Q: My first practice isn't until August 24th. Why do I have to send in my medical forms so far in advance?
A: Especially for the fall athletes who return to campus before school starts, this is essential to help us to review the forms well in advance of the first practice (this holds true for other sports starting at other times as well).. If we note something on your forms that needs further documentation, we have some time to contact you and track it down so that you don't miss any practice time.
Q: I will be a sophomore returning in the fall. Can I get my physical at home during the summer?
A: Returning sophomores and seniors are required to have a physical at the college Health Center prior to the first date of competition. Regardless of whether or not you have had one recently with your personal physician, department policy requires you to have one at the Health Center during your sophomore and senior years. If you would like to have a physical with your personal physician, that is fine, but be advised that you will still need to have one done here on campus before the first competition. There are no exceptions.
Q: Why do I need to send two copies of my forms to the athletic training room?
A: The athletic training staff will review your forms and perform the appropriate pre-participation exam as necessary, and then send a copy of your forms to the college Health Center for your permanent record.
Q: I am a first year, spring sport athlete who had a physical in June. Will I need to get another physical before my season starts in the spring?
A: No. If you had a physical in June, you will be covered under the guideline because spring sports have a non-traditional season that typically begins in September. The guideline states that your physical must be current from the date of your first practice, even if that is a non-traditional practice. Your June physical will only be approximately three months old at that point.
Q: I am a returning junior athlete. If I turn in my forms on time and have had no new injuries since my last review, why do I still have to report to the athletic training room for a "review?"
A: Effective on August 1, 2007, the NCAA passed legislation mandating that all returning athletes have a medical review along with a screening of blood pressure and height/weight BEFORE any practice or conditioning session. If you do not comply with this mandate, you will be declared ineligible until you complete it.
Q: Why does the Sports Medicine staff at Wellesley insist on being called "athletic trainers" instead of "trainers?"
A: Excellent question. An athletic trainer is someone who has a Bachelor's degree in a Sports Medicine field and passed a rigorous national certification exam in order to practice. We prefer this designation because there are so many kinds of "trainers." For example, a strength or personal trainer is not required to have a four year degree (although some do) in order to perform their jobs. The athletic training profession is trying to educate the public that there are dog trainers, horse trainers, strength trainers, and ATHLETIC trainers. For more information, feel free to visit the website of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) at www.nata.org
Please direct all questions regarding this
website to mmangels@wellesley.edu
Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics (PERA)
Last Modified:
June 7, 2007
