Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 7/13/2022
Medical Clearance Questions
Q: Where can I find the medical clearance forms?
A: You can find the medical packets online at https://www.sjbkathletics.com/inside-athletics/sports-medicine/medical-clearance
Q: Will I need a Physical exam from my doctor?
A: Yes. All student-athletes will need to make an appointment with their primary care physician for a physical exam. The Athletic Physical Form will need to be completed by your primary care physician. The form can be found in your medical packet.
Q: What sections does my primary care physician need to fill out?
A: Your primary care physician needs to FULLY complete both the Orthopedic Screening and General Medical Exam Sections of the athletic physical form. They will need to sign and date the form along with an office stamp in the lower right-hand corner. (Page 3 RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETE PACKET, Page 4 of NEW STUDENT/TRANSFER PACKET)
Q: I filled out my medical clearance forms and had my athletic physical form completed by my primary care physician. How can I submit my forms to the Athletic Training staff?
A: You can fax the medical packet to (718) 940-5305 OR email the scanned forms to the Head Athletic Trainer Lauren Szerencsits (lszerencsits@sjcny.edu)
IMPORTANT: You will still need to submit the ORIGINAL medical packet to the Athletic Training staff. Please bring the forms to the Athletic Training Facility in The Hill Center.
Q: I am under 18. Can I sign my own forms?
A: No. A parent/guardian will have to co-sign and date all your forms.
Q: I am a new student and I handed in my clearance forms to the Athletic Training staff. Am I cleared to play?
A: Not yet. Along with the medical clearance forms, student-athlete needs to create an online medical profile. Additional information for SportsWare Online is included below
Q: I received a physical last year from my doctor. Can I use that?
A: No. Every student-athlete needs an up to date physical every school year.
Q: Do I need medical insurance to play a sport?
A: Yes. All student-athletes need to provide proof of current medical insurance. It is the student's responsibility to update the Head Athletic Trainer (lszerencsits@sjcny.edu) if their coverage has expired or changed.
Q: I don't have medical insurance. Where can I find information about obtaining medical insurance?
A: Here is a link via the University's website with more information: Student Health Insurance
SportsWare Online Questions
Q: How can I create my online medical profile on SportsWare?
A: Please visit http://www.swol123.net and click "Join SportsWare" on the right-hand side.
Q: SportsWare is asking for a School ID, what is it?
A: Our School ID on SportsWare is SJCBEARS
Q: I haven't received an email stating I was accepted to SportsWare?
A: Don't worry you should be approved in less than 24 hour. Keep an eye on your email.
Q: I am on SportsWare and I don't know what to fill out?
A: There are four tabs along the top: MY INFO, MED HISTORY, COVID-19, PHQ-9. Please complete ALL four sections.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
** COVID policies for athletic participation are currently being updated and will be available later this summer. **
Q: Where can I find information regarding COVID-19?
A: You can find up to date information on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Q: Where can I find institutional information regarding COVID-19?
A: You can find information on the SJNY COVID-19 website: https://www.sjcny.edu/em/corona
Sickle Cell Trait
Q: What is Sickle Cell Trait?
A: It’s a generally benign condition in which a person inherits from their parent one gene for the oxygen-carrying element in their red blood cells – hemoglobin – and one gene for sickle-shaped hemoglobin. Only in situations where the body is pushed to extreme conditions, as athletes do, can the trait sometimes cause red blood cells to sickle and block blood vessels, denying oxygen to muscles and organs.
Q: How do I know if I carry the Sickle Cell Trait?
A: All newborns in the U.S. are tested for the trait. If you are unsure, please contact your private physician for more information.
Q: I have the Sickle Cell Trait, can I practice/compete?
A: Yes. Sickle Cell Trait will not exclude an athlete from participation in intercollegiate athletics at St. Joseph’s University. The student-athlete will be monitored during practice for fatigue and overexertion.
Q: What documents are needed to show proof of my sickle cell trait status?
A: Documentation can be in the form of lab results and/or a note from their primary care physician (PCP) attesting to the results of a Hemoglobin Solubility test or Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test on his/her letterhead, dated, and stamped with an original signature.
Q: Why did I sign the Sickle Cell Trait waiver?
A: In order to participate in sports you either have to provide documentation of your sickle cell trait status or complete a waiver. By completing the waiver you did not provide the sports medicine department with document and you waive your legal right if something should arise as a cause of sickle cell trait.
Q: Do you have more information about Sickle Cell Trait?
A: Here is some additional information from the NCAA
- Sickle Cell Trait Fact Sheet for Student-Athletes (pdf)
- Sickle Cell Trait and the Student-Athlete Video: Part I
- Sickle Cell Trait and the Student-Athlete Video: Part II
Baseline Concussion Testing
Q: What is a baseline concussion test?
A: It is a computerized test that measures memory, attention span, visual and verbal problem solving. You can take this test online.
Q: How can I take the test?
A: Once you have submitted your completed medical packet, you will be emailed with instructions on how to take the test.
Q: Why do I have to take the test?
A: All student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at St. Joseph’s University will need to have a baseline exam on file with the Sports Medicine Department.
Q: I don’t have a computer or somewhere quiet to take the test.
A: No worries. Please contact a member of the Athletic Training Staff to make arrangements.
Q: Can I fail the baseline concussion test?
A: Yes. If you rush through, misread the directions, or take it in a noisy environment you could potentially fail. If you do fail, you will be contacted by the Athletic Training Staff to retake the exam at a later date.
Q: Can I still participate in practice if I fail the baseline concussion test?
A: No. Only those that have successfully passed the baseline concussion test will be allowed to participate in athletically-related activities.