If a member of the athletic staff has a concern, or if an individual(s) expresses concern to an athletic staff member, that a student-athlete may be at risk because of disordered eating, the following procedural steps should be taken:
1. The staff member should meet confidentially with the concerned individual(s) and gather specific information regarding the behavior of the student-athlete suspected of disordered eating and then refer the concerned individual(s) to one of the Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC).
2. The ATC will arrange to meet with the student-athlete to discuss the concerns raised regarding his/her disordered eating behavior. Based on the objective information gathered by the ATC the following steps may be taken:
a. No direct intervention will be taken, however monitoring may occur.
b. Request that the student-athlete be evaluated by a university health services clinician (Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner) for further objective findings (i.e. significant weight loss, BMI, low % of body fat, blood testing, etc.). The university health services clinician will facilitate a counseling and nutritional referral.
3. If step 2b above is chosen, the ATC will contact the university health services directly to arrange for examination of the student-athlete. All referrals made between the ATC and university health services will possess written consent from the student-athlete for release of pertinent medical information.
4. Based on the results of the evaluations, the university health services clinician will determine one of the following:
a. The student-athlete is not in any immediate risk. If medical clearance is recommended for the student-athlete the university health services clinician will notify the ATC immediately via telephone and in writing.
b. The student-athlete may be at risk physically or emotionally. Temporary suspension from participation in intercollegiate athletics may be instituted pending further medical intervention. The UHS Physician in consultation with the ATC will make the final decision regarding athletic participation. The ATC will communicate all decisions to the student-athlete directly. It must be made clear to all parties concerned that the university health services clinician and the ATC shall act in the best interest and personal safety of the student-athlete.
5. If the student-athlete has not been cleared or if further intervention is necessary, an eating disorders intervention team will be assembled as soon as possible to develop a formal healthcare plan and written compliance contract with the student-athlete. The eating disorders intervention team may consist of the following members:
a. Student-athlete
b. Student-athlete?s chosen representative
c. University health services clinician
d. ATC
e. Nutritional support personnel
f. Counseling clinician
g. Other medical professional, if desired
6. The healthcare plan and compliance contract developed by the eating disorders intervention team will include a process for determining the student-athlete?s compliance with the contract and the consequences of non-compliance.
7. The student-athlete may or may not be cleared for athletic participation following review by the eating disorders intervention team.
The health and welfare of the student-athlete will be the primary consideration throughout the consultation and intervention process. Furthermore, medical confidentiality applies to all information shared with the ATC, the university health services, the university counseling services and members of the eating disorders intervention team.
This protocol was adapted by the NCAA with permission from the
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