SECTION 1: PURPOSE

It is a privilege to participate in athletic activities at the intercollegiate level.  It is believed and hoped that the implementation of a drug education & testing program will serve to benefit all connected with intercollegiate athletics at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).  Further, it is hoped that through this program and policy participants in intercollegiate athletics will be better students and athletes and will be better able to make individual, informed, and intelligent decisions with reference to substance use, both now and in the future. 

Student-athletes are affected by their use of drugs and alcohol in a variety of ways.  Individuals who use drugs or alcohol may suffer from short or long-term medical, social, and behavioral problems.  In addition to affecting the health and safety of the student-athlete, substance abuse and misuse exacts a tremendous cost in interference with performance.

GVSU is committed to the prevention of drug and alcohol misuse and abuse.  The GVSU Athletics Department has formed a partnership with the on-campus Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Services Office who will provide an annual educational opportunity, mandatory for all student-athletes and coaches. 

 

GVSU conducts a drug-testing program to ensure the health and safety of the student-athletes involved in the intercollegiate athletics program. No one participant should have an artificially induced advantage or be pressured to use drugs in order to remain competitive.  Additionally, protecting the integrity of the student-athlete and GVSU’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program is of concern. The potential for high visibility of those who participate in intercollegiate athletics makes it all the more important for participants to dedicate themselves to the idea of fair and equitable competition.  

This policy is the policy of GVSU’s Athletics Department.  It was designed to work in concert with the drug testing program of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) but is a separate and distinct policy. For ease in administration and to reduce any confusion for student-athletes, GVSU wants to make it clear that it can screen for substances that are banned by the NCAA. GVSU’s intercollegiate athletes must also comply with the drug use restrictions and testing requirements set forth by the NCAA.  All student-athletes will be given documents that explain the NCAA policy on drug testing and intercollegiate competition eligibility. In addition, references to these regulations will be found in this document where applicable, but the GVSU Intercollegiate Athletics Drug & Alcohol Policy is separate and independent from that of the NCAA. For the most up-to-date information on banned substances refer to the link provided:

https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2016/7/20/ncaa-drug-testing-program.aspx

Also, information on medications and supplements can be found by going to https://www.drugfreesport.com/ and following these directions: At top right of webpage click on "AXIS Login" to create an account or sign into an existing account.  Under organization select NCAA Division II, Password: ncaa2, you can select "Prescription/Over-the-Counter Medication Database" or "Dietary Supplement Inquiry".  Any documented responses from Drug Free Sport should be provided to and discussed with the athletic training staff.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore, purity and safety of nutritional/dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. GVSU Athletics does not endorse the use of any supplements for this reason.

 

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

COMPETITION YEAR: A competition year shall be defined as the months of August – July; including post-season play, and spring/summer training, when applicable.

ELIGIBILITY: This policy is in effect upon initial participation in Grand Valley State University intercollegiate programs and ends when the student-athlete’s eligibility ends by NCAA rule or a student-athlete ceases to be a member of an intercollegiate athletics team at GVSU.

POSITIVE DRUG TEST:  For purposes of this program, a positive drug test result shall mean a test result, which indicates the presence of one, or more banned substance as defined by the NCAA.  Of note, THC has been removed from the NCAA banned substance, per the consensus opinion that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug, however, GVSU student-athletes may still be tested for the presence of THC through suspicion-based testing as part of the institutional drug testing program. 

BANNED SUBSTANCE: There is not a complete or exhaustive list of all banned substances.  Any substance chemically/pharmacologically related to these classes also is banned.  The school and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned-drug class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified. Examples of substances under each class can be found at ncaa.org/drugtesting. There is no complete list of banned substances. 

 

SECTION 3: EDUCATION

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) strives to offer members of the University community the same rights as those afforded to members of the larger community. All members of the University community are responsible for making decisions about their behavior within the context of university policies and local, state, and federal law.

The GVSU Department of Athletics is committed to the well-being of student athletes. To further support students, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) education will be provided to students at least once annually to build awareness about making healthy and safe choices regarding alcohol and other drugs. Athletics staff will also participate in AOD education to further support student well-being. Coaches and Administrative staff will engage in this education at least once annually. Education will be provided in collaboration with the Alcohol & Other Drugs Services office.

Students and staff will be made aware of supplemental education provided through the University to further support the mission of educating around alcohol and other drug issues and trends.

 

SECTION 4: POLICY

DOCUMENTATION

Annual written notification of the GVSU Intercollegiate Athletics Drug & Alcohol Policy shall be provided to all student-athletes in athletics at Grand Valley State University.  In addition, this document will be made available to student-athletes on the www.gvsulakers.com website during their participation in intercollegiate athletics. Anytime a change is made in the drug testing policy or procedure, notification will be provided to the student-athlete.

The student-athlete is required to report and have on file with the Athletic Training Staff any medication(s) being taken while participating in intercollegiate athletics.  This includes the regular use of over-the-counter medications and supplements.  The student-athlete is responsible for providing documentation to the athletic training staff that supports use of the banned medication.  This documentation will be kept as part of the student-athlete’s medical record on campus. The documentation can be a letter or copies of medical notes from the prescribing physician that documents how the diagnosis was reached, and that the student-athlete has a medical history demonstrating the need for treatment with the banned medication. The letter should contain information as to the diagnosis (including appropriate verification of the diagnosis), medical history and dosage information. The NCAA requires that schools submit pre-approval and continued use medical exceptions requests through the NCAA Requests/Self-Reports Online (RSRO) system.  Any student athlete that has been prescribed a stimulant used to treat ADHD, beta blockers or beta-2 agonists, diuretics and/or narcotics, will need to request medical exception following a positive drug test. 

The NCAA recognizes that some banned substances are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, the NCAA allows exception to be made for those student-athletes with a demonstrated medical need to use certain banned substances. Medical exceptions may be granted for substances in the following banned drug classes: anabolic agents*, stimulants, beta blockers, diuretics and masking agents, hormone and metabolic modulators*, beta-2 agonists, peptide hormones*, growth factors or related substances and mimetics*, and narcotics.

*Note:  The  NCAA must approve the medically excepted use of an anabolic agent, hormone and metabolic modulator, peptide hormone, growth factors, related substances and mimetics before   the student-athlete is allowed to participate in competition while using the banned substance.

 

TESTING POLICY 

Designated individuals within the GVSU Athletics Department will collect fluid samples. The specific gravity of the sample will be checked and found to be in an acceptable range for testing prior to shipping. The samples will then be shipped to an accredited laboratory, which will conduct the actual testing. The testing laboratory will have a state license and be certified by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) or the College of American Pathologists Forensic Urine Drug Testing Accreditation Program (CAP/FUDT) and will possess a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act license. Every participant in CARA activities on an intercollegiate athletics team sponsored by GVSU shall be subject to random testing while enrolled in and participating as a student-athlete at GVSU. The number of student-athletes to be tested at any one time will be determined by the Director of Athletics or their designee.

• The fact that drug testing will occur will be announced in advance to all student-athletes, although the exact date, time, place, and who will be tested may not be announced until immediately prior to the drug test.
• To assure objectivity, the student-athletes will be selected by a randomized selection process.
• The Head Coach will have the responsibility of informing their student-athletes of their selection for drug testing.
• The Head Athletic Trainer or designee will be present at the time of the collection of the specimen to ensure the integrity of the testing procedure.

In the event a urine sample provided is too dilute, the student athlete will be required to remain at the collection site until an adequate sample is provided.  Should the student-athlete need to leave to attend class prior to providing an adequate sample a return time to continue sample collection will be provided and that individual will be held out of all team activity until an adequate sample has been produced. 

PARTICIPATION IN DRUG TESTING

Refusal of the student-athlete to consent to this program or to submit to drug testing shall render the student-athlete ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletic activities. Refusal to participate may cancel the student-athlete’s athletic grant-in-aid.

In the event a student-athlete misses the announced testing date/time, the student-athlete shall be immediately ineligible from further participation in intercollegiate athletic activities.

In the event the NCAA selects a student-athlete to submit to drug testing, the student-athlete must comply or be subject to a loss of eligibility and suspension pursuant to NCAA Bylaws.

 

INDIVIUALIZED SUSPICION  

If the Director of Athletics, Athletics Department Staff and/or a member of the coaching staff, have a well-founded base for an individualized suspicion of the use of a substance that is either detrimental to the student-athlete’s health or provides a competitive advantage, the Department of Athletics may require such student-athlete to submit to drug testing pursuant to this program. Individualized suspicion must be a reasonable, good faith belief and documented in writing to the Director of Athletics by the person making the claim.  Institutional testing of this nature re-centers student-athlete health by helping to identify problematic use, specific substance use disorders and the use of substances to manage underlying mental health disorders.

To assist in identifying a student-athlete who may be experiencing problematic use here is a list of signs and behavior changes to be aware of: 

• Signs of intoxication:
  • Smell of alcohol on the breath 
  • Smell of cannabis 
  • Glassy eyes
  • Dilated or pinned pupils
  • Slurred speech 
  • Unsteady gait
  • Difficulty maintaining balance
  • Signs of agitation 
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness 
• Behavior signs/changes:
  • Drop in attendance and performance in school 
  • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
  • Sudden changes in friend group
  • Decrease engagement in hobbies or activities the student used to enjoy
  • Arguments and or disconnection from relationships 
  • Agitation or easily angered 
  • Sudden changes in mood 

Many of these signs and symptoms can also indicate other concerns, like a decrease in mental health or physical health, however, these are standard warning signs that indicate substance use and dependence .  

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF ATHLETICS STAFF

Per the NCAA, a member institution’s athletics department staff member or others employed by the intercollegiate athletics program who have knowledge of a student- athletes use at any time of a substance within the banned-substances classes, as set forth in Bylaw 31 (Divisions II and III), shall follow institutional procedures dealing with substance misuse or shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.  For GVSU Athletics our institutional procedure begins with a referral to the AOD office for a screening.  

 

SECTION 5: MEDICINAL MARIHUANA

With the advent of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act of 2018, which decriminalizes marihuana use or possession, the importance of examining the implications for college campuses and for our student-athletes is clear. Regardless of the passing of this law, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) requires campuses to follow federal guidelines, meaning that marijuana use, and possession remains illegal on the college campus. Failure to comply with DFSCA regulations can result in a loss of federal funding, so enforcement of federal laws is essential. 

 

SECTION 6: SELF-REPORTING SUBSTANCE DRUG USE AND ABUSE

A student-athlete may self-report improper use and abuse of a substance to the Athletics Department in an eýort to seek assistance and intervention.  Self-reporting does not automatically result in a safe harbor. Student-athletes may utilize resources on campus such as the Alcohol & Other Drugs Services Office or the University Counseling Center without a direct referral from the Athletics Department. 

 

SECTION 7: SAFE HARBOR

To facilitate open dialogue, education, and assistance student-athletes may enter safe-harbor which precludes them from selection for institutional drug testing while they seek out assistance for their substance use. Student-athletes may self-report their concerns regarding use of a substance to an athletics department staff member.  Student-athletes must specifically ask to safe harbor and each student-athlete will only be granted the opportunity to safe harbor once during their athletic eligibility.  The temporary length of safe harbor is an individualized time frame as determined by a counselor within the AOD office and communicated to the designated Associate Athletics Director. It is important to note that student-athletes are not afforded the right to safe harbor from the sanctions of the NCAA Drug Testing Program.

Safe harbor from sanctions requirements:

1. The student-athlete must request assistance with substance use/abuse/misuse and ask to enter safe harbor prior to any of the following:
   1. Being identified for an institutional urinalysis.
   2. The occurrence of a misdemeanor alcohol violation (Kent County, Ottawa County, State of Michigan).
   3. The second offense related to a civil infraction (i.e. MIP).
   4. The second alcohol or other drug violation of the GVSU Student Code.
2. The student-athlete will be required to have a substance use screening performed by AOD Services at Grand Valley State University. Attendance at this assessment will be shared with the designated Associate Athletics Director through a signed consent. 
3. The student-athlete shall be required to complete an education and support effort as determined and coordinated by AOD Services. Such effort may include individual education, cohort participation, counseling and/or referral for treatment as deemed appropriate by the AOD Services.  The length of the plan is dependent upon the individual’s risk.  
4. Failure to participate in the recommendations of AOD services and/or failure to comply the recommendations in the allotted time will result in the student-athlete no longer being afforded safe harbor from future sanctions.

 

SECTION 8: MEDICAL AMNESTY

Grand Valley State University is committed to the safety and well-being of students and the larger GVSU community. The university strives to provide a community committed to reinforcing safe, smart, and responsible use. To ensure support of students, the university encourages students to utilize medical amnesty in the event of an alcohol or other drug related emergency. Medical Amnesty and Active Bystander support are set to encourage students to seek out assistance and reduce barriers that may discourage students from seeking support. (sourced from the GVSU Alcohol and Other Drug Services website)

Please visit the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Office website for more information on  medical amnesty at GVSU.

 

SECTION 9: SANCTIONS

All student-athletes whose positive test result is confirmed will be subject to, but not limited to, the following disciplinary actions. It should be noted that the head coach of each program may impose additional sanctions. 

 

POLICY VIOLATION – NCAA BANNED SUBSTANCES

The first time a student-athlete is found to have violated GVSU’s Student Code: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities related to drug cultivation, possession or use a policy violation will not be triggered, however the student-athlete will be required to complete the sanctions as outlined by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).

A subsequent civil infraction charge, a subsequent GVSU Student Code drug related policy violation, or any drug related misdemeanor (Kent County, Ottawa County, State of Michigan), will trigger a policy violation.

Violations will result in the sanctions listed below for positive drug tests. A coach may impose additional sanctions related to team activities. 

 

FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT 

NOTIFCIATION

1. The student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics, Head Coach, Head Athletic Trainer and designated Associate Athletics Director. The student-athlete may request a copy of the test results at this time.
2. The student-athlete’s parent/guardian will also be notified following the initial student-athlete meeting.   A conference/video call will be arranged with the parent/guardian, the student-athlete, Director of Athletics, Head Coach, and designated Associate Athletics Director.  The student-athlete may appeal notification of parents by submitting reasons in writing to the Director of Athletics.

 

SANCTIONS PROCESS

1. Every positive drug test will be reported to the GVSU Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) and be adjudicated through the university conduct process.  This information will be shared by the designated Associate Athletics Director.
2. The student-athlete will be required to have a screening performed by the AOD Services office at Grand Valley State University.  During an AOD screening, the student’s needs, level of care, and treatment or educational options will be explored. The student-athlete will be asked to confirm with the designated Associate Athletics Director when they have set up an appointment with AOD Services and attendance at this screening will be shared with the Athletics Department.  Recommendations and suggestions provided by AOD Services will be used in determining reinstatement of eligibility for participation in intercollegiate athletics.
3. The student-athlete shall be required to participate in an education and support effort as determined and coordinated by AOD Services. Such effort may include individual education, cohort participation, counseling and/or referral for treatment as deemed appropriate by AOD Services. Costs for outside assessment and/or referral for treatment by a substance abuse professional shall be borne by the student-athlete. In addition, the student-athlete will set up bi-weekly sessions with the designated Associate Athletics Director. 
4. Any student-athlete who tests positive for a banned substance may engage in the practice of restorative justice at the discretion of OSCCR.  As defined by Howard Zehr "Restorative justice is a process to involve, to the extent possible, those who have a stake in the specific offense and to collectively identify and address harms, needs, and obligations, in order to heal and put things as right as possible." Restorative Justice is not punitive, and in this, it allows for people to make mistakes, learn from them, and still feel they are a valuable member of their community. (Sourced from the Office of Conduct and Conflict Resolution website)
5. A student-athlete who has tested positive, completed all interventions through the AOD Services program, and returned to participation may be subjected to subsequent testing as a condition of maintaining their eligibility in GVSU sports.
6. Failure to participate in the interventions will result in additional suspension or dismissal from the intercollegiate athletic program, which carries a loss of athletic related aid.

 

SECOND POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT 

1. NOTIFICATIONS AND SANCTIONS outlined under the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT will be in effect.
2. If the positive drug test occurs during the NCAA championship season, the student-athlete will be immediately suspended for 25% of the maximum allowable contests during the championship season. This does not include exempt competitions but may include post-season competition. 
3. The suspension will carry over to the next championship season or sport in the case of a multi-sport athlete, unless the student-athlete accepts responsibility and agrees to participate and complete a restorative process facilitated by OSCCR.  The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
4. If the positive drug test occurs during the non-championship season, the student-athlete will be immediately suspended for 25% of the maximum allowable contests during the subsequent NCAA championship season (does not include exempt competitions).
5. This suspension may be waived if the student-athlete accepts responsibility and completes a restorative process facilitated by OSCCR. The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
6. If the student-athlete fulfills the requirements of the restorative process, and no suspension is implemented, any subsequent positive tests will still result in sanctions for a third positive drug test outlined below.  
7. Return to participation will follow those procedures listed in the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT section.

 

THIRD POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT 

1. NOTIFICATION AND SANCTIONS outlined under the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT will be in effect.
2. If the positive drug test occurs during the NCAA championship season, the student-athlete will be immediately suspended for 50% of the maximum allowable contests during the championship season. This does not include exempt competitions but may include post-season competition. 
3. The suspension will carry over to the next championship season or sport in the case of a multi-sport athlete, unless the student-athlete accepts responsibility and agrees to participate and complete a restorative process facilitated by OSCCR. The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
4. If the positive drug test occurs during the non-championship season, the student-athlete will be immediately suspended for 50% of the maximum allowable contests during the subsequent NCAA championship season. (does not include exempt competitions). 
5. This suspension may be waived if the student-athlete accepts responsibility and agrees to participate and complete a restorative process facilitated by OSCCR. The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
6. If the student-athlete fulfills the requirements of the restorative process, and no suspension is implemented, any subsequent positive tests will still result in sanctions for a third positive drug test outlined below. 
7. If the student-athlete fulfills the requirements of the restorative process, and no suspension is implemented, this positive drug test and any subsequent positive tests will result in sanctions for a fourth positive drug test outlined below.  

 

FOURTH POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT

The student-athlete will be immediately and permanently dismissed from participation in Grand Valley State Athletics and athletic aid will be cancelled. 

 

POLICY VIOLATIONS - TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC) 

The first time a student-athlete is found to have violated GVSU’s Student Code: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities related to a civil infraction related to the possession, cultivation or underage use of marijuana, a policy violation will not be triggered, however the student-athlete will be required to complete the sanctions as outlined by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).

A subsequent civil infraction charge, a subsequent GVSU Student Code drug related policy violation for marijuana, or any marijuana related misdemeanor (Kent County, Ottawa County, State of Michigan), will trigger a policy violation.

Violations will result in the sanctions listed below for positive drug tests. A coach may impose additional sanctions related to team activities. 

 

FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT – THC 

Although THC will no longer be tested for as part of the randomized institutional testing, student-athletes may be subject to suspicion-based testing in an effort to identify problematic use.  The goal of this testing is to provide resources and support for student-athletes that may struggle with dependence with the goal of helping to decrease the long-term impact from misuse and/or abuse of THC. 

 

NOTIFCIATION

1. The student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics, Head Coach, Head Athletic Trainer and designated Associate Athletics Director. The student-athlete may request a copy of the test results at this time.
2. The student-athlete’s parent/guardian will also be notified following the initial student-athlete meeting.   A conference/video call will be arranged with the parent/guardian, the student-athlete, Director of Athletics, Head Coach and the designated Associate Athletics Director. The student-athlete may appeal notification of parents by submitting reasons in writing to the Director of Athletics. 

 

SANCTIONS PROCESS

1. The student-athlete will be required to have a screening performed by the AOD Services office at Grand Valley State University.  During an AOD screening, the student’s needs, level of care, and treatment or educational options will be explored. The student-athlete will be asked to confirm with the designated Associate Athletics Director when they have set up an appointment with AOD Services.  Attendance at this screening will be shared back with the  designated Associate Athletics Director.  Recommendations and suggestions provided by AOD Services will be used in determining reinstatement of eligibility for participation in intercollegiate athletics.
2. The student-athlete shall be required to participate in an education and support effort as determined and coordinated by AOD Services. Such effort may include individual education, cohort participation, counseling and/or referral for treatment as deemed appropriate by AOD Services. Costs for outside assessment and/or referral for treatment by a substance abuse professional shall be borne by the student-athlete. In addition, the student-athlete will set up bi-weekly sessions with the designated Associate Athletics Director.
3. Any student-athlete who tests positive for a THC may engage in the practice of restorative justice at the discretion of OSCCR.  As defined by Howard Zehr " Restorative justice is a process to involve, to the extent possible, those who have a stake in the specific offense and to collectively identify and address harms, needs, and obligations, in order to heal and put things as right as possible." Restorative Justice is not punitive, and in this, it allows for people to make mistakes, learn from them, and still feel they are a valuable member of their community. (Sourced from the Office of Conduct and Conflict Resolution website)
4. A student-athlete who has tested positive for THC, completed all interventions through the AOD Services program, and returned to participation may be subjected to subsequent testing as a condition of maintaining their eligibility in GVSU sports.
5. Failure to participate in the interventions will result in additional suspension or dismissal from the intercollegiate athletic program, which carries a loss of athletic related aid.

 

SECOND POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC

1. NOTIFICATION AND SANCTIONS outlined under the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC will be in effect.
2. In alignment with NCAA Bylaw 18.4.1.4.3.1, a student athlete who tests positive for THC (and only THC) for a second time can avoid loss of participation if they engage in additional educational and support efforts through the AOD office as long as the initial educational and support efforts from their first positive drug test where completed. However, the student-athlete will be withheld from 25% of regular-season contests (see suspension table) if they were not compliant with the original education and support plan.
   1. The suspension will carry over to the next championship season or sport in the case of a multi-sport athlete.  The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
3. Return to participation will follow those procedures listed in the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC section.

 

THIRD POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC

1. NOTIFICATION AND SANCTIONS outlined under the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC will be in effect.
2. In alignment with NCAA bylaw 18.4.1.4.3.2, a student athlete who tests positive for THC (and only THC) can avoid loss of participation if they engage in additional educational and support efforts through the AOD office as long as the initial educational and support efforts from their first positive drug test where completed. However, the student-athlete will be withheld from 50% of regular-season contests (see suspension table) if they were not compliant with the original education and support plan.
   1. The suspension will carry over to the next championship season or sport in the case of a multi-sport athlete.  The Director of Athletics will determine the implementation of this suspension.
3. Return to participation will follow those procedures listed in the FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC section.

 

FOURTH POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT - THC

The student-athlete will be immediately and permanently dismissed from participation in Grand Valley State Athletics and athletic aid will be cancelled. 

 

NOTE on NCAA Drug Tests: 

If the student-athlete tests positive on GVSU drug test and within the same sport season also tests positive for the same NCAA drug, this positive test does not result in an additional positive drug test under the GVSU Drug Testing Policy UNLESS the concentration of the banned substance is higher than the GVSU administered drug test.  A positive NCAA drug test for any banned substance will result in a mandatory one-year suspension from the NCAA with a required negative drug test administered by the NCAA at the end of the suspension.

 

SECTION 10: ALCOHOL POLICY

The misuse and/or abuse of alcohol has been known to be an issue on college campuses. It is the goal of the GVSU Athletics Department that student athletes receive education on alcohol related issues such as legality, effects of use on performance, and characteristics of alcohol misuse and/or abuse. Issues related to the effects of alcohol in social and relationship settings will be conveyed as well. 

 

POLICY VIOLATION

The first time a student-athlete is found to have violated GVSU’s Student Code: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities related to alcohol, as well as if they are charged with a civil infraction related to underage use of alcohol, a policy violation will not be triggered, however the student-athlete will be required to complete the sanctions as outlined by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).

A subsequent civil infraction charge, a subsequent GVSU Student Code alcohol/drug related policy violation, or any alcohol related misdemeanor (Kent County, Ottawa County, State of Michigan), will trigger a policy violation.

Violations will result in the sanctions listed above for a first positive THC drug test. A coach may impose additional sanctions related to team activities. 

 

SECTION 11: APPEAL PROCESS

Student-athletes who are found to be in violation of this policy and/or are suspended from participation or dismissed from intercollegiate athletics may appeal that decision to the Drug & Alcohol Policy Violation Review Board (DAPVRB).

• The student-athlete must submit written documentation to the Athletic Director stating the specific grounds for the appeal within three days of notification of a positive drug test. 
• If the Athletic Director approves the grounds for the appeal, they will schedule the DAPVRB to convene within 7 business days. 
• The Athletic Director will distribute copies of the appeal, evidence, or position paper to the members of the DAPVRB at least 48-hours prior to the DAPVRB meeting.  Grounds for appeal may include the following:

1. Validity of Test Results
   1. Upon notification of the positive test, the student-athlete, who disputes the test result may request the sample provided. 
   2. If the student-athlete wishes to choose another laboratory for re-testing, permission to do so must be gained from the Director of Athletics prior to the sample being tested. Such approval by the Director of Athletics shall be contingent upon said laboratory meeting the same accredited standards as described under the “TESTING” section above.
2. Procedural Questions
   1.  If the University fails to abide by the procedures set forth in this document, a student-athlete may appeal the sanctions.
3.  Availability of New Evidence
   1. If the student-athlete can provide evidence as to the legitimate use of a banned substance or additional evidence that would affect the alcohol related misdemeanor charge, he or she may appeal the sanctions.

 

SECTION 12: DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY VIOLATION REVIEW BOARD (DAPVRB)

The DAPVRB shall be comprised of three GVSU employees. The NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative, a staff member from OSCCR or AOD Services, and a third at-large member from the GVSU campus community.  

The selection of individuals to serve on the DAPVRB list will be based upon their familiarity with intercollegiate athletics and/or expertise in drug/alcohol abuse issues.

Prior to appearing before the DAPVRB, the student-athlete will be given the opportunity to present to the Board a position paper for the Board’s review. At the hearing, both parties will have an opportunity to present their position to the Board members. A decision by the DAPVRB shall be presented to the Athletic Department and the student-athlete not more than two) business days following the student athlete’s appearance before them.

The decisions made by the DAVPRB are final. At the discretion of the DAPVRB, the student-athlete may be reinstated for participation. This decision may involve further drug testing. There will be no other means of appeal.

 

SECTION 13: PROCEDURE

DOCUMENTION

Annually, prior to participation in intercollegiate athletics, each student-athlete will:

1. Be given the opportunity to review a copy of the policy and procedures for the GVSU Intercollegiate Athletics Drug & Alcohol Policy.  See the policy on Written Notification of the Drug Testing and Education Program for details. 
2. Have the Drug Testing Program explained by the designated Associate Athletics Director (Compliance and/or Student-Athlete Engagement & Development).  Questions about the program shall be encouraged. 
3. Sign the Grand Valley State University Drug Testing Consent Form for collecting and testing of fluid specimen and authorizing limited release of information. This consent form is not a substitute for the NCAA Drug Testing Consent Form.  

 

TESTING PROCEDURE

Selection of the student-athletes who will be tested will be conducted in the following manner:

1. The Director of Athletics or their designee will determine the actual dates and times for testing the student-athletes.
2. A testing roster is obtained from a random list generator with representatives from each individual team being tested. Each team will have a percentage of their student-athletes tested. 
3. The Director of Athletics or their designee will notify the Head Coach via email of all student-athletes selected for testing. The Head Coach will be provided with the student-athlete’s name, date, time, and location of the test.
4. The Head Coach will notify the student-athlete in writing via email or text message that they have been selected for participation in the Grand Valley State University drug testing process. The Head Coach will inform the student-athlete of the date, time, and location of the testing. The Head Coach will also inform the drug testing designee an accurate contact phone number for the student-athletes selected for testing. 
5. The student-athlete will:
   1. Confirm in writing with their respective head coach understanding of the testing notification.
   2. Report to the testing site at a designated time with photo ID.
   3. Complete the drug testing form at the time of testing.
   4. Select a sealed collection container, provide a specimen, and securely seal.
6. The Athletic Training Staff will: 
   1. Confirm the attendance of all student-athletes selected for testing. If a student-athlete is not present, a member of the athletic training staff will attempt to contact the student-athlete with the contact number provided by the head coach. 
   2. Ensure the validity of the sample at the time it is provided.
   3. Ensure the specific gravity of the specimen is within an acceptable range to be tested. If not within the valid range of specific gravity, the student-athlete will remain at the testing site until an adequate sample is provided. 
   4. Seal the container for delivery to the lab under the supervision of the student-athlete.
   5. Ensure the secure delivery of the samples to the airfreight carrier for transport to the Certified Testing Lab.
   6. The Testing Lab will process the samples and provide written notification of results to the Director of Athletics and/or Associate Athletics Director/Medical Services.
   7. The Director of Athletics and/or the Head Athletic Trainer will review the results of the drug testing.
   8. Those student-athletes who test positive will be notified of their results. 

 

REPORTING OF RESULTS/CONFIDENTIALITY

The laboratory shall promptly report all test results to the Head Athletic Trainer, who shall review such results.  

In the event of a positive drug test result, the Director of Athletics or designee shall notify the student-athlete and explain to them the test results. The student-athlete will be given the opportunity to retest immediately (see APPEAL PROCESS).  

The accuracy and confidentiality of the test results shall be maintained among the testing laboratory, the Director of Athletics, Designated Associate Athletics Directors, the Head Athletic Trainer, the head coach and student-athlete.

In certain circumstances, and with the knowledge and consent of the student athlete, the results of drug testing conducted pursuant to this policy may also be communicated to the following University personnel in addition to the Director of Athletics, Head Athletic Trainer, designated Associate Athletics Director, and head coach: the Team Physician, representatives of AOD Services, University Counseling Center (UCC), Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (OSSCR), Associate AD – Compliance, Associate AD – Athletics Healthcare, Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Laker Academic Success Center (LASC) Director, Director of Student-Athlete Experience, members of the Drug and Alcohol Policy Violation Review Board, (DAPVRB), any designee of the foregoing and, if required by NCAA Bylaws, to the NCAA.                                                                                                                                                          

The staff of the Athletic Department is committed to providing the best possible experience for all student-athletes. It is in this spirit that we have instituted this policy.  If you have any questions about this policy or about references made in this policy, you should feel free to contact the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Engagement & Development or your head coach to discuss your questions.

PURPOSE

As participants in NCAA Division II athletics, student athletes at Grand Valley State University should be aware of the potential hazards of nutritional supplement use. Most nutritional supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore are not required to list all ingredients contained in the supplement. Student athletes at GVSU should be aware of the potentially dangerous issues with taking a supplement such as allergies and/or interactions with other medications and the risk of failing an NCAA or Institutional drug test. It is the student athlete’s responsibility, and theirs alone, to know what they are putting into their body.

POLICY

GVSU Athletics Department recommends avoidance of nutritional supplement use, including energy drinks, and promotes a food-first approach in alignment the NCAA.

PROCEDURE

If the student athlete chooses to use supplements, they are strongly encouraged to visit the Drug Free Sport website (https://axis.drugfreesport.com/login / password ncaa2) and follow the instructions to submit a question about the nutritional supplement. This is recommended to do prior to taking any nutritional supplement as its important to note that the NCAA does not put out an exhaustive list of banned substances so there is no definitive way of knowing if the substance is legal according to the NCAA Drug Testing Policy. The staff at Drug Free Sport will respond to the request and include how each listed supplement ingredient will affect a drug test. If a staff athletic trainer is aware of the inquiry a copy of the response will be uploaded into the student-athletes electronic medical record. Please direct questions to the athletic trainer assigned to your team or the Head Athletic Trainer.

DISCIPLINE

A failed NCAA drug test due to supplement use, will result in one-year suspension and loss of one year’s eligibility. A failed institutional drug test due to supplement use, will follow the sanctions outlined in the GVSU Intercollegiate Athletics Drug & Alcohol Policy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines related to the monitoring of body weight and composition, as well as evaluation of appropriate weight. The GVSU Athletics Department is committed to the promotion of health, safety, and performance by preventing behaviors that jeopardize a student athlete’s wellbeing.

DEFINITION

Weight: for the purpose of this policy the term “weights” will include the process of taking weights on a scale, body composition assessment, circumference measurement or any other type of body size assessment. 

POLICY

There is no definite link between body weight or composition and performance. A lower percent body fat or weight does not always correlate with improved performance and can, in fact, lead to a decrease in performance as well as an increased risk for injury and/or illness.

Without the proper knowledge of how to lose or gain weight appropriately, the student athlete may resort to unhealthy behaviors with significant health consequences. (e.g., eating disorders, anabolic steroid use, illicit drug use, etc.). Weight does not change rapidly unless the individual is ill, severely restricting intake, dehydrated, binge eating, and/or using anabolic steroids or other ergogenic agents.

Weighing student athletes, punishment for lack of weight-control and linking weight to performance can lead to pathogenic weight control behaviors, disordered eating, and ultimately, eating disorders. Furthermore, body dissatisfaction and dieting are often precursors to disordered eating. Disordered eating patterns can negatively impact a student-athlete's mental and physical well-being and ultimately their athletic performance. Any frequency of weigh-ins can encourage "competitive thinness," in which student athletes try to be thinner than their teammates. Weighing also communicates that weight is more important than things like eating for training, sleeping regularly, hydrating, and recovery. 

Coaches can have a tremendous influence on student athletes, and should be conscious of their attitudes, behaviors, and language that directly or indirectly contribute to the onset of unhealthy eating behaviors and/or lifestyles. It is therefore extremely important that a standard approach to weight management and body composition testing be implemented.

PROCEDURE 

1. When necessary, student athlete weights will only be taken at physicals or at medical appointments by medical professionals, GVSU Athletics Licensed Athletic Trainers or a GVSU Dietitian. Body weight of student athletes shall be treated the same as other personal and confidential medical information. 
2. Coaches and their staff shall not conduct weigh-ins, nor shall they bring in any individuals, groups or other departments to measure weights on student athletes, including but not limited to the GVSU Exercise Science Department without coordinating such activity through their athletic medicine staff.
3. Coaches and their staff shall not disseminate weight loss advice or apply external pressure on student athletes to lose or gain weight. Coaches and their staff should not ask student-athletes to report their weight or set target weights without coordinating through athletic medicine staff. 
4. If there is concern regarding a particular student athlete’s weight gain or loss, this can be assessed by a sports dietitian, along with the athletic medicine staff (team physician, athletic trainer). Coaches are encouraged to discuss these concerns with a dietitian and athletic medicine staff.
5. If there is a request for student athletes to take part in a research study involving weights, these requests must first be approved by the Associate Athletic Director – Athletics Healthcare. If approved, participation in these studies will be optional.
6. EXCEPTION: in the sport of wrestling, coaches will abide by the NCAA Weight Management Program Overview for guidance and rules surrounding safe weight loss and weighing practices.
7. EXCEPTION: in the sport of pole vault, coaches will monitor weight to properly select equipment (i.e. pole).  In this situation, weighing should only serve as a direction for equipment safety and should not result in recommendations for weight loss or weight gain.
8. EXCEPTION: in the sport of football, weighing will occur during pre-season as a standard practice for monitoring body composition and managing hydration.

 

 

PURPOSE

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its student-athletes.  To this end and in accordance with NCAA legislation the Grand Valley State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has established the following Concussion Safety Protocol.  

POLICY

Any student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be removed from practice or competition and evaluated by an athletics health care provider with experience in the diagnosis, treatment and initial management of acute concussion.  Additionally, student athletes diagnosed with a concussion or suspected concussion will not return to activity for the remainder of that day. Final determination of unrestricted return-to-sport is from the team physician or medically qualified physician designee. 

DEFINITIONS

Sport-Related Concussion (SRC): There is no uniform definition of concussion. The Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, which resulted from the 6th international conference on concussion in sport, defines sport-related concussion as follows: 

Sport-related concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain that occurs in sports and exercise-related activities. This initiates a neurotransmitter and metabolic cascade, with possible axonal injury, blood flow change and inflammation affecting the brain. Symptoms and signs may present immediately, or evolve over minutes or hours, and commonly resolve within days, but may be prolonged. 

No abnormality is seen on standard structural neuroimaging studies (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging T1- and T2-weighted images), but in the research setting, abnormalities may be present on functional, blood flow or metabolic imaging studies. Sport-related concussion results in a range of clinical symptoms and signs that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. The clinical symptoms and signs of concussion cannot be explained solely by (but may occur concomitantly with) drug, alcohol, or medication use, other injuries (such as cervical injuries, peripheral vestibular dysfunction) or other comorbidities (such as psychological factors or coexisting medical conditions).  

Independent Medical Care: as required by the NCAA Independent Medical Care legislation, team physicians and athletics trainers shall have unchallengeable autonomous authority to determine concussion management and return to activity decisions for all student athletes.  

Present: for the purpose of this protocol to be present means to be on site at the campus or arena of the competition.  Grand Valley State University will ensure that such personnel will be GVSU staff, opposing team staff or contracted independently for the event.

Available: for the purpose of this protocol to be available means that, at a minimum, athletics healthcare personnel can be contacted at any time during the practice via telephone, messaging, or other immediate communication means.  Further, the case can be discussed through such communication and immediate arrangements can be made for the athlete to be evaluated. 

PROCEDURE

Venue Emergency Action Procedures (EAP)

Venue emergency action procedures are electronically available on the Athletics Staff Education and Trainings Website (restricted to GVSU employee) and GVSU Athletics – Student Athlete Health & Performance (public).  They are also posted at each athletic venue on-campus.  There is a specific procedure for each practice and competition venue used by all varsity athletic teams.  These procedures will be reviewed/practiced with athletics healthcare staff and coaches annually.

Catastrophic Injury Emergency Response Plans

There are emergency response plans outlining the procedure for handling catastrophic injuries and illnesses, including concussion.  These response plans will be reviewed with the athletics healthcare staff annually in conjunction with the team physicians and medical director. 

Health Care Plan

The GVSU Athletic Training Staff will follow the protocol established in the Medical Bill Payments Policy to ensure all student athletes have equitable and appropriate access to team physicians and affiliated consulting physicians as needed for injuries and illnesses incurred during participation in varsity intercollegiate athletics.  

Pre-season Education

NCAA concussion fact sheets will be provided to coaches, student athletes, team physicians, athletic trainers with an opportunity to discuss concussion educational materials including The Concussion Safety Protocol.  Each of those individuals will provide acknowledgement that these materials were provided, reviewed, and they were given the opportunity to ask questions to enhance understanding of the concussion related educational materials.  Each student athlete will sign the Injury/Illness Reporting Agreement prior to participation.

Pre-participation Medical Exam:

Documentation that each student athlete has received a pre-participation concussion assessment that addresses brain injury and concussion history, neurologic disorder, mental health symptoms and disorders, symptom evaluation, cognitive assessment and balance evaluation will be recorded. This assessment assumed individualized medical care, which means: Each student athlete and each injury are different. Depending on the severity of prior injuries, the number of concussions, other individual concerns and based on the developing state of science, the team physician/primary health care provider should review each athlete’s history and consider discussing with the student-athlete concerns about concussion and repetitive head impact as warranted, including potential risks and benefits from playing sport. Such discussion allows the athlete to make an informed decision about their participation in sport.  Specific clearance or need for additional consultation or testing will be determined by a team physician and will consider a new baseline concussion assessment at six months or beyond for any NCAA student-athlete with a documented concussion, especially those with complicated or multiple concussion history.

Baseline Testing

All student athletes will have a baseline assessment recorded. These assessments will include baseline neurocognitive testing and balance testing.  Importantly, baseline testing may inform post-injury evaluation; however, student-athletes who have suffered a concussion may perform at the same level or even better than their baseline testing, as motivation and other factors may differ in post-concussion testing. Ultimately, baseline testing serves as one of many potential factors in making a clinical decision.

Recognition and Diagnosis of Concussion:

Medical/athletics healthcare personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment and initial management of acute concussion must be present at all NCAA competitions in the following GVSU sponsored contact/collision sports: baseball, basketball, diving, football, lacrosse, pole vault, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

Medical/athletics healthcare personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment and initial management of acute concussion must be available at all NCAA practices in the following GVSU sponsored contact/collision sports: baseball, basketball, diving, football, lacrosse, pole vault, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

Any student-athlete that exhibits or reports signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with concussion:

• Must be removed from practice or competition for evaluation.
• Must be evaluated by an athletic trainer or team physician (or physician designee) with concussion experience.
• Allow ample time (e.g., 10-15 minutes) when conducting a multi-modal screen (e.g., SCAT6) to evaluate a potential concussion. 
• Must be removed from practice/play for that calendar day if concussion is confirmed or suspected.
• May only return to play the same day if the athletic trainer, team physician (or physician designee) determines that concussion is no longer suspected after evaluation. Even in such cases, consider next day follow-up assessment because initial symptoms may not appear for several hours.

Examples of signs that warrant immediate removal from the field include actual or suspected loss of consciousness, seizure, tonic posturing, ataxia, poor balance, confusion, behavioral changes, amnesia.

Initial Management of Suspected Concussion

Any student athlete who is suspected to have sustained a concussion or who is exhibiting or complaining of concussion-like symptoms will be evaluated using standard concussion management protocols and may include a multimodal evaluation as clinically indicated such as:

• Clinical assessment to rule out cervical spine trauma, skull fracture, intercranial bleed and/or other catastrophic injury. 
• Symptom assessment (SCAT6 or Sway)
• Balance exam (modified BESS as part of SCAT6 or Sway)
• Physical and neurological exam (SCAT6)
• Cognitive function (SCAT6 and/or Sway)

A student-athlete must be immediately removed from play and assessed for possible transport to a local hospital/trauma center when any of the following signs/symptoms/behaviors are present:

• • Neck pain or tenderness.
  • Seizure or convulsion.
  • Double vision.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Weakness or tingling/burning in more than one arm or in the legs.
  • Deteriorating conscious state.
  • Vomiting.
  • Severe or increasing headache.
  • Increasingly restless, agitated or combative. 
  • Glasgow Coma Scale Score <15.
  • Visible deformity of the skull.

Anyone found to have a concussion will be referred to a team physician within 48 hours of the injury.  The team physician’s evaluation should consider additional diagnoses including post-concussion syndrome, sleep dysfunction, migraine or headache disorders, mental health symptoms, ocular dysfunction, cervical and vestibular dysfunction, cognitive impairment and autonomic dysfunction including orthostatic intolerance and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and pain.

Post-concussion Management:

The student-athlete will be sent home with instructions listing signs and symptoms and what to do if their condition worsens. Instructions will be avaiable to a roommate or other responsible party that can monitor and follow the instructions. 

Because symptoms may evolve or manifest over time, for all suspected or diagnosed concussions, there will be in place a mechanism for serial evaluation of the student-athlete off-field the same day and up to 72 hours./

The subacute (three days to weeks post-injury) management plan includes a mechanism for evaluation and monitoring of the following: 

• Symptom evaluation.
• Immediate and delayed memory.
• Concentration.
• Orthostatic vital signs.
• Cervical spine assessment.
• Neurological evaluation.
• Balance and tandem gait assessment.
• Modified VOMS.

In addition, the subacute management plan may consider evaluating for the following, as clinically indicated:

• Screen for fear, anxiety or depression or other mental health issues.
• Screen for sleep disturbance.
• Graded aerobic exercise testing.

Consideration of symptom-limited, light aerobic physical activity within 24-48 hours (e.g., walking).

Consideration of reduced screen use in the first 48 hours after injury. 

Follow-up neurocognitive testing will be done as directed by the team physician. 

Other evaluation tools including balance assessment will be used as directed by the team physician.  

Student athletes who are not showing improvement for 2 weeks or without symptom resolution for 4 weeks post-concussion will follow-up with the GVSU Team Physician for possible referral to a speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, counselor/therapist, neuropsychologist, or combination of those specialties. Likewise, if the GVSU Team Physician deems appropriate at time of initial evaluation the student athlete may also be referred to any of the specialties listed above.

The management of a concussion or suspected concussion will be documented in the student athletes’ medical record. This will also include medical clearance notes from the team physician, when appropriate. 

Return to Learn Management:

The vast majority of young adults have a full return-to-learn with no additional academic support by 10 days post-injury. Complete rest and isolation should be avoided, even during the initial 24-48 hours post-injury. Relative rest is important in the first 24 hours. For those student-athletes with persisting symptoms a more formal plan may be in order.

On a case-by-case basis, there may be a need to convene a Return to Learn Team. With the associate athletics director – athletics healthcare as the point person. 

The Return to Learn Team will consist of: 

• Associate AD – Athletics Healthcare
• the Staff Athletic Trainer working with the injured student athlete
• the Head Athletic Trainer
• a representative of the Laker Academic Center
• the Team Physician involved in the care of the student athlete
• the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR)
• the instructors of the injured student athlete’s courses
• the Head Coach of the student athlete’s team
• the Director of Student Accessibility Resources (SAR)
• a psychologist or licensed mental health practitioner (as needed)
• a neuropsychologist consultant (as needed)

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 shall be considered throughout this process. All parties will understand the student athlete will not attend classes on the day of the concussion. An individualized plan will be developed for each injury and if needed a recommendation to remain at home until light cognitive activity is tolerable can be made. The plan also should allow for a gradual return to classroom learning as tolerated.  The staff athletic trainer and the student athlete will work with Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) to arrange for academic accommodations when deemed necessary and appropriate.  There should be a re-evaluation by the team physician if concussion symptoms worsen with the introduction of academic challenges. The team will allow for the modification of academic activity for up to 3 weeks as indicated, directed by the point person. 

A re-evaluation will be performed by the team physician and the members of the return to learn team as needed for a student athlete with symptoms longer than 2 weeks. Campus resources will be enlisted for cases that cannot be managed through schedule modifications and academic accommodations including learning specialists and Student Accessbility Resources (SAR).

Return to Sport Management:

Unrestricted return-to-sport should not occur prior to unrestricted return-to-learn for concussions diagnosed while the student-athlete is enrolled in classes.  Final determination of unrestricted return-to-sport will be made by a/team physician or their medically qualified designee following implementation of an individualized, supervised stepwise progression management plan that includes:/ 

Step 1. Symptom-limited activities of daily living.

Step 2. Aerobic exercise with light resistance training as tolerated [no more than mild or brief (<1 hour) exacerbation of symptoms]. 

            2a. Light (up to approximately 55% maximum heart rate); then

            2b. Moderate (up to approximately 70% maximum heart rate).

Step 3. Individual sport-specific exercise and activity without any increased risk of inadvertent head impact exposure.

Proceed to step 4 only after resolution of signs and symptoms related to the current concussion, including with and after physical exertion.

Step 4. Non-contact practice with progressive resistance training.  

Step 5. Unrestricted practice or training (cannot be game or competition)

Step 6. Unrestricted return-to-sport. 

The above stepwise progression will be supervised by a health care provider with expertise in concussion, with it being typical for each step in the progression to last at least 24 hours. 

 

NOTE: /If at any point the student-athlete becomes symptomatic (more symptomatic than baseline), the team physician or physician designee will be notified, and adjustments will be made to the return-to-sport progression. * For example, testing stops with an increase of more than 2 points on a 0-to-10-point scale when compared with the pre-exercise resting value. 

The return to sport progression will be documented in the student athletes’ health record. This will also include medical clearance notes from the team physician, when appropriate. 

Reducing Exposure to Head Trauma:

Grand Valley State University is committed to protecting the health of and providing a safe environment for each of its participating NCAA student-athletes. To this end and in accordance with NCAA association-wide policy, Grand Valley will reduce student-athlete head impact exposure in a manner consistent with Interassociation Recommendations: Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death in Collegiate Athletes  and Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6^thInternational Conference on Concussion in Sport .   For example: 

• Teams will adhere to existing ethical standards in all practices and competitions. 
• Using playing or protective equipment (including the helmet) as a weapon will be prohibited during all practices and competitions. 
• Deliberately inflicting injury on another player will be prohibited in all practices and competitions.
• All playing and protective equipment (including helmets), as applicable, will meet relevant equipment safety standards and related certification requirements. 
• Student-athletes will be instructed to keep the head out of blocking and tackling in contact/collision, helmeted practices, and competitions.
• Grand Valley State University will emphasize education of proper technique to reduce head impact exposure for all contact and collision sports, with a special emphasis in the pre-season.
• Grand Valley State University will adhere to policies and rules in sport that limit the number and duration of contact practices and activities in contact-collision sports.
• Consideration of participation in neuromuscular training warm-up programs.

 

 

Concussion Home Care Instructions:

1. Your initial evaluation is consistent with the signs and symptoms of a concussion. It did not reveal an injury requiring immediate medical care, but it is possible for more serious symptoms to develop later on (2 or more days).  You should have someone with you for the next 24 hours, if possible, in case your symptoms worsen.  You should be checked for the symptoms listed below after waking.
2. You should not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery for the next 24 hours.
3. You will be referred to a physician within the first 48 hours post injury. 
4. Rest for the next 12-24 hours. If you are tired you can sleep as long as you would like.  It is possible you may have symptoms worsen with “screen time”, phone, computer or television use. School work may also increase your symptoms. Your instructors will be notified of your condition through a memo supplied by the GVSU Student Accessibility Resources (SAR), after you request accommodations.  If you have been told to avoid class attendance do so, but contact your instructors at your earliest convenience.  You may not resume practice or any physical activities until an athletic trainer or physician rechecks you.
5. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 4-6 hours for pain. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or stronger pain relievers.  Do not drink alcohol during this period.

Call an athletic trainer or go to the emergency room if there is:

1. Inability to answer simple questions (Examples:  What day is it?  What is your name?  What happened to you?  Where are you?)
2. Increases headache or inability to wake up completely.
3. Pupils which are dilated, unequal in size, or don’t react to light
4. Blurred vision/double vision
5. Stumbling or other problems with balance or walking
6. Excessive vomiting
7. Behavior that is outside of your normal character.
8. Weakness or odd sensations in arms or legs
9. Any discharge from ears or nose
10. Convulsions/seizures – CALL AMBULANCE
11. Slurred speech

 

Numbers to Call:                                      

Jim Winkler                                                                              616.331.3476

Toby Blosser                                                                            616.331.3140

Emily Aaron                                                                             616.331.3640

Laylah Ali                                                                                 616.331.3514

Teagan Shomin                                                                        616.331.3153

Tom Miller                                                                                 616.331.2157

Nick Stevens                                                                            616.331.3029

Anthony Polazzo                                                                     616.331.3252

Julia Genovesi                                                                         616.331.0074

Ambulance                                                                               911

 

This workflow is intended for use when accommodation need is evident following the evaluation OR the student athlete’s academics/class attendance has been or will be impacted by their concussion .

STEP #1: Staff Athletic Trainer sends timely email communication to the following members of the Return to Learn Team:

Myesha Gholston – Director of Laker Academic Success Center ([email protected])

Student Accessibility Resources ([email protected])

Jayne Fraley-Burgett, Director of Student Accessibility Resources ([email protected])

Coleman Brott, Student Accessibility Resources Assistant ([email protected])

Gretchen Goodman – Athletics Health Care Administrator ([email protected])

Jim Winkler – Head Athletic Trainer ([email protected])

Head Coach of Team

Student-Athlete

Email is to be titled “CONCUSSION – IMMEDIATE”, please include in the body of the email: G NUMBER, treating TEAM PHYSICIAN’S NAME, CELL PHONE NUMBER of the student student-athlete and SIGNED RELEASE AND/OR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION form.

STEP #2: Application request for accommodations, use the link below:

https://gvsu-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/

Fill the request out immediately in the presence of the AT or completed by the AT if the student student-athlete is unable to complete due to aggravation of concussion symptoms.

•If the student-athlete has previously registered with SAR for accommodations, they do not need to fill out a new application.

STEP #3: Student-athlete will be contacted by Student Accessibility Resources for an appointment with an advisor within the next 24 hours. SAR will contact the student-athlete by email and phone number listed on application. A memo for professors will not be generated until the interactive meeting takes place with an advisor. The student-athlete may choose either phone, in-person or Zoom for a discussion.

Student athletes are encouraged to inform their professors that they will, if they haven’t already, be receiving a memo of accommodation from Student Accessibility Resources regarding their temporary disability and the need for accommodations. The student is responsible for giving it to their professor. This opens the lines of communication on expectations from both parties.

•The student-athlete will grant permission to release information to the return to learn team during their interactive meeting, and the SAR advisor will reply all to the notification email informing the Return to Learn Team of this privilege.

STEP #4: Following the interactive meeting, an individual memo is generated specific to the student-athletes needs, and the SAR advisor will forward a copy of the memo to all the individuals listed on the original notification email. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to share with professors or athletics due to confidentiality. Temporary accommodations can include any of the following:

• Modified Attendance Due to Condition

• Extended time (1.5 times) with Limited Distractions

• Extended time (1.5 times) with Separate Location & a Reader

• Computer Usage

• Frequent Breaks

• Notetaking Technology

• Hat/Sunglass Wear in Class

STEP #5: The staff athletic trainer will upload the memo to the patient chart in the EMR.

STEP #6: The staff athletic trainer will email the individuals in the original notification email to notify them that the concussion has resolved, student-athlete has return to athletic participation and there is no longer a need for classroom accommodations.

If the need for accommodations crosses over into the next semester, the staff athlete trainer will need to ask for an extension by sending an email to the SAR office, titled “CONCUSSION – EXTENSION”.

If accommodations are required beyond the initial 3-weeks, documentation from a physician is required. That information can be delivered in person (215 The Blue Connection) or email ( [email protected] ). Accommodation extensions may be different after the initial 3-weeks.

PURPOSE

The athletic trainer(s) present (most practices) in coordination with the game administrator and game officials are responsible for terminating an athletic activity in the event of lightning or other severe weather. During outdoor activities, a primary responsibility of the athletic trainer(s) is to have the ability to make sound decisions on environmental factors affecting the safety and well-being of the athletes as well as others involved with the activity.

 

DEFINITION(S)

WeatherSentry Online: internet-based lightning detection & monitoring system. 

Flash/Bang Count: a method of measuring approximate distance of lightning in miles to your location. This method involves counting the number of seconds between the flash (lightning) and the bang (thunder) then dividing this number by five.  The average lightning bolt is six miles long, play needs to be suspended before the flash/bang count reaches 30 seconds.

Safe Structure: any building normally occupied or frequently used by people, i.e. a building with plumbing and/or electrical wiring that acts to electrically ground the structure.  This structure does not include: shower facilities, baseball/softball dugouts, outside storage shed and canopies/awnings/tents.

TABLE A: SAFE STRUCTURES

          Activity Location                                                              Primary Safe Location                                                    Secondary Safe Location

Lubbers Stadium/FB Practice Fields                                  Football Center/Laker Turf Building                                     Odie Weight Room or personal vehicles

            Tennis Courts                                                                    Laker Turf Building                                                           Personal vehicles or team bus

            Softball Field                                                                     Laker Turf Building                                                           Personal vehicles or team bus

           Baseball Field                                                           Clubhouse/Laker Turf Building                                                  Personal vehicles or team bus

   Soccer Field/East IM Field                                                         South Complex                                                                Personal vehicles or team bus

 Outdoor Track/Lacrosse Field                                                      South Complex                                                                Personal vehicles or team bus

     Cross Country Ski Hill                                                   Dorms – nearest to Parking Lot D                                              Personal vehicles or team bus

    Meadows Golf Course                                     Meadows Clubhouse or weather shelter on course                                  Personal vehicles or team bus

Lightning Safe Position: crouched on the ground with only the balls of the feet touching the ground, with arms wrapped around the knees and head lowered.

 

POLICY

1. The athletic trainer will communicate with the game administrator, the head coach and game official(s)/umpire(s) of the potential for lightning or severe weather and will recommend that all activities stop or be suspended when lightning has been detected within an eight-mile radius.
2. If the head coach is not present, the senior most member of the coaching staff will assume responsibility.
3. If a student athlete proceeds with their outside activity against the recommendation of the individual in charge to seek a safe shelter, the student athlete assumes all personal liability with regard to their safety and health.
4. If a coach and/or game official(s)/umpire(s) make the decision to continue to practice and/or continue with a game or other activity despite a WeatherSentry Online Directed Warning, the cancellation of classes and/or the verbal instructions by an athletic trainer or game administrator, they will be doing so against the recommendations of the Grand Valley State University Athletics Department and will be personally liable for any and all injuries. 

 

PROCEDURE

1. In the event of severe weather, the following measures will be taken by Grand Valley:
   • The athletic training staff will check the weather daily, prior to the practice or competition. Grand Valley State University will use the WeatherSentry Online system which will send text message alerts to the staff athletic training, game operations staff and sports administrators.  This system will be used for all practices and games on the campus of GVSU.
2. If the WeatherSentry Online system should not be working at any time, when lightning has been detected by the lightning detection device or thunder has been heard, the athletic trainer in charge will monitor the distance on the lightning detection device and/or keep track by the flash/bang count. 
3. When the Meadows sirens are used to close the golf course, ICA outdoor activities may consider suspension of activity based on the information available and the course or rate of speed of the storm.
4. The athletic trainer will be responsible for notifying the head coach, officials(s)/umpire(s) and game administrator (if present) of the lightning or severe weather.  The athletic trainer will recommend play be suspended at this time and shelter should be taken.
5. Any person who feels they are in danger of any lightning activity will have the right to leave the field or event site to seek safe shelter without fear of penalty or repercussion. 
6. If play is suspended due to severe weather, everyone (including observers) should seek shelter in the designated “safe structures” (listed in Table A). When in a safe structure stay away from corded telephone, electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, ham radio microphones, electric sockets, and plumbing.
7. In the absence of a “sturdy, frequently inhabited building” one may seek shelter in fully enclosed hardtop vehicles but should not touch the sides of the vehicles.
8. If no “safe structure” is available within reasonable distance, find a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch and assume a lightning safe position.  DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND!  Stay away from the tallest trees or objects (i.e. light poles or flag poles), metal objects (i.e. fences or bleachers), individual trees, standing pools of water and open fields.  Avoid being the highest object in a field.
9. Spectators will be directed by a PA Announcement to leave the venue and find a safe structure (most likely their vehicle).  
10. Any person who feels their hairs stand on end or skin tingle should immediately assume the lightning safe position.
11. Avoid using a landline telephone.  Cellular phones may be used in an emergency situation.
12. Resumption of Activities
    • Play will resume when the WeatherSentry Online system send the “all clear” text message, or if the DTN Weather Sentry System is not working, 30 minutes following the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder.  The athletic trainer will make this recommendation to the official(s)/umpire(s) during an official game.
    • Blue skies and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning.  Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the rain shaft and it does not have to be raining for lightning to strike.
13. Care of a Lightning-Strike Victim:
    • A lightning strike does not stay attached to the source therefore they DO NOT carry an electrical charge. It is safe to touch the victim to move them to a safe location and to render medical treatment.  Medical personnel should consider their own personal safety before venturing into a dangerous situation to render care.
    • Lightning-strike victims who show signs of cardiac or respiratory arrest need emergency help quickly.  CPR and AED use should begin immediately, if necessary.  Prompt, aggressive CPR has been highly effective for the survival of victims of lightning strikes. 
    • Victims should be assessed and treated for apnea, asystole, hypothermia, shock, fractures and burns.

PURPOSE

The following policy on environmental heat safety has been developed in accordance with the NATA Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illness (2015) and the Grand Valley State University Department of Athletic Training’s Purpose Statement to provide the highest quality student athlete centered health care.

 

DEFINITION(S)

Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): per the National Weather Service is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation).  Establishing WGBT guidelines that dictate modifications in activity (work: rest ratios, hydration breaks, equipment worn, length of practice) at given WBGT temperatures play a crucial role in helping to prevent external heat stroke.

Heat illness:  is closely associated with physical activity and its occurrence increases with a rise in temperature and relative humidity. It is usually classified in four categories: exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs), heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and external heat stroke (EHS).  Although most often occurring in hot, humid weather, heat illness can also occur with the absence of both heat and/or humidity. 

• Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps (EAMCs) : occur often during or after intense exercise as an acute, painful and involuntary muscle contraction. Contributing factors may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, altered neuromuscular control, fatigue or a combination of these factors.  Signs and symptoms typically include visible cramping, localized pain, dehydration, thirst, sweating or fatigue.  
• Heat Syncope: otherwise known as orthostatic dizziness often occurs in unfit or heat-acclimatized patients who stand for a long period of time in the heat especially when wearing a uniform or insulated clothing.  This is often associated with dehydration, venous pooling of blood, reduced cardiac filling or low blood pressure.  Heat syncope tends to occur within the first 5 days of unaccustomed heat exposure.  Signs and symptoms of heat syncope include dizziness, tunnel vision, pale or sweaty skin and decreased pulse rate.
• Heat Exhaustion : occurs most often in hot, humid conditions and causes an inability to continue exercise.  Heat exhaustion may be caused by dehydration, heavy sweating, cardiovascular insufficiency, and energy depletion and a body temp between 97-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive fatigue, faints, or collapses with minor cognitive changes (dizziness, headache, confusion).
• Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) : This condition is a product of both metabolic heat production and environmental heat load and occurs when the thermoregulatory system becomes overwhelmed due to excessive heat production or inhibited heat loss or both. EHS occurs when a core body temperature is elevated greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.  Rectal temperature thermometry is the method used to obtain an immediate and accurate measurement of core body temperature.  Signs and symptoms can include disorientation, confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, staggering, irritability, irrational or unusual behavior, apathy, aggressiveness, hysteria, delirium, collapse, loss of consciousness, and coma. In some cases, a lucid interval may be present; however, if EHS is present, the patient will likely deteriorate quickly.  Other signs and symptoms of EHS that may be present include dehydration, hot and wet skin, hypotension, and hyperventilation. This is a life-threatening condition and can be fatal unless promptly recognized and treated.

Practice:  the period of time that a participant engages in a coach-supervised, NCAA defined CARA session. Practices are timed from the time the players report to the practice or workout area until players leave that area. If a practice is interrupted for a weather-related reason, the “clock” on that practice will stop and will begin again when the practice resumes.

Conditioning Activities: include such things as weight training, wind-sprints, timed runs for distance, individual workouts etc., and may be a part of the practice time or included in “voluntary workouts.” 

Walk-Through: is not a part of the practice time regulation, and may last no longer than one hour. This activity may not include conditioning activities or contact drills. No protective equipment may be worn during a walk-through, and no full-speed drills may be held.

Rest Break: may not be combined with any other type of activity and players must be given unlimited access to hydration. These breaks must be held in a “cool zone” where players are out of direct sunlight.

 

POLICY

Athletics staff must follow the department policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts (including during the summer) in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity that will be presented to each head coach at the beginning of each season and explained to all players. The policy shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:

(1) The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels

(2) The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels 

(3) The heat/humidity levels that will result in practice being terminated 

 

PROCEDURE

GVSU Athletic Trainers will be notified via text by the GVSU Weather Monitoring Station when the WBGT reaches each critical levels listed below.  Athletic Trainers will notify coaches and institute the recommended break guidelines.

 

WBGT ACTIVITY GUIDELINES AND REST BREAK GUIDELINES

<  82.0: Normal Activities - Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour with a minimum duration of 3 minutes each during the workout.

82.1 - 86.9: Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise; watch at-risk players carefully. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour with a minimum duration of 4 minutes each.

87.0 - 89.9: Maximum practice time is 2 hours. For Football: players are restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice, and all protective equipment must be removed during conditioning activities. If the WBGT rises to this level during practice, players may continue to work out wearing football pants without changing to shorts. For All Sports: Provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour with a minimum duration of 4 minutes each. 

90.0 - 92.0: Maximum practice time is 1 hour. For Football: no protective equipment may be worn during practice, and there may be no conditioning activities. For All Sports: There must be 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed throughout the hour of practice. 

Over 92.1: No outdoor workouts. Delay practice until a cooler WBGT level is reached.

Be sure to monitor WBGT readings indoors when outdoor activities are cancelled.

 

TREATMENT OF HEAT ILLNESS

The Athletic Training Department will treat heat illness by recognizing its signs and symptoms, understanding the causes of heat illness, and taking the necessary measures to ensure an efficient and safe recovery for the student-athlete. 

• Exercise-Associated Muscle (Heat) Cramps: The immediate treatment for acute EAMCs related to muscle overload or fatigue is rest and passive static stretching of the affected muscle until cramps abate. Icing, massage, or both may also help relieve some of the discomfort after EAMCs. For EAMCs related to excessive sweating and a suspected whole-body sodium deficit, the patient must ingest sodium-containing fluids (preferably) or foods (or both) to help return the body to normal fluid, electrolyte, and energy distribution. 
• Exercise (Heat) Exhaustion: Remove any excess clothing and equipment that prevents evaporation of the skin surface.  The patient should be moved to a cool or shaded area and cooled by ice towels or other means available.  While monitoring vital signs, the patient should be placed in supine position with legs elevated above the heart to promote venous return.  Following an episode of heat exhaustion, serial monitoring of specific gravity should occur.  
• Exertional Heat Stroke: the primary goal is to lower core body temperature to less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.   The patient’s body (trunk and extremities) should be quickly immersed in a pool or tub of cold water.  Removal of excess clothing and equipment will enhance cooling by maximizing the surface area of the skin, but can be time consuming so cold water immersion should not be delayed but rather removed while in the tub.  Rectal temperature, vital signs and cognitive function should be monitored during cooling every 5-10 minutes.  Continue cooling until the patient’s rectal temperature lowers to 102 degrees of Fahrenheit, transportation to the hospital via EMS can occur one the desired temperature has been achieved.  

 

PURPOSE

• To establish guidelines and a standard of care for all visiting athletic teams that are traveling without a licensed/certified athletic trainer.

POLICY

• In accordance with Michigan Public Health Code Sections 333.17901-333.17907 which sets the parameters for the practice of athletic training by those licensed in the state and GVSU Standards of Professional Practice AthleticTraining Staff members will assist any visiting team members with pre-game taping, basic first aid for pre-event participation and first aid during the game for acute injuries and emergencies. GVSU Athletic Training Staff memberswill not provide continuing care, rehabilitative services or make return to play decisions for visiting team studentathletes. In addition, if visiting team student athletes require taping, they must bring their own supplies and necessary materials.

PROCEDURE

• The appropriate staff athletic trainer will communicate with the team visiting GVSU, for the sports they are assigned,explaining emergency and medical services and what they can expect on their visit. These services will include first-aid. These services will not include continuing care for the purpose of long-term management of existing conditions oracute management of on-site injuries. GVSU Athletic Training Staff will not make return to play decisions for studentathletes from a visiting institution. Communication to the visiting team athletic trainer will be made prior to the Fall, Winter and Spring athletic seasons, most typically sent via email.

Section I: Health Insurance Coverage/Permissible Medical Expenses

1. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) provides secondary coverage for the student-athlete. GVSU is not an insurance carrier. GVSU will follow the requirements of the student-athlete’s primary healthinsurance. GVSU may pay for any balance remaining, including deductibles and co-payments, after thestudent-athlete’s primary insurance has settled a claim. This coverage begins only after an insurance claim issettled by the student-athlete’s primary insurance.
2. The NCAA rules governing medical expenses apply to GVSU and all other member institutions.GVSU’s policies specific to insurance coverage and medical expenses are consistent with a majority of the NCAA Division I and II sanctioned schools.  Student  athletes are  highly encouraged   to have medicalinsurance coverage for illness and injury not related to participation in intercollegiate athletics.
3. GVSU strives to provide the best routine medical care through the University Athletic TrainingStaff and Team Physicians/Medical Consultants. The risk of occasional injury is a part of athletic participation. There are circumstances when an injured student-athlete requires extensive diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, and/or rehabilitative services. GVSU will work to provide or secure qualityhealth care to all student-athletes.

 

Section II: Dissemination of Insurance Information

1. Medical Insurance Information must be on file with the Athletic Training Department prior to the student-athlete participating in intercollegiate athletics. This information must be completedentirely as a condition of eligibility. Insurance information must be completed and on file in the athleticdepartment prior to every year of participation. Participation in intercollegiate athletics will be restricted to only those student-athletes who have completed insurance information on file in the Athletic Trainingdepartment.

1. A student-athlete who participates in intercollegiate athletics without primary medical insurance is expected to complete the insurance information. If a student-athlete is not coveredunder any medical insurance policy they should indicate in the appropriate section. Student- athletes arehighly encouraged to have some form of medical insurance coverage for illness and injury not related toparticipation in intercollegiate athletics.
2. The student-athlete is responsible for notifying the Athletic Training Department of any change ininsurance coverage immediately. When a change occurs in the primary insurance coverage for a student-athlete, updated medical insurance information must be filed with the Athletic Training department. Failureto keep up to date information on file will result in delayed access to medical vendors as well as claimsprocessing.
3. A photocopy of the student-athlete’s primary insurance card must be submitted with the insurance information section. The student-athlete must upload a copy of the front and back of  the insurance card(s) to the insurance information section. Only those student-athletes with “No  InsuranceCoverage” noted in the Policy Holder Information Section will be permitted without photocopy.
4. Grand Valley State University does not require any type of insurance for its’ domestic students; however, student athletes are encouraged to obtain insurance coverage. Uninsured student athletes may investigate the cost effectiveness of the obtaining a policy.
5. As of Fall 2023, Grand Valley State University has mandatory health insurance policy for all F-1 and J-1 international students. For more information regarding this mandate please consult with the Padnos International Center (PIC) and/or the Center for Health and Well-Being.

 

Section III: Team Physicians

1. GVSU has identified physicians who act as Team Physicians for the athletic department. The team physicians have the overall responsibility for making health care decisions for the student- athletesparticipating in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes suffering from athletic injuries will be referred toone of the Team Physicians for evaluation and treatment as determined by the athletic training staff. Thestudent-athlete will need final clearance from one of the GVSU team physicians in all return to play scenarios ifthey choose to seek out an outside physician for care.
2. Health care services provided by any person or agency not identified as a GVSU Team Physicianmust be arranged/approved by GVSU’s Athletic Training staff prior to the service being provided.When a student-athlete becomes injured and requires medical treatment beyond the scope of the AthleticTraining staff employed by GVSU, they will make a referral to the appropriate health care provider.
3. A student-athlete may choose to seek health care from a physician other than those identified asa GVSU Team Physician. A student-athlete who elects to seek health care from those not considered aTeam Physician would accept the financial obligation that is assigned to their treatment course. All medicalnotes from outside physicians will need to be turned in to the University Athletic Training staff. GVSU will only pay for services provided by a Team Physician. A Team Physician may make a referral to anotherhealth care provider. In this case only will GVSU assume the financial responsibility as a secondary payerfor an athletic injury.
4. Student-athletes may request or personally seek out a second opinion. GVSU athletics will pay forthe cost of a second opinion by an outside physician upon direct referral from the team physician only. Pleasenote that at any time a second own opinion may be sought out, however, GVSU is not responsible for payment if not directed by a Team Physician. All information pertaining to second opinion visit whether referred or sought out must be shared with the University Athletic Training Staff. Return to play decisions remain the responsibility of the GVSU Team Physician or designee. The student-athlete will need final clearance fromone of the GVSU team physicians in all return to play scenarios if they choose to seek out an outside physician for care.

 

Section IV: Health Insurance Claims

1. Any medical bill balance left unpaid by a student athlete’s primary insurance will be considered for payment. GVSU is not an insurance carrier. GVSU may pay any balance including deductibles and co-payments on claims directly related to athletic injuries. All of the following must be true for payment to beconsidered.
   • An accurate copy of the insurance information form is on file in the Athletic Department.
   • Including a photocopy of the student-athlete’s insurance card.

• • The injury occurred as a result of participation in a supervised intercollegiate athletic event (CARA relatedactivity) and is an NCAA permissible medical expense.
  • Thestaffathletictrainermustbemadeawareof the injury/illness and must be involved in the care of theinjury/illness.
  • The GVSU Team Physicians were involved with the treatment of the student-athlete.
  • The Team Physician or the Head Athletic Trainer made a written medical referral if necessary.
  • Covered injuries have a 104-week benefit period, services must be provided within that time frame.
  • Services must be provided within 104 weeks of completion of eligibility or cessation of participation.
  • If a medical bill is received by the student-athlete, turn the medical bill and explanation of benefits into theUniversity Athletic Trainer.

1. Managed health care (HMO) providers and Medicaid patients from states other than Michigan require approval for service prior to receiving a health care benefit out of network. Student- athleteswho are covered by an HMO are asked to have their primary care physician provide a blanket referral fortreatment while attending GVSU or establish a primary care physician near school. Student-athletes areasked to contact the Head Athletic Trainer for assistance with this process.

Our consulting medical practices accept many insurance programs as part of the PPO and PPOM network andseveral of their physicians serve as Team Physicians for GVSU.

The GVSU Athletic Department can provide confirmation of full-time college enrollment (if necessary) to the student-athlete’s primary care physician and/or insurance company.

All diagnostic tests, imaging and procedures will be pre-authorized through the ordering physician office.

If the insurance policy covering a student-athlete denies pre-authorization for treatment, imaging or aprocedure due to our team physicians or health systems being “out-of-network”, and the student-athletewould have coverage for the treatment or procedure with another “in-network” physician or health system, theathletic training staff and team physicians will facilitate the student-athlete going to the in-network providerfor care if requested by the student athlete. The

Medical Bill Payment Policies and Procedures will still be in effect despite the student-athlete receiving care from anon GVSU affiliated physician in this instance.

1. I acknowledge that the University utilizes the services of a third-party administrator (“TPA”) to help process claims. I authorize the University to share any information about my medical condition with the TPA for the purpose of processing any claim that is submitted on my behalf. With respect to each claim submitted on my behalf to the University, I grant the University and the TPA my consent to disclose any information about me that is requested or needed to process the claim. Under this consent, such information may be disclosed by the University or the TPA to any person or entity that requests or needs the information to review, evaluate, pay, or otherwise process the claim, including without limitation any insurance company, hospital, physician, or any other person who has attended or examined me in relation to the claim. I also hereby authorize any insurance company, hospital, physician, or other person who has attended or examined me for medical purposes to disclose to the University’s Athletic Training Staff, University Physicians, and/or the TPA any information about my medical condition and mental health as it relates to my participation in intercollegiate athletics.

 

Section V: Pre-Participation Medical Exams

1. All student athletes must have a medical exam prior to participation. Those students desiring toparticipate in intercollegiate athletics must be examined and approved for participation. Only the GVSUTeam Physicians may grant approval for participation. Approval for participation is granted on an annual basisand may be revoked by the Team Physicians at any time. The GVSU Team Physicians or designee mustcomplete the physical exam.
2. The Athletic Training staff will schedule medical exams. Dates for physicals will be set by the University Athletic Training staff and communicated to the coaches and student-athletes. Student-athletes who fail to appear for a medical exam during one of the scheduled times will be required schedule anappointment with a Team Physician at their office and pay for this exam.
3. Pre-existing conditions must be reported to the Athletic Training staff prior to participation in intercollegiate athletics during every year of competition. Student-athletes who sustain injuries orsuffer from significant illness prior to initial involvement in Grand Valley intercollegiate athletics are requiredto disclose the injury/illness to the GVSU Athletic Training staff at the time of their initial physical exam.Student-athletes who sustain injuries or suffer from significant illness while involved in Grand Valleyintercollegiate athletics are required to report these conditions to the GVSU Athletic Training staffimmediately. The Team Physician will evaluate pre-existing conditions during the physical exam.
4. Failure to report pre-existing conditions relieves GVSU of all liability. GVSU will not assume financialor other liability for pre-existing conditions that are not disclosed to the Athletic Training staff. If the studentathlete sustains a subsequent or re-injury of the undisclosed pre-existing condition Grand Valley cannot beheld liable, provided the original injury was the contributing factor to the subsequent re-injury. The studentathlete with a pre-existing condition will be notified of the risk of further injury by the team physician. The teamphysician reserves the right to restrict or deny participation based on a pre-existing condition.

 

Section VI : Participation Restrictions

1. The Team Physician will make the final decision on return to participation. When an athlete becomes injured or ill and cannot participate without restriction, the Team Physician with input from the Athletic Trainers will make decisions related to return to participation. No student athlete may participate without approval from the team physicians.
2. Loss or absence of a paired organ may disqualify a student athlete from participation in intercollegiate athletics. The team physician will make the final decision on participation of the student-athlete who has lost a paired organ (ex. Eye, kidney, testicle, etc.). Written permission to participate may begranted on a case-by-case basis by the Team Physician.

 

Section VII: Liability and Assumption of Risk

1. Student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics assume certain risks and responsibilities in addition to those assumed by GVSU. Student-athletes are obligated to safe conductduring practice and competition and strict adherence to the rules of the sport that are designed to safeguardthe well-being of the participants. Additionally, student-athletes are responsible for informing the medicalstaff of any medical problems occurring on or off the field of play.
2. GVSU’s liability for medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained by student-athletes is defined as follows. GVSU will not cover bills associated with illness or general medical.

Liability is extended to cover only those injuries:

• • That occur in a supervised intercollegiate practice (CARA Related) or competition by a student-athlete currently meeting all NCAA eligibility requirements.
  • And are reported to the athletic trainer or team physician immediately
  • And/or are reported by an incoming student athlete prior to the first CARA team activity.
  • Or that occur during participation in voluntary team training session on campus while enrolled as astudent at GVSU.

1. Upon completion of eligibility, removal from team roster and/or termination as a student at GrandValley University, the Department of Athletics will no longer be responsible for new medical ordental conditions sustained by the student athlete. The student athlete will be expected tocomplete an Exit Evaluation Form upon the cessation of their participation for any reason.
2. Student-athletes who voluntarily withdraw from collegiate participation or are no longer eligibleto participate may be eligible for coverage of medical bills through the NCAA post-eligibility insurance program. For up to two years (104 weeks) after student-athletes separate from school or voluntarily withdraw from athletics, the program covers excess accident medical expenses for athletically related injuries sustained during participation in an NCAA qualifying intercollegiate sport. The program provides excess insurance coverage for properly documented covered injuries that occur on or after Aug. 1, 2024. Injuries must have been reported and documented by the University Athletic Training Staff to be eligible for coverage.
3. Failure to comply with any of these regulations relieves Grand Valley State University and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics from all liability and responsibility.

 

Section VIII: Contact Information

1. Contact the Jim Winkler, Head Athletic Trainer, with questions related to health care, insurance, or  medical bills at  [email protected]  or 616.331.3476.