Introduction

The intent of this document is to outline the scope of care and coverage provided by the athletic training staff to the athletic teams of Butler University. Our current staff and respective team coverage responsibilities will be discussed along with further explanations of the coverage of home events, away events, practices, and "non-traditional" playing seasons.

Staffing

Our staff consists of 5 full time certified athletic trainers and an additional part time certified athletic trainer.

Event/Practice Coverage

• All home events involving Butler University teams will have a certified athletic trainer on campus for the duration of the competition.
• A certified athletic trainer will travel with and attend all away competitions for sports in their primary season who are directly assigned a staff member.
• Practices will be covered on a daily basis in their primary seasons for sports directly assigned a staff member.
• Off campus "home" events are treated on a case by case basis. There are multiple variables to consider with these events.

"Non-Traditional" Seasons

• Sport coverage for non-traditional seasons is limited due to staffing issues. Priority is always placed on sports in their traditional season.
• A certified athletic trainer will be on campus for all non-traditional practices occurring within our normal operating hours of 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Weekends and practice times outside of normal operating hours will be covered only if a staff member is on campus for another "in season" sport responsibility. Coverage can be requested but is not guaranteed. We encourage all "non-traditional" sports to schedule activities around normal operating hours.
• Home events will be covered for non traditional seasons.
• Away events will not be covered by a staff member.
• Due to the nature of the sport, football will have coverage for all non-traditional practices.

Summary

The changing face of the Butler University athletic training staff has made it possible for us to provide healthcare like it has never before been provided here at Butler. This scope of care is intended to provide some insight into the way things will be structured within our department in the immediate future. We will continue to grow in our understanding of better ways to provide healthcare and we will make changes accordingly.

Equipment procedures (crutches, wraps, etc.-sign out policies)

All athletic injuries should be reported to a member of the athletic training staff as soon as possible after the onset of injury. Failure to promptly report injuries may delay return to activity.

1. Injury Treatments/Rehabilitation

   Student athletes may be required to undergo specific treatment in the athletic training facility in the event of injury. All treatments and rehabilitation will be directed by a certified member of the athletic training staff with periodic consultation with team physicians. Athletes are expected to schedule treatments/rehabilitation around their class schedules and to pay close attention to the operating hours of the athletic training facility.

2. Practice/Competition limitations

   All decisions regarding practice and competition participation will be made jointly by the athletic training staff in conjunction with periodic physician consultations. It is the policy of the athletic training staff to avoid putting athletes into situations that are unsafe in relation to their injury. Priority is placed on student athlete safety. Daily communication between the athletic training staff, coaches and athletes is necessary to make appropriate decisions regarding athletic participation. Final decisions are made by the athletic training staff.

3. Physician Referrals/Consultation

   Physician visits are a necessary component of the Butler University athlete healthcare system. Decisions regarding physician visits are made by the athletic training staff. An appointment will be scheduled by a member of the athletic training staff if physician consultation is deemed necessary. Every effort is made to schedule appointments around class schedules. Transportation to appointments may be either by athletic training staff or athletes' personal vehicle. A limited number of physician consultations may be made in the athletic training room.

   Missed doctor's appointments
   An athlete missing a scheduled doctor's appointment will be required to reschedule the appointment at their own convenience.

   Second Opinions
   Athletes are welcome to get second opinions regarding medical issues. The athletic training staff must be informed of all appointments concerning second opinions. Insurance coverage may be denied if communication is not maintained between athlete and staff.

   Prescription Medication Policy
   Prescriptions may be written by team physicians to athletes on a medically necessary basis. Athletes will need to purchase these prescriptions on their own and submit receipts to the athletic training room for reimbursement. Athletes will not be reimbursed for medication that is for the treatment of non-athletic related injuries. Butler University Athletic Training services will not store any prescription medications.

   Over the Counter Medication Policy
   It is the policy of Butler University Athletic Training to dispense over the counter medications as indicated by standing orders from our supervising physicians to Butler University student-athletes, athletic department staff and student/staff of Butler University who are referred to us by a physician. Over the counter medication (Tylenol, Aleve, Ibuprofen, cough suppressant, and decongestant) will be stocked and distributed by a member of the athletic training staff to athletes as needed. Over the counter medications are stored in a common key access cabinet in the athletic training facility.

   Dispensing protocol is as follows:

   • Patient is interviewed or evaluated
   • Medication is selected and dispensed
   • Patient instructed on indications/contraindications
   • Documentation of the encounter completed

Secondary insurance coverage is provided by the Butler University Athletic Department for all athletes. This policy covers any injury occurring while participating in any organized (with coaches) game, practice or conditioning session. This is a secondary policy paying expenses remaining after the athletes primary insurance completes payment of a claim. Examples of non-coverable expenses would include illnesses, pre-existing injuries, and injuries occurring outside of a Butler University organized activity.

If you have any questions concerning your athletic paperwork, please feel free to call Jason Vereb (317-940-8381).

Insurance forms can be downloaded below.

Eating Disorders

The athletic training staff is trained to address the initial stages of eating disorders. Access to the Butler University Health and Counseling center is available should further psychological intervention be necessary. Additionally, other local eating disorder specialists are available within Indianapolis. Complete confidentiality is maintained in these circumstances.

Substance Abuse

All sports will participate in the NCAA year round drug testing program as well as Butler University's own institutional drug testing each semester. Resources are available through the athletic training staff to address those circumstances that may arise in the event of an athlete being identified as having a substance abuse problem. Butler University and the NCAA both utilize the National Center for Drug Free Sport to facilitate their drug testing programs. More information can be obtained regarding drug testing and general questions at www.drugfreesport.com. Other resources include the Butler University Health and Counseling Center and other Indianapolis area facilities. Complete confidentiality is maintained in these circumstances.

The athletic training room is a medical facility and should be treated as such.

Training room rules:

1. Use appropriate language.
2. No food or cell phones.
3. Proper attire; shirt and shoes required.
4. Shower prior to all treatments.
5. No shoes on tables all equipment must be kept outside.
6. Be on time for scheduled treatments. In season sports take precedence over sports in "non-traditional" seasons.
7. Acutely injured athletes take precedence over all others.

Dental or eye injuries resulting from participation in intercollegiate athletics at Butler University are covered under the athletic department insurance policy. Appropriate arrangements will be made with dentists or opthalmologists as needed. Check-ups for the eyes or dental work is to be paid for by the athlete. Spare contact lenses may be given to the athletic training staff in the event contacts are lost during competition.

Butler University does not condone the use of ergogenic aids, creatine powder, amino acids, etc.

1. Supplements do not undergo the same quality controls as do medication and they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are considered food supplements and do not require the same strict control as medications.
2. The claims made by each product are not based on scientific evidence in most products don't rely on scientific research to substantiate their claims.
3. The potential adverse and harmful effects of these substances have not been studied, but serious adverse effects have been reported in some instances.
4. These substances are sometimes mislabeled. There have been instances of substances which are not listed on the label being contained in the product. It is truly a "buyer beware" market. It is important for you to remember that you are held responsible for each and every substance that enters your body!

For more information on resources and programs that the NCAA conducts to help student-athletes stay healthy and make the proper choices about nutrition and drugs, click on the links below: