recognizes its obligation to operate a comprehensive drug education and counseling program. Competent counselors are available to assist students who may be abusing legal drugs and to provide confidential assistance with drug and alcohol abuse problems. Students who find themselves in violation of this drug policy are required to take advantage of these counseling programs. 

Also, the University will encourage and be supportive of a student-athlete’s participation in appropriate non-campus drug treatment and rehabilitation programs, but with not assume any moral, or legal responsibility for any such programs or for any physical, mental, or emotional damage or disability suffered by any student related to alcohol or drug use.  

 

Step by Step Instructions for the Student Athlete and Drug Testing-

Each team may have stricter penalties that have been outlined in team rules by each head coach. See step by step procedures for team rules as outlined in this section.

Steps for the Student Athlete-

  1. SA must sign an electronic NCAA Drug Testing form to be on a team.
  2. SA must sign an electronic UAH Drug Testing form to be on a team.
  3. If the SA notes they have had a prior positive drug test, the SA must submit to a UAH drug test soon afterwards.
  4. SA must watch the NCAA Drug Testing video through Charging On!, UAH’s SA educational program, by the due date on the Charging On! syllabus.
  5. Attend UAH’s beginning of the year compliance orientation where the SA may ask any questions regarding drug testing, and receive a hard copy of the NCAA Banned Substance List and NCAA flyer for NCAA Drug Testing.
  6. Be knowledgeable about where to find the UAH Student Athlete Handbook and be responsible for the policies and procedures in the handbook.
  7. Submit to UAH or the NCAA for a drug test as requested by UAH or the NCAA
  8. If a student athlete tests positive, they should proceed to the positive drug testing results policies.
 

Step by Step procedures for Student Athlete Positive Drug Testing-

  1. Results of positive drug tests are reported to the AD. The AD will report to the Dean of Students and the Head Coach. All tests results are confidential and given to others only on a need to know basis. The AD will also report any preliminary and/or final assessments of ineligibility to the Head Coach and DoAC if applicable.
  2. If a positive drug test or/and the putting on university probation affects the NCAA transfer policies regarding eligibility, the DoAC must report the positive drug test report or probational status on transfer certification forms.
  3. If an NCAA positive drug test affects NCAA eligibility, the DoAC will update eligibility forms and reporting to the head coaches of SAs non-eligibility status for competition.
  4. If a UAH or NCAA positive drug test affects athletic eligibility for practice, competition, any CARA, and/or financial aid, the DoAC will update the eligibility forms and reporting to the head coaches of SAs non-eligibility for practice, competition, any CARA, and/or financial aid.
 

Step by step procedures for team rules-

  1. Written by each head coach and submitted to the AD for approval by July 15 prior to each academic year.
  2. Approved by the Director of Athletics prior to August 1 of each academic year.
  3. Sent to each member of the team electronically by August 1 and returned signed by the SA by August 14th prior to the academic year.
  4. Team rules will be followed if and when they pertain to a positive drug test.
 

UAH Athletic Department Drug Testing Procedures Step by Steps

Steps for the Director of Athletic Compliance-

  1. Electronically send requests for NCAA and UAH Drug Testing consent forms to student athletes
  2. Verify/monitor that each student athlete on the eligibility list has signed the NCAA and UAH DT forms prior to sending to GSC
  3. If the SA denotes that they have had a past positive drug test, pass on the name/sport to Sports Medicine Head Trainer to have SA added the next UAH drug test program test
  4. If the NCAA contacts UAH that they are coming to campus to conduct NCAA Drug Testing, immediately fax or email the requested eligibility/roster/squad list of the team(s) requested.
  5. If a positive drug test results affects the SA’s eligibility, continue with eligibility processed for loss of eligibility through a positive drug test. See steps under procedures for a positive drug test.
 

Steps for Head Trainer-

  1. Verify that each student athlete who is scheduled to have a drug test (NCAA or UAH) or is scheduled to participate in an NCAA Championship, has signed the appropriate FERPA release on the appropriate DT form.
  2. If a SA tests positive for a banned substance in a UAH or NCAA drug test, proceed to appropriate steps outlined for positive drug tests
  3. If the NCAA calls to notify UAH of being chosen for an NCAA campus visit to drug test (they will call Jeff Kinard first as the primary contact and Julie Woltjen second and the secondary contact), notify and coordinate the NCAA’s process with the Director of Compliance and notify the AD.
  4. Make contacts with SAs chosen for NCAA drug tests and arrange for testing, including location and other needs.
  5. Be the main contact for the NCAA through their needs for drug testing, start to finish. Meet the NCAA reps and assist them as needed. If unavailable, request assistance from the Dir. of Athletic Compliance with help from an assigned assistant trainer.
  6. Positive results of NCAA and UAH drug tests are reported to the AD. If there is a positive test in either situation, proceed to the positive drug testing steps as required.
 

Steps for the Director of Athletics-

1. Receive the results of a positive drug test. If an NCAA drug test the NCAA will contact the AD. If a UAH drug test, the head trainer will contact the AD. If positive, the AD will notify the Dean of Students and the Head Coach of the results. Test results are to remain confidential except for this pool of employees, unless there is a separate need to know, including but not limited to eligibility certifications.

2. In the situation of a positive drug test, the AD takes the lead role in the discipline proceedings for the SA, coordinating with department and campus entities.

    If the SA is permitted to remain at the institution, the probation will last one calendar year from the date of the test. During this time, the SA will submit to-

  •     Drug tests at various times within 4-6 week intervals or sooner
  •     Complete a drug violation program as organized by the Dean of Students according to UAH policies and procedures.

3. The penalty for the SA failure to follow the program and/or failing a drug test (even one) the student athlete will not be allowed to compete, practice, or participate in any countable athletic related activities, and will lose all athletic related financial aid. This penalty will last for the remainder of the academic year.

4. Use of anabolic steroids will not be tolerated. If either type of test was positive for anabolic steroids, the SA will immediately be disqualified for competition, practice, any and all countable athletic related activities, and athletic financial aid for the remainder of the academic year, and all competition seasons within that year.

5. Use if Illegal Drugs

  •     - If the SA tests positive for illegal drugs, the SA will be referred to the Dean of Students, and subjected to all UAH policies and procedures of use of illegal drugs and any and all ramifications in the policies and procedures. This could affect local, state and federal laws.
  •     - If the SA is allowed to stay in school at UAH, they be subject to penalties which may include dismissal from the team, and if allowed to be on the team, will start a probationary period with the athletic department according to policy, and any other requirements of UAH Student Affairs, the AD, and or Head Coach. 

Each team may have stricter penalties that have been outlined in team rules by each head coach. See step by step procedures for team rules as outlined in this section.

 

Steps for the Student Athlete-

  1. SA must sign an electronic NCAA Drug Testing form to be on a team.
  2. SA must sign an electronic UAH Drug Testing form to be on a team.
  3. If the SA notes they have had a prior positive drug test, the SA must submit to a UAH drug test soon afterwards.
  4. SA must watch the NCAA Drug Testing video through Charging On!, UAH’s SA educational program, by the due date on the CO syllabus.
  5. Attend UAH’s beginning of the year compliance orientation where the SA may ask any questions regarding drug testing, and receive a hard copy of the NCAA Banned Substance List and NCAA flyer for NCAA Drug Testing.
  6. Be knowledgeable about where to find the UAH Student Athlete Handbook and be responsible for the policies and procedures in the handbook.
  7. Submit to UAH or the NCAA for a drug test as requested by UAH or the NCAA
  8. If the test is positive, proceed to the positive drug testing results policies.
 

Step by Step procedures for A Student Athlete’s Positive Drug Testing-

1. Results of positive drug tests are reported to the AD. The AD will report to the Dean of Students and the Head Coach. All tests results are confidential and given to others only on a need to know basis. The AD will also report any preliminary and/or final assessments of ineligibility to the Head Coach and DoAC if applicable.

2. If a positive drug test or/and the putting on university probation affects the NCAA transfer policies regarding eligibility, the DoAC must report the positive drug test report or probation status on transfer certification forms.

3. If an NCAA positive drug test affects NCAA eligibility, the DoAC will update eligibility forms and reporting to the head coaches of SAs non-eligibility status for competition.

4. If a UAH or NCAA positive drug test affects athletic eligibility for practice, competition, any CARA, and/or financial aid, the DoAC will update the eligibility forms and reporting to the head coaches of SAs non-eligibility for practice, competition, any CARA, and/or financial aid.

 

Step by step procedures for team rules-

1. Written by each head coach and submitted to the AD for approval by July 15 prior to each academic year.

2. Approved by the Director of Athletics prior to August 1 of each academic year.

3. Sent to each member of the team electronically by August 1 and returned signed by the SA by August 14th prior to the academic year.

4. Team rules will be followed if and when they pertain to a positive drug test.

Step by step procedures for a team head coach-

1. Draft team rules and submit to the AD for approval prior to July 15 of the academic year.

2. Electronically send notification of team rules to all team members by August 1 prior to the academic year.

3. Electronically receive signed acknowledgement of team rules from all team members prior to August 14th of the academic year.

4. Make sure your coaching staff and managers are knowledgeable of drug testing policies and procedures and supportive of. Have them also electronically acknowledge team rules by August 14th.

5. Follow team rules with probation and dismissal from team, including loss of athletic aid, if there is a positive drug test by a member of coach’s team.

6. Work with the Director of Athletics, the Dean of Students, and the Head Trainer if an athlete on coaches’ team tests positive for a drug test.

 

2. ALCOHOL POLICY

Currently, in addition to The University of Alabama in Huntsville alcohol policy that governs all students at the university, the UAH Athletics department has the following programs in place:

  • Education - continuous program of speakers, seminars, literature, etc.

  • Monitoring- observance of behavior by coaches and athletics personnel

  • Testing- random testing for drugs and alcohol

  • Counseling - professional counseling when warranted

  • Disciplinary Action - from curfew restrictions to suspension

The additional policy below will take effect immediately on one becoming a student-athlete and includes:

  • Any student-athlete charged with DUI may receive an immediate temporary suspension from practice and competition.

  • The charge will be investigated immediately by UAH personnel. If the charge is without merit, the temporary suspension may be lifted.

  • If the student-athlete is convicted of DUI, he/she may be suspended indefinitely and if so will forfeit his/ her scholarship.

  • In the event a student-athlete is charged with public intoxication or underage consumption of alcohol, the student-athlete may be required to enter and complete an alcohol-counseling or/and educational program as mandated by athletics administration. If the incident involves an additional charge (e.g., injury to persons or property), more severe action may be taken.

Teams will typically have additional rules. Violations of these rules are to be reported to the head coach of the sport.

Athletic department personnel will report any knowledge of a student-athlete receiving a DUI, public intoxication, minor in possession, underage consumption of alcohol, or alcohol related incidents to the head coach of the team involved, the Director of Athletics, Head Athletic Trainer, Senior Woman Administrator and/or the Director of Athletic Compliance. Upon receipt of the information, the above mentioned personnel will report to the Director of Athletics who will begin investigation and verification of the authenticity of the information. Penalties will be imposed after confirmation of violations. (2-26-13)

Steps to take for UAH Athletic Department Personnel-

  1. Report any knowledge of a student-athlete(s) receiving a DUI, public intoxication, minor in possession, underage consumption of alcohol, or alcohol related incident to one of the following: head coach of team involved, head trainer, SWA, DoAC, or AD. Those that receive the report who are not the AD report next to the AD.

  2. The AD will begin investigation and verification of the authenticity of the information.

  3. The AD will impose penalties of the violation if true, communicating with the head coach and the student athlete.

  4. If there are team rules for the sport involved that address the violation, the coach will implement the team rules, and communicate such to the AD.

  5. If there is a suspension, the Director of Athletic Compliance is notified. NCAA rules will be followed if applicable.

  6. If the charge is public intoxication or underage drinking, the AD and head coach will define and monitor the counseling and/or educational program.

  7. If and when a student athlete is lifted from suspension, the Director of Athletic Compliance is to be notified.

3. TOBACCO POLICY

The UAH Athletic Department supports and upholds the NCAA Tobacco Policy which states that no one who is part of playing in or involved with NCAA sponsored practice or game (players, coaches, trainers, officials, administrators, etc.) is to use tobacco in any for throughout the practice and/or game from arrival until departure from the event. 

In addition to the NCAA policy, the UAH Athletic Department policy regarding tobacco is that no student-athlete, coach, trainer, or administrator shall use tobacco or tobacco products while on University time. University time begins when you get out of your personal vehicle on campus until the time you are back in your personal vehicle, and are leaving campus. This includes team travel and extends through the entire duration of the trip, again, from the time one leaves one’s vehicle until the trip is over and you are back in your vehicle leaving campus. No tobacco is to be used on buses, in vans, restaurants, parking lots, hotels, or at any time, on any trip, by any person in the UAH travel party.

In addition, UAH is a tobacco free campus and all the UAH policies and procedures come into effect.

Stated as briefly as possible, no one in the UAH Athletics Department shall use tobacco in any form while representing the University and/or during the entire duration of any trip funded by the University.

 

Steps to Take for Athletic Personnel for tobacco or tobacco products use by personnel or a student athlete-

  1. Any UAH athletic department associated person who witnesses use of tobacco or a tobacco product while on University time, must report the violation to the Director of Athletics.

  2. The AD will take steps necessary if he use is outside of a practice, weight lifting, conditioning, or competition. This may include involvement of UAH Personnel. 

  3. If it is within a practice, weight lifting, conditioning, or competition, the witness must report the violation to the head coach who must disqualify the student athlete from participation for the remainder of practice and or competition. If  at competition, the head coach needs to inform the sports information representative so that person can document that withholding of the student athlete for the remainder of the competition. They must also report the violation to the Director of Athletic Compliance. The steps for reporting an NCAA violation with the NCAA will be taken from there. The AD will also take necessary personnel steps as mentioned in Step 2 above.

  4. If the violation is during a game, the game manager is responsible for making sure the violation is reported to the appropriate channels as listed in these five steps.

  5. If the violation occurs during a practice with a trainer in attendance, the trainer in attendance is responsible for making sure the violation is reported.

 

4. Concussion Management/UAH Concussion Safety Protocol


I. Pre-season Education:
  • This protocol will be posted to the UAH account on the JumpForward website which will allow for review and signed acknowledgement by everyone in the UAH Department of Athletics, including student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, team physicians, director of athletics, compliance, and all administration.
II. Pre-participation Assessment:
  • Detailed health history as part of pre-participation physical exam including brain injury and history of concussion.
  • M.D. determines pre-participation clearance and/or the need for additional consultation, testing, or referral.
    • Consideration for a new baseline assessment six months or beyond for any varsity student-athlete with a documented concussion, especially those with complicated or multiple concussion history.
  • Baseline testing will consist of:
    • Graded symptom scale
    • BESS (balance error scoring system)
    • SAC (standardized assessment of concussion)
    • Administered to student-athletes participating in high-risk sports for concussion (i.e. Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Pole Vaulting, Lacrosse) prior to the beginning of each season.

III. Recognition and Diagnosis of Concussion:

  • Any student-athlete with signs/symptoms/behaviors consistent with concussion:
    • Must be removed from activity
    • Must be evaluated by athletic trainer or team physician with concussion experience
    • Athletes will not be allowed to return to play the same day a concussion is sustained
  • Patients who exhibit signs/symptoms of concussion will be subjected to:
    • Re-assessment of symptoms scale, physical and neurologic exam, cognitive assessment, balance exam, and further examination to assess for diagnoses consistent with similar trauma which produces concussions; including but not limited to                 cervical spine fracture/sprain/swelling/trauma, skull fractures, intracranial bleeding, etc.
  • Medical personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment and management of concussions will be present at all basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and pole vaulting competitions.
  • Medical personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment and management of concussions will be on-call/available during all basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and pole vaulting practices.

IV. Post-concussion Management:

  • Patients who exhibit any of the following will be provided proper and applicable first aid and immediate transportation to the nearest medical facility as delineated in the athletic venue Emergency Action Plan (EAP):
    • Glasgow coma scale <>
    • Prolonged loss of consciousness
    • Focal neurologic deficit suggesting intracranial trauma
    • Repetitive emesis
    • Persistent diminished/worsening mental status or increase of neurologic signs/symptoms
    • Spine injury
  • Follow up and ongoing serial evaluation/monitoring following injury will be accomplished through the UAH athletic training staff and/or UAH team physicians.
    • In the case of prolonged recovery and failure to recover in timely and accepted rate of recovery, referral to UAH team physician will be made in order to consider additional diagnoses and best management options, including but not limited to: Post-concussion syndrome, sleep dysfunction, migraine and other headache disorders, anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, ocular or vestibular dysfunction. The UAH team physician will then determine the best path of treatment and referral to centers of expertise such as the UAB Neurology Clinic.
  • Prior to release patient to roommate, friend, parent, or other responsible adult, the athlete and responsible adult will be provided the UAH Concussion Information: Home Instruction Sheet as well as instruction on monitoring and plan for delineated concerns in the Home Instruction Sheet.

V. Return to Play:

  • The Athletic Trainer and/or Team Physician will make the final return to play decision.
  • Athletes will not be allowed to return to play until they have been asymptomatic with exertion and repeat assessments fall within normal baseline values which shall be demonstrated via a stepwise progression (with 24 hours minimum between steps):
    • Light aerobic exercise without resistance training
    • Sport-specific exercise and activity without head impact
    • Non-contact practice with progressive resistance training
    • Unrestrictive training and return to competition

VI. Return to Learn:

  • The UAH Athletic Training staff will be the point person in the department of athletics who will assist the injured student-athlete with return-to-learn
  • Return-to-Learn will be accomplished via a multi-disciplinary team consisting of:
    • Team physicians
    • Athletic training staff
    • University counselors
    • Coaches
    • UAH Office of Disability Services
      • The disability office will direct communications and involve
        • Course instructors
        • Academic counselors
        • College administrators
        • Faculty athletic representatives
        • Others as needed or required
      • Will act in compliance with ADAAA
  • Patient will not participate in classroom activities on the same day as concussion
  • Office of disability services will assist in making academic accommodations such as:
    • Remaining at home/dorm if student cannot tolerate light cognitive activity
    • Gradual return to classroom/studying as tolerated
  • Any prolonged academic challenges or worsening of such will be referred to team physicians who will prescribe necessary treatments and accommodations necessary as well as increase involvement of UAH Office of Disability Services to engage additional resources for cases that cannot be managed via schedule modification/academic accommodation only.

VII. Reducing Exposure to Head Trauma:

  • Education of all student-athletes and coaches regarding the dangers of head trauma will be provided annually
    • Known dangers and basic pathophysiology of brain trauma
    • Emphasize the value of reducing gratuitous head contact during practice
    • Safe play, proper technique, and efforts to avoid head contact when possible

UAH Injury and Illness Reporting Acknowledgement Form

I, ________________________, acknowledge that I have to be an active participant in my own healthcare. I have the direct responsibility for reporting all of my injuries and illnesses to the UAH Sports Medicine staff.  I recognize that my healthcare is dependent upon an accurate medical history and a full disclosure of any symptoms, complaints, prior injuries and/or disabilities experienced. I hereby affirm that I have fully disclosed in writing any prior medical conditions and will also disclose any future conditions to the UAH Sports Medicine staff.

I further understand that there is a possibility that participation in my sport may result in a head injury and/or concussion.  I have been provided with education on head injuries and understand the importance of immediately reporting symptoms of any head injury to the UAH Sports Medicine staff.  By signing below, I acknowledge that UAH has provided me with specific educational materials on what a concussion is and given me an opportunity to ask questions about areas and issues that are not clear to me on this issue.

I have read the above and agree that the statements are accurate.
 

Signature of Student-Athlete _______________________________             Date ______________________


 


 

UAH Concussion Screen

Name:                                                                                                              Sport:     

Date of Injury:                                                                 Number of concussions:     

*Rank all symptoms on a 0 to 6 scale.  0 is none and 6 is most severe.

Symptom

Pre-Season Baseline

Time of Injury

24 hours

Post-injury

Day 2

Post-injury

Day 3

Post-injury

Day 4 

Post-injury

Day 5

Post-injury

Blurred Vision

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Sleeping more than usual

Trouble concentrating

Fatigue

Feeling in a fog

Headache

Unusually emotional

Irritability

Loss of consciousness

Loss of orientation

Memory loss

Nausea

Nervousness

Personality changes

Poor balance/coordination

Ringing in the ears

Sadness

Seeing stars

Sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to noise

Vomiting

Sleep disturbances

Total Symptom Score
 

Balance Error Scoring System

Foam Surface

Firm Surface

Double Leg Stance

Single Leg Stance

Tandem Stance

Totals

Total BESS Score _______________ 

Athlete_concussioninfo

5. SPORTS WAGERING


Per NCAA rules and regulations, student-athletes shall not knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition. Doing so could lead to dismissal from the team the student-athlete is on and loss of any and all athletic financial aid. Student-athletes and staff who are aware of violations of this rule should notify the Director of Athletic Compliance who will then begin investigation to the alleged violation of NCAA rules and regulations.

Following are excerpts from the NCAA Manuals regarding the definitions and applications of ethical conduct regarding sports wagering.

NCAA Bylaw 10.02.1. (DI&II) Sports wagering includes placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member’s or student-athlete’s own behalf or on behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of sports wagering include, but are not limited to, the use of a bookmaker or parlay card; Internet sports wagering; auctions in which bids are placed on teams; individuals or contests; and pools or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.

NCAA Bylaw 10.02.2. (DI&II) A wager is any agreement in which an individual or entity agrees to give up an item of value (e.g. cash, shirt, dinner) in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value.
 


Steps to take if suspicion of sports wagering by a student of staff member-

  1. File a verbal or written report to the DoAC , AD, or FAR

  2. The suspicion will be looked into and the reporting of possible violations procedure stated in Section I.3.b on this manual will be implemented.


Student Athlete Time Commitment Survey-See Countable Athletic Related Activities. Section VI.3.

 

6. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Presently, there are separate national SAACs for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. NCAA legislation mandates that all member institutions have SAAC on their respective campuses. Further, NCAA legislation requires that all member conferences have SAAC.

National SAACs (Divisions I,II, and III) at a glance:

  • Generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure.

  • Solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation.

  • Recommend potential NCAA legislation, participation in NCAA time commitment, surveys, and vote on Legislative Grids.

  • Review, react, and comment to the governance structure on legislation, activities and subjects of interest.

  • Actively participate in the administrative process pf athletics programs and the NCAA

  • Promote a positive student-athlete image. 

Mission Statement of the National SAAC

“The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”

How to Join

Every school in the Gulf South Conference has a SAAC and each term usually nominates 2 people per sport to present the committee. There is no limit to how many can be on the committee . The more student-athlete involved, the better our athletic college experience will be. 

The UAH Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is comprised of representation from each team and is sponsored by an administrator. Issues can be taken to your team’s representatives and then addressed in the SAAC meeting. Time Commitment surveys of student-athletes are conducted at SAAC meetings. SAAC also raises funds for the national SAAC philanthropy Make-A-Wish Foundation. For further information contact your coach.

7. STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTOR PROGRAM

Student-Athlete Mentors, or SAMs, are student-athletes who want to make a difference in the lives of fellow student-athletes. The SAM program is designed to develop leaders, provide education, and facilitate an engaging and supportive culture among Charger student-athletes. 

SAMs are considered responsible, respectful, and inspiring. The SAM's include at least one representative from each team that is trained and able to serve as a role model and educated resource. Student-athlete members receive training on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: alcohol and drug use, nutrition, healthy eating, basic referral skills, safety, stress, sexual harassment and misconduct. The members of SAM are committed to displaying a positive image to fellow student-athletes by providing support through education, awareness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

SAMs Mission Statement:

 To create a safer and more positive environment for student-athletes through increased awareness and education on topics that promote personal health and wellness. 

The ideal SAM representative is:

  • Responsible

  • Respectful 

  • Inspiring 

A responsible SAM member takes all training sessions seriously in order to guide Chargers in the right direction in regards to alcohol and drug use, sexual misconduct, or any other topic covered in monthly meetings. A respectful SAM member understands the importance of positive communication and sensitivity when interacting with other student-athletes on campus. Finally, an inspiring SAM member gives our students and athletes at UAH the desire to improve by setting a positive example.

8. Life Skills Program - CHARGING ON!

Charging ON! is a holistic student-athlete development program that aims to prepare student-athletes to be champions in life through character formation, academic achievement, and athletic success. 

Core Values: Trust. Integrity. Character. Authenticity. Learning. Growth

The process is comprised of annual education for all student-athletes, a curriculum for selected student-athletes, and experiences for advanced student-athletes. The end goal is to foster experiences for our student-athletes to gain a competitive edge in life through sport.

Charge!

Drugs and Alcohol

Sexual Misconduct

Mental Health

Academic Compliance 

Charge UP!

Growth Mindset

Core Values

Strengths Finder

Emotional Intelligence 

Crucial Conversations

Charge ON!

Financial Literacy

Holistic Wellness 

Professionalism

Networking

Service 

Program Objectives: 

  • Student-athletes will develop the confidence, skills, and values to positively impact their team, campus and community.

  • Participants will create, discuss, and apply personal and leadership development activities that facilitate transformational experiences. 

  • Participants will generate personal leadership philosophies and interpret personal attribute assessments to live and lead in an authentic manner. 

Student Athletes will be required to complete the Charge! part of the Charging On! program annually. 

Requirements will be communicated through UAH Canvas and JumpForward. The athletic staff LifeSkills coordinator will accept nominations from coaches and students of student athletes who would like to participate in Charge Up! and Charge On! The program begins at the beginning of the academic year and continues through the end of the second term. For Charge On!, those student athletes who do not complete assignments on time will be sent to fix deficiencies  prior to participating in any countable athletic related activities with their team or otherwise.

 

9. INSURANCE

 

All athletes must have personal insurance covering athletic injuries.

All student-athletes are required to have and maintain current primary personal insurance covering athletic injuries. The University of Alabama in Huntsville Athletic Department provides student-athletes supplemental insurance coverage for certain types of medical treatment.  The current policy described below will be implemented if the required procedures and policies are met.  All other injuries not specified in the policy are the responsibility of the student-athlete.

The policy is secondary insurance that only covers medical expenses which arise due to ACCIDENTAL INJURIES which occur while participating in regularly scheduled, supervised and sponsored games and practices, or while participating in UAH Athletics Department sponsored activities.  This insurance is EXCESS OR SECONDARY INSURANCE.  This is NOT a comprehensive medical policy.  All athletes must have personal insurance coverage to act as a primary insurer. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to have and keep primary insurance coverage.

Injuries covered under this policy include:

  • Accidental Injuries.  Injuries due to accident, which is defined as, “an unexpected external, violent and sudden event that is independent of any other cause.”

  • Dental Care. If the tooth/ teeth was a whole, sound, and natural tooth, the treatment to the damage of that tooth/teeth will be covered.

  • Degenerative Diseases, i.e. overuse syndromes.

Injuries/ illnenses not covered under this policy include:

  • All illnesses or diseases even if diagnosed and treated by our medical staff

  • Primary insurance deductibles and copays

  • Pre-existing conditions

  • Any injury that is NOT deemed accidental.  If there is no accidental injury, there will be no benefits

  • Out-of-season injuries

  • Contact lens/glasses, lost or broken


Procedure following an injury:

When a player is injured during practice or competition, he/she must physically go to the training room and notify the certified athletic trainer of the injury.  The certified athletic trainer will evaluate the injury and make referrals, if needed, to a designated physician for treatment.  Both the certified athletic trainer and the player will sign an injury report form.

If referred to another medical professional or service, the athlete will need to pay up front for any copays and the portion of any bill that satisfies any personal policy deductibles.  The provider should then file a claim with the athlete’s personal insurance.  After the primary insurance processes the claim, the athlete should request and save a copy of the explanation of benefits from the insurance company.  An itemized bill and an explanation of benefits must then be turned into the certified athletic trainer to be filed with the secondary policy which will then be able to pay for any remaining balances that the primary insurance did not cover (excluding co-pays and deductibles).
 

Policy if primary insurance does not pay:

If the student athlete purchases inadequate insurance, doesn’t keep their policy current, is dropped from insurance, or is in some other way poorly or uninsured, and becomes injured, then the school’s insurance will not pay any of the student-athlete’s medical bills and the student-athlete will be responsible for the entire bill.

IF AN INJURY IS NOT REPORTED TO THE CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER AND AN INJURY REPORT FORM IS NOT SIGNED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT, THE ATHLETE WILL RISK NOT BEING VERIFIED FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE.

The UAH Athletics Department will not be responsible for any expenses incurred for an examination by a consultant or treatment by a medical professional if the above procedures are not followed.  If you have further questions, please contact the Athletic Training Office at (256) 824-6883.

International Student-Athletes
The University of Alabama in Huntsville, as a university, mandates that all international student-athletes purchase an insurance policy through UAH which covers criteria set for UAH admission and other enrollment standards. IF this policy does not cover athletic participation, a policy through the UAH athletic department MUST be purchased prior to being allowed to participate in athletic practices, conditioning, and competition. The international student-athlete is responsible for this cost. Contact the head coach of your sport or the head athletic trainer for further information on this insurance.

Steps to take-

  1. The head trainer will send out an email per JumpForwared software to new and returning student athletes requesting appropriate medical forms, depending on status if a returning student athlete or a new student athlete.

  2. The head trainer will schedule and supervise medical exams of all student athletics and confirm appropriate medical documentation is received. This includes insurance forms, health history, sickle cell solubility results or waiver, and other documents. The head trainer will communicate to coaches and DoAC what student athletes have been cleared medically for participation, including required forms received.

  3. The DoAC will confirm that student athletes have signed or not signed the NCAA HIPPA forms with the other eligibility forms for all student athletes. If a HIPPA is not signed, the  DoAC will communicate with training and that information becomes known.

  4. If international insurance is needed, the head trainer or designee will coordinate with the coach and department personnel who take care of those arrangements, typically the SWA and the budget analyst. 

  5. If a student athlete’s primary insurance is no longer active, they are to immediately report the situation to the coach and trainer. They may be held out of practice and/or competition until the situation is resolved and they have active primary insurance.

  6. The process will begin again at the point needed.

  7. The SWA and budget analyst are responsible for securing payment from the student athlete or confirming it is covered through athletic budget resources. If something is in error with a payment from a student athlete, the SWA or budget analyst must communicate their asap to the coach, head trainer, and student athlete.

 

10. ATHLETIC SICKLE CELL POLICY

For each season of participation in UAH intercollegiate athletics, all student athletes must have the results of a sickle cell solubility exam logged in the UAH training room or waiver on file from the student athlete signing they declined the exam. This information is collected during the mandatory medical exam conducted through the training department. All student athletes are given the opportunity to take the SSSE free of charge to the student-athlete and also allowed to provide their own results. The exam is conducted by the UAH Student Health Services office and the results are sent to the head trainer. Student Health Services will bill the athletic department with an inter-university transfer of funds, a set amount for each test. The head trainer will communicate the results to the student athlete and the coach of the sport as necessary. The SSSE requirement is mandated by the NCAA legislation. Student athletes should contact the head trainer with questions.

Steps to take for Student Athletes and the NCAA Sickle Cell Solubility Exam Requirement-

  1. Student athletes are to submit to the training room their sickle cell status as they enter as a student for the first time at UAH. If they document their status or have the exam upon entering UAH, they do not have to do anything else as far as documenting for the remainder of their UAH athletic career.

  2. For those student athletes who do not know their Sickle Cell Trait status and do not wish to have the test, they can waive their rights to know their status. If they choose this route, they must sign a waiver each and every year they are a student athlete at UAH. This must be documented with the training department.

  3. For those student athletes who do not know their Sickle Cell Trait and wish to take the Sickle Cell Solubility Exam to find out their trait status, they may go to the UAH Student Health Center on the third floor of Wilson Hall and request the exam. The Health Center will administer the test and submit it for results. The cost of the exam will not be charged to the student athlete  but billed to the athletic department through inter-university billing. Once their status is known, they do not have to do anything else as far as documenting for the remainder of their UAH athletic career. Results of the test will go to the head athletic trainer. The head trainer will notify the student athlete and their head coach if necessary.

  4. If the student athlete tests positive for Sickle Cell Trait, they are to proceed with the recommended precautions of having this trait.  Educational information can be found on UAH’s Canvas in the Charging On! student athlete life and leadership program. In addition, educational information can be found at https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/sickle-cell-trait

    The UAH training department will also be a resource for questions.

  5. Student athletes should work with their coach and training regarding health and safety precautions pertaining to their sickle cell status.

 

Steps to take for department staff-

  1. The head trainer will send out an email per JumpForward software requesting appropriate medical forms, depending on if a returning student athlete or a new student athlete. This includes the need for a sickle cell solubility exam unless results are on file in the UAH training office.
  2. If SSSE results are not on file, the PSA or student athlete is to go to the UAH student health center and take the exam. The results are reported to the head trainer who will communicate with the PSA/SA or coach as needed.
  3. If the PSA/SA does not want to take the exam, they are able to sign a waiver instead.
  4. During the academic season, the DoAC will work with the coaches to encourage more student athletes to go to the Student Health Center and take the exam, if they do not have results on file and have waived the exam. 
  5. Anytime during the academic year, a student athlete may change their mind and go to the Student Health Center to take the exam and the athletic department will pay for the exam through a budget transfer to the Student Health Center.
  6. The results of any and all exams will be reported to the head trainer from the Student Health Center, who in turn reports to the student athlete and coach if necessary.

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