IMPORTANT FORMS & POLICIES
WT Concussion Management Plan
LSC – WT Lightning Policy for Outdoor Practices & Events
Training Room Rules
Physical Form - Choose State of Texas and then choose West Texas A&M from list of schools and follow instructions from there to the homepage.
MISSION STATEMENT
The
WTAMU Sports Medicine staff will strive to fulfill the athletic healthcare needs of all
WTAMU Student-Athletes in a professional, ethical, and equitable manner. The Sports Medicine staff will focus attention on prevention, recognition, evaluation, immediate treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries to
WTAMU Student-Athletes sustained as a result of participation in program sponsored, scheduled practices, competitions/events, or during travel to and from these events. In the spirit of higher education, the
WTAMU Sports Medicine staff will also provide educational opportunities for Athletic Training Students (ATS’s), who are seeking to fulfill the educational requirements for Texas licensure and certification as an Athletic Trainer. Above all, the athletic healthcare needs of the Student-Athlete will be the top priority of the
WTAMU Sports Medicine Staff
Athletic Training Education Program
FULL-TIME STAFF
Director of Sports Medicine: Luke Kasper MA, LAT, ATC
Associate Athletic Trainer: Jaclyn Wood MS, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer: Jacob Dotseth MS, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer: Dr. Erin Anderson DAT, M.A. ED, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer: Ciara Morris MS, LAT, ATC
ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITIES
Satellite Facilities – WTAMU Fieldhouse "The “Box”, the Buffalo Sports Complex, the First United Bank Center – operational only when activities are taking place in those areas.
TREATMENT OF ATHLETIC INJURIES
An athletic injury is defined as “an injury that occurs as a direct result of participation in a program organized, supervised practice session or competition/event.
When an injury occurs, a member of the Sports Medicine staff, or coach, will evaluate the situation/injury and provide first aid. If necessary, the WTAMU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Emergency Action Plan will be activated at that time.
The Licensed/Certified Athletic Trainer on duty shall be notified on any injury as soon as possible.
From that moment forward, the Sports Medicine staff will make all decisions concerning the medical care administered for the injury including, but not limited to, return to play status, referral to other medical providers, application of therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation, etc.
Any Student-Athlete exhibiting signs and symptoms of a closed head injury will be treated conservatively, as per the WTAMU Concussion Management Plan, by a member of the Sports Medicine staff. Return to play will not be allowed as long as symptoms/signs persist or until cleared by a physician.
For injury or illness not related to direct athletic participation, the Student-Athlete should report to Student Medical Services (VHAC 104). The results of the visit should be relayed to the Sports Medicine staff as needed, indicating the diagnosis, any prescriptions or special instructions required, and the advisability of return to play. The Student-Athlete will be financially responsible for all expenses incurred due to injury or illness not directly related to athletic participation. Student-Athletes referred to the Student Medical by a member of the Sports Medicine staff must have written authorization from the Sports Medicine staff. Otherwise, all charges incurred will be the responsibility of the Student-Athlete.
Student-Athletes injured outside of direct participation in a WTAMU athletics sponsored practice or competition may be treated by Sports Medicine staff at the sole discretion of the Director of Sports Medicine. Current WTAMU Student-Athletes injured in WTAMU athletics sponsored practices or competitions will be given first priority.
It is the responsibility of the Student-Athlete to follow recommended treatment procedures related to the care of any injury treated by the Sports Medicine staff. Failure to do so may result in prolonged rehabilitation timelines or prolonged absence from practice/competition.
If a member of the Sports Medicine staff is not traveling with a team when an injury occurs, it is the responsibility of the coach to obtain the assistance of the host school’s team physician or Athletic Trainer.
REFERRAL TO OFF-CAMPUS MEDICAL PROVIDERS
All off-campus medical referrals, when deemed appropriate, will be made by the WTAMU Sports Medicine staff, Student Medical, or team physician.
Student-Athletes who seek off-campus medical treatment without a proper referral from a member of the WTAMU Sports Medicine staff, Student Medical or team physician, will be financially responsible for any/all charges incurred.
MEDICAL EXPENSE & INSURANCE COVERAGE
Medical expenses directly related to injury or illness that occur as a direct result of participation in a program organized, supervised practice, competition/event or team travel, and followed the proper referral procedure, will be covered by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics medical policy, and/or the University.
PRE-PARTICIPATION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
All Student-Athletes are required to provide general medical physical paperwork from their primary care physician prior to participation in any WTAMU practices, conditioning or competition at WTAMU. Each Student-Athlete is also required to pass an orthopedic screening by one of the WTAMU team orthopedic physicians prior (or Head Athletic Trainer) to participation in practice, conditioning or competition.
New Student-Athletes must undergo a complete orthopedic screening. Returning Student-Athletes may be allowed to submit an annual medical history update in lieu of a complete physical examination, unless individual circumstances warrant another complete exam. This will be determined by the WTAMU Sports Medicine staff and/or the team physician.
