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Returning Upperclassmen Student-Athletes

To Participate in Intercollegiate Athletics

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) returning student-athletes are required to complete all pre-participation medical clearance documentation. This information must be reviewed and approved by a member of the WestConn Athletic Training Staff to participate in any traditional or non-traditional season. Read and follow the directions below carefully as each section requires special attention and contains valuable information for student-athletes. ONLY the documents below will be accepted for clearance to participate as a WestConn student-athlete. 


SportsWare Online
SportsWare is a computer-based program that helps record, track and manage information that is used to assist the WestConn Athletic Training Staff. Student-athletes have 24-hour-a-day access to their file. As returning student athletes you will have already logged into SportsWare to create an account and presently have an active file. 


** If you have questions pertaining to the following information, refer to the link "SportsWare Online Written Instructions" provided below.**


Written SportsWare directions are also provided for you below.  Use this information to update your file and upload forms (such as your Sports Physical). 


SportsWare Online Written Instructions           Start SportsWare Now !

If you are unable to access your account, you will most likely have to change your password.  DO NOT create a new account.  If you still are unable to gain access to your account contact your coach and or team athletic trainer. 
 

Pre-Participatory Physical Form (PPE)  
NCAA guidelines state that a PPE must be completed and dated within six months prior to the start of a student athlete's traditional or non-traditional season. There are no exceptions to this rule. In addition, all student athletes are required to use the WestConn Physical Examination Form. This form is in the student-athletes SportsWare Online file under the "Forms Tab." Print off a copy and hand both pages to your Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at the time of your PPE appointment. Make sure that the Sports Physical is performed by a MD/DO. Only forms completed in this fashion will be accepted.  If you will obtain your PPE at a walk-in clinic (i.e. Urgent Care), call ahead and inquire when the MD/DO will be in the office. If possible, make an appointment with that individual.  Specify that it must be performed by an MD/DO.   Specific directions on how to upload this completed document into your SportsWare file can be found on the "SportsWare Online Written Directions."
 

Cardiac Clearance
PLEASE NOTE:  Cardiac Clearance forms need to be updated annually.
All student athletes are required to have the Cardiac Clearance form completed by a MD/DO. When setting up your physical appointment, inform the doctor's office that you also need this document signed by a MD/DO. Keep in mind that you may need additional testing (such as an EKG) for the cardiac clearance form. The Cardiac Clearance form is in your SportsWare file under the "Forms" tab. When completed, upload the form back into your "Forms" tab. Specific directions on how to upload this completed document into your SportsWare file can be found on the "SportsWare Online Written Directions." 

 
After submitting your Cardiac Clearance Form at the beginning of each academic year, the only circumstance where WestConn Athletics would require an additional Cardiac Clearance Form is in the instance of a new positive COVID test result.  Return to play information following a positive COVID test result can be found on the main Athletic Training page.   


Medical History Questionnaire 
A part of the student athletes PPE clearance, the Medical History Questionnaire (MHQ) must also be completed within six months prior to the start of a student athletes traditional or non-traditional season. There are no exceptions to this rule. The MHQ is in the student-athletes SportsWare Online file under the heading "Medical History." Specific directions on completing this form can be found on the "SportsWare Online Written Directions." Please note that every question requires an answer.  If you answer "Yes" to a question a comment must be provided in the adjacent box.  Examples would be injury and clearance dates, or medication.  Be specific as possible
 

NCAA Medical Exception requirements

The NCAA has instituted restrictions on the medical exception policy for the use of banned stimulant medication for treatments such as asthma, allergy (anaphylaxis), ADD/ADHD or Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Student-athletes who are taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications which are banned by the NCAA must provide proper documentation from their diagnosing health care provider to participate in NCAA sponsored athletics. These forms can be found on the links listed below. You will not be cleared to participate until these forms have been received, signed by a MD/DO and reviewed by a member of the WestConn Athletic Training Staff.

Be sure that you read and understand what the NCAA Exception Documents are asking for. Because the ADD/ADHD Exception Form asks for several additional documents, please mail your completed form with attached documentation to the address listed below. Incomplete documentation will not be accepted.Lastly, if you list a medical condition that requires banned medication but no longer take that medication,you will need to provide a note from your doctor stating that fact.

Banned Medication Classes are as follows:

• Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only)
• Anabolic Agents
• Beta-2 Agonists
• Cannabinoids
• Diuretics/ Masking Agents
• Hormone and Metabolic Modulators
• Narcotics
• Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics
• Stimulants

We recommend going to this link NCAA DRUG TESTING PROGRAM 2023-24 to be better informed on NCAA Banned Substances that may include Nutritional/Dietary Supplements (ex. protein, creatine, BCAAs, Amino Acids, Pre-workout, etc.)

If you are unsure whether a drug you take is on the NCAA banned list, log into the "Drug Free Sports (Axis)web site here: DRUG FREE SPORTS.  The password to login is NCAA3. You can also contact the Athletic Training Staff regarding questions on this topic.

NCAA Medical Exception Forms are to be sent to the address found on the form.

Asthma/Anaphylaxis Medical Exception Form

ADD/ADHD Medical Exception Form

Performance Enhancement Drug's Medical Exception Form

Insurance
All WestConn student-athletes must maintain current valid insurance coverage to participate in athletics. If there is a change in your coverage please note this in your file. Your current insurance card is uploaded under the "Insurance Tab" at the bottom of the page. Specific directions on how to upload this completed document into your SportsWare file can be found on the "SportsWare Online Written Directions."
 
Medicaid/Husky/DSS policy participants are required to follow an additional step each year which is described in the "SportsWare Written Directions." Official documentation of coverage dates can be uploaded under the "Forms Tab" and titled "Insurance (with the current date).
 
Additional information on the Universities Aetna Insurance Program including the Secondary Accident Plan and the filing of claims can be found at the Athletic Training main web page under the Insurance Link tab. We strongly encourage both athletes and parents to familiarize themselves with all coverage options. Please understand there is no Athletic Department Insurance. The student athlete and or their parents are responsible for the processing of all claims.

Completion of Medical Documents
All information is to be completed by August 1st. Any documents and information received after this date will be reviewed in the order it is received. This means that there is no guarantee information turned in late will be reviewed for clearance prior to the start of any competitive season (traditional or non-traditional).

Address.   Note: Use only for ADD/ADHD and PED's documentation.

Western Connecticut State University
181 White St 
Danbury, CT. 06801 
Attn: Athletic Training Staff, Athletic Department        Â