The RWU Sports Medicine staff is committed to enhancing the quality of health care for varsity student-athletes through the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. We are committed to developing and maintaining appropriate athletic training facilities and to staff said facilities with highly qualified and motivated personnel whose foundation is built on the utmost ethical standards.
Team Physicians
Dr. Razib Khaund and Dr. Jeff Feden
- Please sign-in for all treatments received.
- Proper dress is required; shorts and shirts should be worn at all times.
- Foul language and horseplay will not be tolerated.
- The AT Room is not a hang-out, AT staff will ask individuals to leave if they are just hanging around.
- Keep the Athletic Training Room (ATR) neat and clean. Return things to the way that they were found.
- The office, phone, and computer are for staff only.
- Ice is for treatment only.
- Please do not remove items from the ATR (towels, rehab equipment, scissors).
- Treatments for student-athletes are on a first-come, first- served basis.
- If a student-athlete needs treatment/rehabilitation outside of normal operating hours, they must schedule time with an ATC.
- Treatments are not an excuse to be late to practice.
During the school year, the Athletic Training room will open by appointment only for treatments and rehab before 2pm.
From 2PM until closing (usually 30 minutes after the last practice or game for that day) is for game/practice prep and coverage. The Athletic Training room will open on the weekends based on the schedule. The Room will typically open one hour prior to practices and two hours prior to home games.
Hours are subject to change based practice schedules, game times, and staff availability.
Saturday and Sunday practice times will occur during consecutive time slots approved by the scheduling coordinator and the Sports Medicine staff. Practice times outside of normal operating hours will need to receive prior approval from the Associate Director. Limited time slots will be available in the early hours and late hours.
Non-Traditional seasons are not covered directly by Sports Medicine. It is highly recommended that non-traditional teams book their practices based on the in-season teams schedules and piggyback off that schedule.
If a practice is to be cancelled for any reason, please let the sports medicine staff know immediately. The sports medicine department requires 48 hours advanced notice of schedule changes (excluding changes due to weather).
All first-time participants in RWU varsity athletic programs are required to have a current physical examination within 6 months of the start of their season that specifically clears them for unrestricted athletic participation. Returning student-athletes will also need to have a follow-up physical examination every year after that. Physical examinations that are on file with Health Services can fulfill this requirement. Student-athletes will need to request that Health Services send the health information to Sports Medicine.
The NCAA requires that all new athletes show proof of sickle cell testing. This can be a recent test or proof of testing at birth. This will cover all years of eligibility.
All participants in varsity athletic programs are required to complete online documentation through Sportsware online (SWOL). This program can be accessed at www.swol123.net. The student-athlete must complete all pertinent information on the website (demographics, emergency contacts, insurance information, medical alerts and medical history). The staff will review the online forms and follow up with the student-athlete at check-in.
The student-athlete will be required to provide a copy of an up to date insurance card.
Written documentation is required for any current injuries, illnesses or other medical events. NCAA legislation now requires documentation from the health care provider regarding exceptions for prescription medication that are on the NCAA banned substances list. The Sports Medicine staff needs to know about any medications that the student-athlete may be taking. It
is important to know that there is no complete list of banned substances. Medical exception paperwork is available online and in the Athletic Training room.
Sports Medicine staff will annually review each medical history and ask about history of sickle cell trait.
Return to Participation
Student-athletes participating in athletic programs are responsible for reporting injuries and illness to the athletic training staff.
If the student-athlete is referred to an outside health care provider or Health Services, they must return written documentation to the ports Medicine staff. If the student-athlete chooses to visit a health care provider outside of the Roger Williams University referral network, they are still responsible for obtaining written documentation. The student-athlete will only be allowed to return to sport activities (conditioning, practice, games) when they produce a note from a health care provider that specifically states that they have been cleared to return to participation. Physician referral forms are available in the athletic training room and can be obtained for any scheduled appointments.
Please note that the Sports Medicine Department will have final say on the athlete’s return to full participation.
Insurance Claims
The Athletics Department has a secondary insurance policy for varsity and club sport related injuries. The student-athlete must use their primary insurance company and file a claim with his/her primary insurance company prior to filing with the secondary policy. The Sports Medicine staff can provide documentation for sport related injuries and file a sports injury claim form. Physician services must begin within 30-days of the accident. The claim must be submitted within 90-days of the date of the accident. All claims require an itemized bill from the provider and an explanation of benefits from the primary carrier. The student-athlete and his/her parents are responsible for obtaining and submitting an itemized bill (from the provider) and an explanation of benefits-EOB (from the primary insurance company) to the secondary insurance provider.
Procedure for submitting an insurance claim:
1. The Sports Medicine staff will fill out a Sports Injury Claim Form with the student-athlete. One copy will be faxed to the insurance company and one copy will be given to the student-athlete (or sent to his/her parent or guardian).\
2. Student-athlete or parents can directly submit itemized bills and explanation of benefits to the secondary insurance provider with their copy of the Sports Injury Claim Form.
3. The Sports Medicine staff will keep copies of the claim form and any information sent to the secondary insurance provider.
4. Student-athlete or parent can follow up directly with the secondary insurance provider for coverage and questions. The phone number is available on claim form.
5. If needed, the Sports Medicine staff can follow-up with any concerns directly with the secondary insurance provider. This information should not be shared with parents or student-athletes.
IMPACT baseline testing will be performed on ALL athletes. This test will be administered each year of the student athlete’s eligibility. This is an NCAA requirement.
Follow-up ImPACT testing after an injury will be done 24-72 hours following injury when possible and will be repeated when the student-athlete is symptom-free for 24 hours. If a student-athlete suffers a head injury and does not have a baseline test, they may still be evaluated with the ImPACT test.
ImPACT testing is only one component of the evaluation of symptoms of a head injury; it will not take the place of physician referral for return to participation decisions. Roger Williams University Athletic Training Concussion Home Care Instruction Sheet will be given whenever possible to student-athlete suffering a head injury.
Concussions are a major part of sports and can be a serious situation if left untreated. The RWU Sports Medicine department has a return to play protocol and guideline for concussions that all athletes regardless of sport will adhere too. Our Sports Medicine staff meet with each team to discuss concussions and our return to learn and play protocols. All RWU Student-Athletes are given a contract and information sheet describing the symptoms and return after a concussion. After the Student-Athlete has gone through this procedure, they will sign a sheet that acknowledges they understand the severity of concussions and its effects.
All head injuries need to be reported to the Sports Medicine staff immediately after the injury has occurred to ensure a proper and comprehensive return to play. No Student-Athlete will return to play without proper clearance by the Sports Medicine staff.
Clinical research has shown that an athlete's balance and/or cognitive functioning are often depressed following a concussion even in the absence of self-reported symptoms. It has beendemonstrated that it typically takes anywhere from 3 to 10 days for an athlete to return to their normal state following a concussion. However, in some cases athletes can experience post-concussion syndrome in which the symptoms last beyond 3 weeks.
In the event of a suspected concussion, the RWU Sports Medicine concussion management protocol requires the evaluation of the athlete's symptoms and neurocognitive function, which provide the Sports Medicine staff with the subjective information necessary to return the athlete to play safely. The findings of these post-injury assessments are then used in conjunction with pre-season baseline neurocognitive assessments, conducted on all student-athletes participating in contact sports during their first year. Any athlete sustaining a concussion during the previous season is also re-baseline tested at the start of the next season.
Concussion Educational Materials & Protocol
All student-athletes, coaches and sports medicine staff will attend an informational session on concussions.
All RWU student-athletes must read the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet and sign the student-athlete statement acknowledging that:
- They have read and understand the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet; and
- They accept the responsibility for reporting their injuries and illnesses to the institutional medical staff, including signs and symptoms of concussions.
All RWU coaches (head coaches and assistant coaches) must read and sign the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet. Coaches acknowledge they:
- Have read and understand the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet;
- Will encourage their student-athletes to report any suspected injuries and illnesses to the institutional medical staff, including signs and symptoms of concussions; and that they accept the responsibility for referring any athlete to the medical staff suspected of sustaining a concussion; and
- Have read and understand the RWU Concussion Management Protocol.
All RWU Athletic Trainers and team Physicians must read and sign the medical provider statement acknowledging that they:
- Will provide student-athletes with the NCAA Concussion Fact Sheet and encourage the student-athletes to report any suspected injuries and illnesses to the institutional medical staff, including signs and symptoms of concussions; and
- Have read, understand, and will follow the RWU Concussion Management Protocol
The Sports Medicine staff will coordinate the distribution, educational session, signing, and collection of the necessary documents. The Staff will keep the signed documents on file in the Athletic Training Room in the student-athlete’s medical file.
Post-Concussion Protocol Procedures
Any student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall not return to activity for the remainder of that day.
The Sports Medicine staff will evaluate a student-athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion. A sideline evaluation will consist of:
- Assessment of airway, breathing and circulation;
- Assessment of cervical spine and skull for injury;
- Assessment of neurological and mental status;
- Assessment of retrograde or anterograde amnesia;
- Assessment of balance; and
- Timeline of injury and presence of symptoms will be noted.
Upon confirmation of a concussion, the team physician will be notified. The student-athlete will be given instructions to give to his or her professors via email. The Dean of Students, Student Accessibility Services Coordinator and Director of Health Services will be notified.
When the student-athlete is symptom free, the ImPact test will be administered. A follow-up ImPact test will be done 48-72 hours after the initial test and 48 hours thereafter until the student-athlete meets his or her baseline results. The results of the ImPact test will be discussed with the Sports Medicine staff and Team Physicians for interpretation.
A follow-up care take-home warning sheet will be discussed with the student-athlete. The student-athlete will follow up with the Athletic Training staff daily. After the student-athlete has sufficiently performed the ImPact test to the baseline results, they will start the return to play protocol set forth below.
It is important to note that if the student-athlete does not have baseline test results, he or she will be evaluated using the SCATIII form and then ImPact tested.
Return to Learn Guidelines
- Step 1: The student-athlete should not be allowed to attend classes depending on symptoms. Certain instances will increase the time out of class depending on symptomscale. The student-athlete needs brain rest from texting, TV watching, homework, exercise etc. “If you aren’t bored, you are doing too much!”
- Step 2: The student-athlete can begin returning to classes once symptoms have resolved to the point where they can tolerate cognitive activity. The student should simply attend class and pay attention, but not participate or take notes. If symptoms return, leave class (notifying the teacher) and try and return the next day.
- Step 3: Once the student-athlete can sit in class without any recurrence of symptoms, then they should begin attending class and actively participating. If that goes well, begin doing some work for approximately 30 minutes and taking breaks. Gradually increase the total time studying as tolerated. Start with easier tasks such as light reading, gradually increase the amount of time spent studying as tolerated.
- Step 4: Once the student-athlete can fully attend class and complete reading and homework assignments and has been asymptomatic for 24 hours, the student can consider returning to athletic participation. (Steps 5 – 9 listed below)
Return to Play Guidelines
This exertional protocol allows a gradual increase in volume and intensity during the return to play process. The student-athlete is monitored for any concussion-like signs/symptoms during and after each exertional activity.
All steps will take place at least 24-hours apart.
- Step 5: 20 minute stationary bike ride;
- Step 6: Interval bike ride: 30 sec sprint/30 sec recovery x 10 and bodyweight circuit: squats, push-ups, sit-ups;
- Step 7: 60 yard shuttle run x 10 (40 sec rest); and plyometric workout: 10 yard bounding/10 medicine ball throws/10 vertical jumps x 3; and non-contact, sports-specific drills for approximately 15 minutes;
- Step 8: Return to drills, limited contact for full practice; then,
- Step 9: RETURN TO PLAY w/ NO RESTRICTIONS
No student-athlete can return to full activity or competitions until they are asymptomatic in limited, controlled, and full-contact activities, and cleared by the team physician.
If a student-athlete exhibits symptoms at any stage of the return to play protocol, the protocol resets and goes back to Step 5.
These guidelines were developed with the aid of the 2015-16 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, the 2015-16 NCAA Concussion management Plan, NATA position statement on Concussion Management and the UNC Concussion Management Protocol as a reference.
Cold Weather Policy
Based upon NCAA and NATA guidelines the Sports Medicine Department has adopted a Cold Weather Policy and a general Weather Policy. The Sports Medicine Department uses the MxVision on-line weather program that allows us to track inclement weather. The Sports Medicine Staff will receive text messages when there is potentially dangerous weather in the area. If this weather threatens games or practices, the Sports Medicine Staff will sound an air horn with three short blasts. This means that all events are suspended and will resume when the staff deems necessary.
In regards to severe cold weather, the Sports Medicine Department has set a guideline that no practices or events are to take place when the “feels like” temperature drops to 10 degrees. The MxVision on-line weather program has a “feels like” temperature gauge that takes wind-chill into account when stating the temperature. Please use common sense when practicing outside and make sure your student-athletes are dressed appropriately, covering all exposed areas when it is extremely cold.
If the temperature is between 15 and 10 degrees feels like, practices can only be 1 hour long with a proper warm up inside. If the temperature is 10 degrees and below, NO practices can occur outside.
The Sports Medicine staff and Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Services and Facilities will decide it if a field is safe to play on based on snow accumulation and or rain.
Communication of these situations between coaches and support staff is very important, and this will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Warm Weather Policy
Warm weather policy at RWU will focus on relative humidity and the actual outside temperature, these numbers will be used to find the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). RWU fall within region category 1, any WBGT of >86.2°F will result in cancelation of practices.
Mononucleosis Return to Play Policy
Any student-athlete who has been diagnosed with Mononucleosis needs to be cleared with written notification from their primary care physician, Team Physician or the Health Service Medical staff. Once this clearance has been obtained, the student-athlete needs to proceed through a one-week graded return to play. This return to play will be dictated by the Team Physician and Sports Medicine Department. Once this is performed, the student-athlete will be fully cleared to assume all sport-related activities.
Eating Disorders
Guidelines set forth by the Roger Williams University Eating Disorder Treatment Team will be followed for student-athletes with suspected eating disorders. Every incident reported to the sports medicine staff must be fully documented.
Student-athlete with a suspected eating disorder will be encouraged to report to the counseling center; the counseling center will be notified that the student-athlete has been referred. A student-athlete with a suspected eating disorder should be monitored for signs and symptoms of eating disorders including: extreme weight loss, loss of menstrual periods, depression, preoccupation with weight issues, chronic nausea/vomiting, frequent dieting.
Sports Medicine staff should investigate any chronic injuries or illnesses and refer to a physician if the student-athlete appears to be at an increased risk of injury or illness. Based on objective information gathered by the Sports Medicine staff, a student-athlete may be suspended from athletic participation pending medical evaluation by the appropriate medical staff (physician and/or counseling center).
If the student-athlete has self-reported the concern for an eating disorder, he/she should be referred to a physician for medical evaluation and referred to the counseling center.
Once a student-athlete has been under a physician’s care for an eating disorder, the student-athlete may be required to meet specific criteria for practice and game participation.
Notification of a coach and parents will be evaluated on an individual basis with full consideration of confidentiality issues. Sports Medicine staff shall always act in the best interest of the student-athlete.
Sports Medicine Work Study
The work-study program in the Sports Medicine Department at Roger Williams University is designed to allow undergraduate students the opportunity to work in a clinical athletic training environment while earning federal work-study money. Students will be expected to provide a service for the athletic department. In turn, students should expect to gain knowledge and experience in the athletic training profession. Work-study positions include: First Aid Staff and Administrative Assistants.
- Student workers are responsible for maintaining current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
- Student workers must be working under the direct supervision of a Sports Medicine staff member. Students will not be allowed to work alone at any time covering a varsity practice or event.
- Student workers will work together with Sports Medicine staff to provide treatments and help with rehabilitation. Under no circumstances should student workers: diagnose injuries, initiate treatment plans, change treatment parameters, refer to physician, give out supplies, or in any way exceed his/her level of training.
- Student workers will be responsible for assisting with: field/court set-up, athletic training room maintenance, record keeping, rule enforcement, and practice/game preparation and coverage.
- Student workers will be expected to attend in-service training sessions. Topics will include: emergency action plans, blood borne pathogen control, taping, therapeutic modalities, and various topics within the performance domains of athletic training
- The Sports Medicine Room is a medical facility with strict rules of confidentiality. Student workers will abide by these rules.
- Student workers will be expected to dress professionally during work hours. This includes: shirts that reach the beltline (no visible belly buttons); appropriate pants or shorts (no cut-offs, ripped jeans); and functional shoes (no flip-flops or high heeled shoes).
- The offices are for Sports Medicine staff; computers and telephone should not be used for personal business, please ask for permission before entering the office area.
- If a student worker is unable to work scheduled hours, the Sports Medicine staff should be notified as soon as possible on the main athletic training phone line 401-254-5721 or via email.
