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

individual’s physical involvement and well being (e.g. coaches, strength and conditioning
coach, athletic trainers, etc.).
The student-athlete’s medical clearance to participate in intercollegiate athletics is the
responsibilities of the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Athletic Trainers and
Team Physicians.
ATHLETES WITH KNOWN SICKLE CELL TRAIT :
Certified athletic trainers and athletic training students should closely monitor known
student-athletes with the sickle cell trait during periods of acute illness, especially fever.
The student-athletes should be carefully monitored during preseason activities, as they
become conditioned and acclimatized for heat and humidity.
Student-athletes that have had medical issues while engaged during athletics as a result of
their sickle cell trait will be re-evaluated by the UNCW Team Physician and referred for
further diagnostic testing and evaluation on a per case basis. During this evaluation
period the team physician will dictate the activity level for the student- athlete and when
and if they can return to intercollegiate athletics.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH S-C TRAIT
1. Build up in training slowly with paced progressions, allow for longer rest and recovery
periods. Student athletes should be involved in preseason strength and conditioning to
enhance preparedness of athletes.
2. Student-athletes with sickle cell trait should be excluded from participation in performance
tests such as mile runs, serial sprints, etc.
3. Cessation of activity with onset of systems (muscle “cramping”, pain, swelling, weakness,
tenderness, inability to “catch breath”, fatigue, etc.)
4. Allow sickle cell trait student-athletes to set their own pace.
5. The student-athlete should be involved in year-round strength and conditioning programs.
6. Student-athletes with sickle cell trait that perform repetitive high speed sprints and/or interval
training that induces high levels of lactic acid should be allowed extended recovery between
repetitions.
7. Allow student-athletes to seek evaluation once signs and symptoms arise.
8. Encourage proper hydration.
9. Asthma, heat illness, and altitude CAN increase the likelihood of sickling.
10. Sickle cell trait student-athletes should NOT participate when they are ill.
11. Educate the student-athlete about the signs and symptoms and encourage them to report these
symptoms.
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