Concussions
Does YSU have concussion baseline testing?
Yes, YSU conducts baseline testing with the use of SWAY, a mobile platform for objectively measuring balance, cognition, and function. This baseline test is conducted during your on-campus physical examination, and updated throughout your time at YSU.
What happens if a student athlete sustains a concussion?|
We have an extensive Concussion Protocol that requires athletes to complete a post-injury evaluation with their athletic trainer, as well as a follow-up exam with our Team Physician. From there, the student-athlete follows our return-to-learn and return-to-play protocol to ensure a healthy and safe return to activity and classes following injury.
Insurance
How does YSU’s insurance work?
In the case of any athletic-related injuries and conditions, any medical care will be billed first through the student-athlete’s primary insurance. Any remaining costs will then be billed through YSU’s secondary insurance. This ensures that all student-athletes can receive proper care for their athletic related injuries during their time at YSU.
What happens if my insurance changes during the year?
If your insurance changes during the school year, you MUST update your insurance on file. Contact your athletic trainer to update your information and provide new pictures of the front and back of your new card.
Drug Testing
Does YSU have drug testing?
Yes, YSU conducts random drug testing throughout the year for all teams, per NCAA regulations. More information about the process and consequences
for positive tests can be found in our Drug Testing Policy.
Sickle Cell Testing
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle Cell Trait is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to “sickle” and block blood vessels. This can deny muscles and organs the necessary oxygen to function. Those with Sickle Cell Trait typically do not know they have it, until they’re pushed to extreme conditions, such as during an athletic event. For more information, reference the NCAA’s Health, Safety & Performance website.
Why do we have to get tested for Sickle Cell Trait?
The NCAA has regulated that all student-athletes must provide previously documented testing results or complete testing for their pre-participation medical examinations. Most states perform the test at birth, so check with your doctor prior to completing another test.
What happens if I test positive for Sickle Cell Trait?
If you have a known positive trait or test positive at the time of your exam, there is no restriction to your participation. Having the knowledge that you have the trait ensures that our staff of athletic trainers, coaches, and team physicians can be prepared for emergency situations. We want to help ensure any student-athletes with the sickle cell trait can have healthy lives and successful collegiate careers. All coaches are educated along with the student-athlete on their plan of care, and how to recognize potential sickling events during activity. Student-athletes may be placed under certain time/activity restrictions during lifting, conditioning, and practices, in order to manage and prevent sickling events.
Physicals
What do I need to do for my incoming physical?
Your athletic trainer will contact you prior to your arrival on campus to start the process. There are a number of forms you will fill out concerning your medical history, insurance information, emergency contacts, and medical consent. In addition, there are a few forms related to your physical and mental health that we require to ensure you receive any appropriate resources and care when you arrive at campus. When you arrive for your in-person physical, you will go through a physical exam, orthopedic screen, concussion baseline, Electrocardiogram, and physician exam. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your athletic trainer.
Do I need to do a physical every year?
Yes. Annual physicals for returning student-athletes are completed during the spring with the athletic training staff. You will be contacted at the appropriate time to set up your appointment. If anything changes during the school year, including medications, diagnoses, or insurance information, this is the time to update your account and alert your athletic trainer.
