department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

Coaches’ Responsibility
PURPOSE: Intended to provide guidelines for the coaches at UNCW to help insure the
safety and well being of the student-athletes.
POLICY STATEMENT: This policy should be followed by coaches representing The
University of North Carolina Wilmington Athletics to help insure the safety and well
being of student-athletes.
ENTITIES TO WHOM THIS POLICY APPLIES: Coaches employed by or
associated with The University of North Carolina Wilmington Athletics.
PROCEDURE:
The Athletic Training staff will consult with coaches concerning the medical readiness
(physical and/or mental) of a student-athlete to practice and/or compete in injury/illness
circumstances (acute, chronic or rehabilitative). The Team Physician will have the final
authority to determine an athlete’s readiness to compete and participate in any athletic
activity. In an acute illness/injury circumstance where a physician is not present and
available to help determine activity levels, the final decision with regards to participation
status rests with the attending athletic trainer.
Any training rule, regulation or request that involves weight loss or weight gain must be
developed in accordance with the requirements of the department’s established policies
regarding dealing with weight as a performance factor. If weight loss/gain is a
performance related concern of the coach, nutritional services shall be provided to the
student-athlete. Any significant changes in body weight or unusual eating
habits/behaviors should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Training staff. The
Athletic Training staff and strength and conditioning staff should be the only athletics
personnel authorized to provide specific diet programs to student-athletes.
Coaches are not permitted, under any circumstances, to dispense or recommend drugs,
medications, or nutritional ergogenic aids or supplements to any student-athlete. A
nutritional supplement is defined as any food stuff or dietary procedure that either
improves or is thought to improve physical performance.
Coaches shall not withhold or limit fluid intake during any practice or conditioning
session.
The Athletic Training staff is available for consultation with regard to injury prevention
in the design or implementation of conditioning programs. Coaches are encouraged to
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