NCAA NOW REQUIRING SICKLE CELL TRAIT CONFIRMATION

The NCAA is now requiring all member institutions to confirm each student-athletes sickle cell trait status (SCTS). First-year (freshman and transfer) student-athletes must provide documented proof of their SCTS prior to participating (this includes practices, contests and conditioning) as of August, 2013. ALL remaining returning student-athletes will need to provide confirmation documentation starting August, 2014.

We are sending the requirements and procedures out to all student-athletes to obtain this confirmation as soon as possible. This WILL impact your medical clearance status. 

Student-athletes who are positive for Sickle Cell Trait will be allowed to participate in intercollegiate athletics; this does NOT prohibit the student-athlete from participating. Knowing your SCT will help the athletics department staff (Athletic Trainers, physicians and coaches) make adjustments to your training program, monitor your health during participation and provide proper care if you become ill. 

One of the following two options must be chosen to meet the SCTS confirmation requirement:

1. You must provide a copy of your newborn sickle cell test results. Contact your hospital of birth and/or pediatrician's office and request your SCTS results from birth. Most states, after 3/6/90, require newborns to be tested for SCT.

2. Provide a copy of a recent Sickle Cell Solubility test indicating your SCTS. This requires a written request from a physician, a blood draw from a physicians office or lab and a lab test.

Educational material regarding SCT can be found on this website link, on our website in this PDF document which is included with your Athletic Health Questionaire for you to print and keep.

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