USCB Athletics

Welcome to USCB Athletics Sports Medicine. Our staff is comprised of two (2) certified athletic trainer that aid in providing medical care to the 13 NCAA Division II sports. Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly-qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with local physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. It is the philosophy of USCB Sports Medicine that all student-athletes, regardless of sport, gender, race, or athletic ability be treated equally in all aspects of Athletic Training. The sports medicine staff will do its best to provide the best medical care possible to the USCB Athletics community. 

The Director of Sports Medicine determines the assignment of sport specific coverage and additional responsibilities. The Sports Medicine staff will attempt to return student-athletes to participation as quickly as possible; however, the health and safety of the student-athlete is most important first and foremost. The student-athlete will not return to participation unless the sports medicine staff deems they are medically able to complete without causing further harm. 

It is the philosophy of the sports medicine staff that all athletic programs have access to the athletic training services. It is important to understand the necessity that athletic trainers be present at high risk sports practices and contests. Assigning athletic training coverage is the sole responsibility of the Director of Sports Medicine. Every reasonable attempt will be made to insure that adequate medical coverage is provided for every athletic program. With this in mind, athletic training coverage is assigned to in-season, high-risk sports having priority.
 
Below is the list of policies and procedures of the USCB Sports Medicine Department: 

Sickle Cell:

In-order to help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes, it is appropriate to screen for Sickle Cell Trait. All USCB student-athletes will be required to show proof of testing or have a blood test to determine if they have Sickle Cell Trait. There is no option for waive out as it is mandated by the NCAA.

The testing procedure is as follows:

1. Proof of previous test - all newborns are screened at birth for sickle cell trait. Contact your family physician, pediatrician or Health Department to obtain copies of these results.
2. Sickle Cell Trait Blood testing - a blood test can be completed by a personal physician and should be complete PRIOR to arrival on campus. A blood test can typically take 48-72 hours to be finalized and document results provided. 
3. Proof of results must be filled out in the Sickle Cell Trait Status Form (Appendix A).

Inclement Weather: 

USCB Sports Medicine Department is committed to the safety and welfare of the student-athlete and to providing the best environment for safe competition.

1. Coaches/student-athletes participating in outdoor activity should be aware of the most recent forecast. Any pregame cancelations will be at the discretion of those participating in the activity.
2. The Certified Athletic Trainer will discuss with game officials prior to the start of the contest the Inclement Weather Policy. Coaches should be aware of this policy in case a Certified Athletic Trainer is not present.
3. Once game/practice has begun, weather monitoring will be through: Weather Bug and/or My Lightning App.

    Seeking Shelter

The following are considered to be Safe Shelter Areas:

1. Enclosed Buildings
2. Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up

    Procedures Following Evacuation

Play will not resume for a minimum of 30 minutes after the storm has cleared.  This may be longer if lightning is still present, (each new flash starts the 30-minute clock over). 

Drug Testing and Education: 

The Athletic Department recognizes that the use, misuse or abuse of performance altering and/or illegal recreational drugs is a concern on all college campuses. The department also recognizes that the use of performance enhancing and/or recreational drugs, can adversely affect the health and safety of the user, as well as the safety of their teammates and opponents. Drug use does not constitute the ideals of a Sand Shark student-athlete or honor the university policy.

In an effort to help provide a safe and drug-free environment for USCB student-athletes, the Athletic Department has adopted a policy of drug testing by urine analysis for all members of its athletic teams. The USCB Drug Testing Program is separate and distinct from the NCAA Drug-Testing Program and may test for substances not listed on the NCAA Banned-Drug Classes List. All student-athletes are required to sign the Drug Screening and Substance Abuse Program Form via TEAMWORKS (Appendix I).

The Athletic Department may amend this policy at the discretion of the Director of Athletics, with or without notice to the student-athletes. The purpose of the USCB drug testing program will be: 

1. To serve as a DETERRENT to the use, misuse, and abuse of recreational and performance enhancing drugs. 
2. The IDENTIFICATION of individuals who are using chemical substances. 
3. To REQUIRE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING for individuals identified as substance users. 
4. To PROVIDE INFORMATION about the effects of drugs and drug abuse. 
5. To PROVIDE A SAFER ENVIRONMENT for participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Eligibility for Drug Testing 

The following individuals will be considered eligible for drug testing: 

1. Any individual determined to be eligible for intercollegiate athletic competition. 
2. Any individual, regardless of eligibility/competitive status, who regularly practices with an athletic team. 
3. Any individual who is receiving a 5th year scholarship or post eligibility scholarship. 

Insurance:

All student- athletes are required to carry major medical primary insurance. Major medical primary insurance is one that will cover incidents related to participation in athletic endeavors. Primary insurance coverage must be valid in Beaufort County. 

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Athletic Department Medical Care and Treatment program is a self-contained program that uses a network of Healthcare providers and specialists, including a secondary insurance benefit program administered through A-G Administrators. In the event of an athletically related injury, our Athletic Training and Medical Staff will evaluate and recommend a treatment plan. When billable services are pre-authorized, our program covers any expense coordinated through the network that the student-athlete’s primary insurance does not cover.

This secondary insurance program will only be billed after the student-athlete’s primary insurance. Services provided outside the Universities network may be authorized at the discretion of the Head Athletic Trainer or Team Physician, and when pre-authorized through documented approval, will be covered. This may be necessary due to insurance requirements. 

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Athletic Department will cover only those injuries that are a direct result of normal USCB directed intercollegiate athletic practice, competition or recognized conditioning activities. This means that non-athletically related injuries (car accidents, home and dorm accidents, illnesses such as appendicitis, etc.) will not be covered; however the Sports Medicine Staff can still assist you in coordinating your care.