It is imperative that all student-athletes be familiar with sports medicine policies and procedures for intercollegiate athletics. It is the function of the certified athletic trainers and the athletic training students to encourage athletic injury prevention, to care for those injuries that do occur, and to work toward complete recovery from the injury through rehabilitation. Failure on the part of the student-athlete to comply with the sports medicine policies may result in inadequate medical treatment or unnecessary costs charged to the athletes.

• The Certified Athletic Trainers coordinate the day-to-day supervision of all aspects of the health care services, and all matters of injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and medical referral should be channeled through them.
• Student-athletes should immediately report all injuries and illness to the athletic training staff.
• If the athlete has to be referred for medical care or has time-loss from practice and/or games, then he/she must be "medically cleared" for return to activity. Clearance for practice and games is the prerogative of the athletic training staff, not the coaches.

• Three certified athletic trainers and four graduate assistants are on staff and are responsible for specific team coverage.

• An athletic training student will also be assigned to each team. Student-athletes should get to know the athletic training students quickly, since they will be the first line of communication for injuries and other medical problems.

The team orthopedic physicians are:

Dr. George Primiano, MD
Dr. Maurizio Cibischino, MD

Outside physicians may be utilized on an as needed basis for reasons such as individual insurance protocols; however, the designated team physicians will have the final decision on an athlete's playing status regardless of the opinion of such outside physicians.

For acute illness and other health concerns, student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of the University Health Center (570-422-3553). A variety of medical services are provided there for ESU students for a nominal health center fee, paid by semester.

• In order to get your pre-participation medical exam or be treated in the University Health Center, a Medical History Report must be on file in the health center.

No student-athlete at East Stroudsburg University will be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics (practice or games) without a medical (physical) examination and authorization by the physician to do so. This physical is in addition to the University entrance participation physical evaluations for admissions.

You will receive all documents/forms from your Head Coach in your summer mailings. Please be sure to submit all forms by the specified date. Again, no athlete will be allowed to participate until forms are completed and filed with the athletic trainer.

Physical examinations for all student-athletes are arranged by the athletic training staff and are conducted in the Athletic Training Clinic (Football) or in Flagler-Metzgar Health Center (all other sports).

One make up date is provided for each team in the event that circumstances prevent the student-athlete from attending the scheduled physical.

In addition to the medical examination conducted by the physician, student-athletes will be screened by the athletic training staff in regard to orthopedic problems and other concerns specific to sports participation. This is provided as an added protection for athletes.

• Prior to screening, student-athletes will be required to fill out a brief medical history form and provide some information that will be useful in helping the athletic training staff to prevent injuries. Necessary information, such as the contact information for the student-athlete and parent or guardian, will also be collected.

• This information and other data concerning the student-athlete will be kept confidential, sharing only with medical specialists, university administration, or others with a specific "need to know." Any other requests by media or prospective professional sports teams for information such as the physical status of an athlete will not be considered without consent of the student-athlete in writing.

• At the time of the medical examination/screening, student-athletes will be required to fill out and sign a formal document of "Informed Consent" attesting to an understanding that intercollegiate sports may result in injuries or even death, and accepting the risk associated with the sport.

The athletic training facilities are in Koehler Fieldhouse and include athletic training rooms in the Men's and Women's locker areas, as well as a treatment and rehabilitation clinic area on the second floor.

Phone numbers and hours:

• Athletic Training Clinic (570-422-3337) is open and staffed from 2:00 PM to 6:00PM, Monday through Friday. Please report by 5:30 PM. During August pre-season, the facility will open one hour prior to practice. Non-semester hours are by appointment.
• Men's Taping Room (570-422-3696) and Women's Taping Room (570-422-3645)
• Other times for athletic training rooms or clinic operation will be arranged on an "as needed" basis.

Insurance Coverage for Athletic Participation

The athlete is responsible for having insurance (University coverage or other primary coverage) to practice or compete in the intercollegiate program. Forms for the ESU coverage can be obtained from the Student Development Office in the Reibman Building. Proof of insurance must be on file with the athletic training staff before the student-athlete is permitted to practice or compete.

The athlete is responsible for the first $2000.00 coverage per incident for any athletically related injury. When an athlete is injured, it is the athlete's responsibility to file a claim with their insurance company (if coverage is not through ESU).

The Athletic program carries insurance to cover costs of injuries above $2000.00. Proof (receipts) that the first $2000.00 has been paid is required. Athletes should see the Athletic program secretary with all receipts.

ESU insurance does not cover individuals who travel in a separate vehicle (other than the official team carrier).

Emergency Situations

Certainly, emergency situations will arise in sports activities. It is the responsibility of the athletic training staff to provide first aid for minor emergencies and to make decisions regarding the necessity for further medical assistance and/or emergency transportation. In order to insure adequate care for all such problems, it is imperative that the Athlete Report All Injuries Immediately!

All open wounds and apparent bone, muscle, and joint injuries must be appraised by the athletic trainers so that appropriate treatment can be provided. Coaches will be notified regarding the athlete's playing status after the athlete has been thoroughly evaluated.

Athletes are reminded that many injuries to the head or to the internal organs may not present serious symptoms at first, but will, instead, result in problems occurring hours or even days later. When the athletic trainers are made aware of the injury, the athlete will be given specific instructions to insure his/her safety.

• A student-athlete who is a campus resident and who feels that he/she may have an emergency situation should call Campus Police at EXT. 2000.
• If a student-athlete is not a campus resident, he/she should dial 9-1-1 directly to secure emergency assistance.

Student-athletes who live off campus are also encouraged to make sure his/her current local address and telephone numbers are correctly provided to the Center for Enrollment Services to facilitate emergency contact.

Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA has mandated health standards and guidelines to which the athletic training/sports medicine staff and facilities must comply. Specifically applied to the situation these regulations are in regard to contact with bodily fluids and in the handling of medical waste. For the protection of the student-athletes as well as faculty and student members of the athletic training staff, the cooperation of all personnel involved is essential.

§ It is imperative that all open wounds, scratches, abrasions, etc. be reported to the athletic training staff for appropriate cleansing and first aid to prevent infection such as MRSA.

MRSA POLICY

• MRSA is a type of bacterium, like "staph," that some antibiotics can't treat. These infections can be dangerous and even life threatening.
• MRSA is a common infection in all athletic populations, including men, women, high school, college and professional athletics.
• MRSA is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, skin openings such as cuts and abrasions, infected items such as sports gear and clothing, and poor hygiene.
• MRSA may resemble a pimple or spider bites and can be red, swollen, painful and may have pus or other drainage.
• To prevent MRSA:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Don't share your sports gear or personal items
  • Clean your sports gear often
  • Keep cuts and scrapes clean and bandaged until they heal
  • Do not touch other players' wounds or bandages

Please report any wounds to your athletic trainer and see a physician if the wound persists

Medications and Drugs

Medications needed in an emergency situation, such as inhalers or epi-pens, should be given to the athletic trainers, who will administer them as needed during athletic participation.

The athletic training staff will not supply over-the-counter medications.

Counseling Services

The Office of University Counseling and Psychological Services provides a variety of formalized counseling services for any ESU student (refer to current ESU Student Handbook). A student-athlete who feels that he/she needs to utilize such services is encouraged to do so.

Medical Hardship Petition

A medical hardship request deals only with seasons of competition. A hardship request may be made when an injury or illness occurs and the student-athlete is unable to compete for the rest of the season (pursuant to approved calculation). The Head Coach will make formal notification to the athletic trainer assigned to his/her team and to the Associate Director of Athletics. In the event that a medical hardship request is applicable, the student-athlete should report to the athletic trainer assigned to his/her team for formal application.

All support equipment, such as crutches, braces, and air splints that are issued to a student-athlete by the athletic training staff must be returned to the athletic training room, or the student-athlete will be held financially responsible for the replacement of the equipment. Athletes who do not return issued equipment at the end of the season will have a "hold" placed on their records. A "hold" means you cannot register for classes, change a course, or receive a transcript. A "hold" will remain on your records until the equipment is returned or paid for (replacement cost).