Sports Medicine - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the athletic training room open?
A: Normal hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 Am to 6:30 Pm but they can change to accommodate practice schedules.  There is a monthly calendar located outside the training room with up to date hours.

Q: Can I get a physical from my own doctor to participate in athletics?
A: No, you need to complete a physical with one of our team physicians.  The physical is free.

Q: What do I need to bring to physicals?
A: Please print off all forms listed on the Sports Medicine Link.  Please complete the forms and bring them with you to physicals, it helps speed up the process.

Q: Do I need to have my own insurance to participate in athletics?
A: Yes, it is required by the NCAA that all student-athletes have primary insurance to participate. Please bring a copy of your insurance card front and back to your physical date.

Q: Do I need to have insurance coverage for the entire school year?
A: Yes because of out-of-season teams practices throughout the school year.

Q: What do I do with bills that I receive for athletic injuries?
A: If we send you to see a physician or have some type of test, you can turn those bills to the Athletic Training Staff to submit to our secondary athletic insurance policy.

Q: Is the athletic training room open during the summer?
A: Yes but hours are by appointment only.

Q: Do physicians come on campus to see injured athletes?
A: Yes, we have physicians in the training room at least once per week during the school year.

Q: I have a medical condition, do I need to make the athletic trainers aware of it?
A: Yes, if we are aware of medical conditions to better care for you.

Q: If I have to have an EKG/ECG or some other type of lab work done to participate in athletics, does the school cover the cost of it?
A: No because it is not a result of an athletic injury, it is not covered by the school’s secondary insurance.

Q: I have ADD or ADHD, do I need to let the athletic training staff know what medications I am taking for it?
A: Yes, you will also need to have your physician complete a form to submit to the NCAA to prevent a positive NCAA drug test that could cost you a year of eligibility.

Q: Do we get drug tested?
A: Yes, the NCAA will come in at least once a calendar year for random drug testing. We find out two days prior to the NCAA’s arrival and are given a list of names the day before they arrive.

Q: Can I get drug tested over the summer?
A: Yes, the NCAA can come in over the summer but the number of students selected for testing is reduced.

Q: If I get selected over the summer, do I have to come back to campus for testing?
A: Yes and No, if you are a local student or stay on campus over the summer, you will need to report to the training room for testing. If you live farther away, the NCAA can select a test site for you to travel to that is closer to home for you.

Q: What if I have a positive test or over sleep and miss the test?  
A: Missing the test is the same as a positive test. We will try to reach you and if you’re on campus we may even send someone over to get you.  If you have a positive test, you can appeal the test through the NCAA.  You will lose a year of eligibility for a positive test from the date of the test.

Q: What supplements are okay for me to use?
A: Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so all of the ingredients are not always listed on the bottle.  We do not recommend the use of supplements.  If you did not know something was in a supplement and you have a positive drug test, you will still lose a year of eligibility, not knowing is not an excuse.