William & Mary Athletics

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics provides educational opportunities for all athletes regarding alcohol, and other health related issues. All health related concerns will be addressed through specified procedures.
 
PHASE ONE: INITIAL CONCERN
A coach or staff member, upon observation or knowledge of a health issue, behavioral problem and/or substance use, will speak to the athlete about the issue. The coach or staff member may make a referral to a qualified on-campus professional (e.g., Team Physician, Substance Abuse Educator, Sport Psychology Consultant or Counseling Center). The Team Physician will be notified by the coach or staff member making any referral of an athlete to a professional. This initial referral will otherwise remain confidential. The coach or staff member will document in writing the meeting and any referral.
 
At the discretion of the referring coach or staff member, attendance at meetings with the professional will be monitored using the “Release of Attendance Information Form” (available from the professional). The form provides an entry for the professional to note whether further meetings with the athlete are recommended, as well as referrals to other professionals. Athletes are expected to engage in and complete the recommended consultations.
 
PHASE TWO: REFERRAL TO THE TEAM PHYSICIAN
Should the athlete fail to attend meetings in a regular and timely manner as set forth by the professional, the coach or staff member will notify the Team Physician. The Team Physician will meet with the athlete regarding the matter. The athlete will be given another opportunity to address the issues with a professional. The Team Physician may choose to make consultation with a professional mandatory or may resolve the issue without referral. The physician will document in writing the meeting and recommendations.
 
Any accommodation for physical or psychological conditions must be approved and coordinated through the Dean of Student’s Office. The Team Physician must be notified of any accommodations. At the discretion of the Team Physician, with a release from the student, the Head Coach and other appropriate Athletic Staff will be notified of the required accommodation.
 
At this stage, the Team Physician, who will inform the referring coach/staff member of the athlete’s
compliance, will monitor attendance at meetings with the professional. The athlete is expected to engage in and complete the recommended program under the supervision of the Team Physician.
 
PHASE THREE: NON-COMPLIANCE OR REPEATED REFERRAL
The student will automatically be required to begin mandatory counseling with a professional approved by the Team Physician if the athlete does not engage in and complete the program, or their condition becomes complicated or distractive in either an academic or athletic setting, or is referred to the Team Physician again within twelve months from the completion of a program. The Team Physician may also suspend the athlete from participation if there are concerns regarding the athlete’s health in further participation. Should this occur, the Team Physician will notify the athlete’s head coach and the Athletic Director or Associate Director of Athletics – Internal Admin. & Operations of withdrawal of clearance for participation.
 
PHASE FOUR: POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL
If the athlete fails to complete mandatory counseling, or if the situation is of serious concern, the Team Physician will consult with the Athletic Director or Associate Director of Athletics – Internal Admin. & Operations to consider suspension or removal of the athlete from participation in the sport. If the athlete is suspended or removed from participation, he or she will be declared medically ineligible. Reinstatement will be contingent upon compliance with directives set forth by the Team Physician and Athletic Director or Associate Director of Athletics – Internal Admin. & Operations.