Medical Disqualification of the Student-Athlete

The team physician has the final responsibility to determine when a student-athlete is removed or withheld from participation due to an injury, an illness or pregnancy. In addition, clearance for that individual to return to activity is solely the responsibility of the team physician or that physician’s designated representative (NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, 1999). In all applicable cases, physicians with expertise in the medical condition will be consulted. In the absence of a team physician at an athletic contest, the certified athletic trainer is responsible for determining the clearance of all injured student-athletes.