Our comprehensive guide to policies and procedures that assist Boston University student-athletes and visiting team student-athletes in maintaining health, safety, and well-being.
Patient Right to Privacy
Though records at Student Health Services are considered educational in nature and therefore are covered under FERPA privacy legislation that allows parents access to these records in some circumstances, privacy laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts allow protection of the confidentiality of these records. This policy applies to all forms of protected health information (PHI): electronic, written, and oral.
Student-Athlete Return to Play Policy
Returning a student-athlete safely back to athletic and academic activity is a major goal of Athletic Training Services. In accordance with medical best practices, all return-to-activity decisions are ultimately the decision of the Athletic Training staff, team physicians, and the medical director, without regard to any BU Athletic Department or Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (PERD) staff member or outside medical providers. This includes initial compliance with the athletic screening process.
Pre-Participation Screening
Athletic participation on varsity and club sports teams begins with a pre-participation screening. The health and well-being of the student-athletes and their safe participation in sport is of the utmost importance to us. Please note that the governing bodies of varsity athletics and club sports have specific requirements to determine safe participation.
Head Injury Testing & Management Protocol
Unfortunately, concussions can occur as a result of athletic participation and the effects can be exacerbated if not managed correctly. While there is no cure for concussion, results can improve with proper care. The Head Injury Testing & Management Protocol highlights current practices and is in accordance with current NCAA recommendations & requirements and best medical practices. As each person who suffers a head injury reacts in a different manner, the return-to-activity progression is tailored to the individual. A baseline neurocognitive evaluation and balance evaluation will occur prior to athletic participation for student-athletes. Return to activity, both athletic and academic, can best be managed through a collaborative plan on an individualized basis.
This maintains compliance with the City of Boston Ordinance Creating a College Athlete Head Injury Gameday Safety Protocol.
Head Injury Testing & Management Protocol
Concussion Safety for Educators
Concussion Safety for Student-Athletes
Practice & Competition Coverage
The university sponsors hundreds of athletic events each year at the varsity and club sports levels. Athletic trainer and physician coverage is based upon risk of injury and published injury rates associated with specific sports, potential for a catastrophic injury, event location, and staff availability.
Weather: Lightning, Cold & Heat
New England weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly, often wreaking havoc with athletic events and athletic participation. Exposure to extreme weather poses an inherent risk of injury. The certified athletic trainer is responsible for weather-related communication to all personnel and employing the guidelines as outlined in the Emergency Action Plan.
Drug Testing
Boston University supports the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s policy regarding alcohol abuse and the use of banned substances. The University’s Department of Athletics has developed a drug testing and education policy designed to make student-athletes aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and to provide assistance to those who may have substance abuse problems.
Sexual Assault
The University’s sexual assault policy creates a framework for the assessment of the medical and psychological needs of a student who reports an incident. Student Health Services Primary Care, Behavioral Medicine, and the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (SARP) are valuable resources to assist you with support.
Behavioral Health Referral
This policy has been developed to provide guidelines for Athletic Training staff in assisting student-athletes with concerns about classmates, teammates, or friends who state that they (or one of their teammates) are exhibiting signs of unhealthy or dangerous behavior (purging, calorie restriction, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.).
*These policies are associated with situations that may occur as a result of athletic participation at Boston University. Please note that policies evolve based on changing research and best practices and are regularly updated by Athletic Training Services.