General
The University strongly recommends that each participant receive a medical exam prior to club sport physical activity, particularly for physically demanding or contact sports. Each participant should be covered by their own health and accident insurance. The University has no special coverage for club sport athletes.
Recent hospitalizations, surgery, chronic illness, debilitating conditions, or other medical history that precludes athletic participation renders an individual ineligible for club participation until a medical clearance has been obtained from University Health Services.
Injury Report
Club officers must submit an injury report to the Club Sports Office within 24 hours of any injuries requiring any form of medical attention occurring while participating in any aspect of a club sports activity.
Medical Room Coverage
Club Sport participants are granted limited access to athletic healthcare through Harvard University's Sports Medicine Department located within the Dillon Field House.
Services Available
A certified athletic trainer will be available by appointment to provide athletic healthcare to active club sport participants. Care will be provided for minor injuries that are musculoskeletal in nature, such as: Sprains, Strains, Severe Bruises, and other Sports-Related Injuries.
For conditions that do not meet the above criteria, club sport athletes will not be seen but rather referred to an appropriate healthcare provider, most likely through University Health Services. While a recommended referral will be provided by the certified athletic trainer, club sport athletes have the discretion to see a healthcare provider of their choosing. Physician services are not available within Dillon Field House and will be referred to Harvard University Health Services. (Ex: concussions, illness, conditions which may require surgery, emergent/urgent issues)
Care provided can include:
In order to maintain access to this service for all club sport participants, patients will be limited to a maximum of 8 total visits per pathology.
Treatment Scheduling
The athletic training room at Dillon Fieldhouse will be available for club sport athletes by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment with the designated club sport athletic trainer, email Dylan Lothian, MS, LAT, ATC dlothian@fas.harvard.edu
For scheduling information and Athletic Training Room Policies, see the Medical Room Coverage Guide
Financial Responsibility
No charge to the club sport participant will be assessed for care provided at Dillon Fieldhouse by the designated athletic trainer. Should any additional care be required through a different healthcare provider, the club sport athlete assumes all responsibility in scheduling and financing.
Risk Management
To provide a safe and positive experience for all participants, it is necessary to take preventative measures before accidents and injuries occur. It is strongly recommended that every club sport develop, implement, and practice the following safety policies.
ALL PARTICIPATION IN CLUB SPORT ACTIVITIES IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE. HARVARD UNIVERSITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY INCURRED BY PARTICIPANTS WHILE INVOLVED IN ANY CLUB SPORT ACTIVITY.
Concussions
A concussion is a brain injury that: is caused by a blow to the head or body, can change the way the brain normally works, can range from mild to severe, presents itself differently for each athlete, can occur in ANY sport and can happen even when not losing consciousness. Symptoms can include amnesia, mental confusion, headache, loss of consciousness, dizziness, impaired vision, nausea, convulsions, loss of appetite, etc. The appearance of any of these symptoms indicates a significant head injury that requires medical attention. Contact a physician or report to a local emergency facility.
Basic steps to prevent a concussion include:
If a concussion is suspected: don't hide it; report it; get checked out; take time to recover. Remember, it's better to miss one game/contest than the whole season. When in doubt, get checked out!