Sports Medicine Handbook - NCAA

Participation by the Student-Athlete with Impairment
issues need to be addressed with
the student-athlete and his/her
parents or guardian (in the case of
a minor). The following factors
should be considered:
1. The quality and function of the
remaining organ;
2. The probability of injury to the
remaining organ; and
3. The availability of current
protective equipment and the likely
effectiveness of such equipment to
prevent injury to the remaining
organ.
Medical Release
When a student-athlete with
impairment is allowed to compete
in the intercollegiate athletics
program, it is recommended that a
properly executed document of
understanding and a waiver release
the institution for any legal liability
for injury or death arising out of
the student-athlete’s participation
with his or her mental or physical
impairment/medical condition.
The following parties should sign
this document: the student-athlete,
his or her parents/guard ians, the
team physician and any consulting
physician, a representative of the
institution’s athletics department,
and the institution’s legal counsel.
This document evidences the
student-athlete’s understanding of
his or her medical condition and
the potential risks of athletic
participation, but it may not
immunize the institution from legal
liability for injury to the
student-athlete.
References
1. American Academy of
Pediatrics, Committee on Sports
Medicine and Fitness. Medical
Conditions Affecting Sports
Participation. Pediatrics. 94(5):
757-60, 1994.
2. Mitten, MJ. Enhanced risk of
harm to one’s self as a
justification for exclusion from
athletics. Marquette Sports Law
Journal. 8:189-223, 1998.
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