FAQ

Below is a listing of common questions related to the student-athlete physicals, insurance, sickle cell trait, and ADD/ADHD medications. Click the links below to jump to certain sections.

Athlete Portal Physical Form Insurance Sickle Cell Trait ADD/ADHD Medications

Athlete Portal FAQ

I am having trouble logging in for the first time using "new" for the username and password, what do I do?

If possible, DO NOT use Internet Explorer. Then, make sure you using lowercase "new" for both spaces. If you are still having trouble, restart your internet browser and check your popups. After you enter "new" and "new" and there is a popup that comes up that you need to agree too before you can advance. "atslu" should be in the database space.

If you are using Internet Explorer and are having problems... Before logging in to the Athlete Portal (but while on the page) press the "alt" key on the keyboard. This will open the Menu Bar in your browser, then click "Tools". Select “Compatibility View” under the tools selections and you should see the page resize. You should now be able to login.

If you are still having trouble, please contact the Head Athletic Trainer.

I don't have my on campus address yet, how can I continue filling out the online form?

Simply put "unknown" in the box for LU address. Fill in Appleton, WI 54911, USA in the appropriate blanks. After you receive your LU address, please log-in and enter the updated information.

I have filled out all the required information on the portal, but in the paperwork section there are no checkmarks indicating I have completed everything. How do I know I am good to go?

The paperwork section is filled out by the Athletic Training Staff once the information you submitted has been reviewed. Keep checking back for updates to the section to make sure you have everything completed. During the summer, this can take up to a week to be updated due to the amount of information coming in.

Physical Form FAQ

Where can I get the required Lawrence University physical form?

Several possibilities include:

The ATS Athlete Portal has all the required forms.

The Athletic Training office in Alexander Gymnasium.

For first-year students, you can download the New Student Medical History and Examination Form.

For returning students, you can download the Returning Student Athlete Medical History and Physical Form .

What do I do about the August 1st deadline if my physical is scheduled after that date?

Please send all completed paperwork by the deadline and send or fax (920-832-7349) the physical form when it is complete. All paperwork submitted after the August 1 deadline for fall sports is subject to review before the student-athlete is allowed to participate. This means that the student-athlete may not be able to participate until 48 hours after all forms are received to allow for proper review. This is for the student-athlete's well-being.

I sent my physical to Lawrence right before I came to school. My first practice is tomorrow and you still do not have it because it is in the mail, what do I do?

You cannot practice until we receive your physical. We always advise you to BRING a copy with you if there is a chance we would not get it until after practice starts. Remember, as a first-year student, you will send your physical to Health Services and a copy to Athletic Training.

Can I wait to get a physical in Appleton rather than in my hometown with my own doctor?

Yes, but there are few choices and they require payment for this service. You will have to find a provider who is in your health insurance network. Please allow at least a few days to get in. Make sure you take our form for the doctor to fill out and complete. If you need assistance with this, please contact the Head Athletic Trainer.

I had a physical in the summer, but it is not on the Lawrence University physical form. What do I do?

We will accept the physical IF it clears you to participate in intercollegiate athletics, but PREFER that our form is used instead. You can also fax our form to your physician's office for them to fill out and return to us. We will not accept a note that says "cleared for athletics."

I had a physical last year; can I just use that one?

NO, you must have had your physical within six months of either (1) the first day of practice for fall sports or (2) the first day of classes for winter and spring sports. For Transfer students, your physical date must be within six months of your first day at Lawrence. Any physicals older than six months will not be accepted.

Why do physicals need to be conducted within six months of the participation date in athletics each year?

A student-athlete’s medical history changes over time and the closer the exam is to the start of participation, the more accurate the information. The medical examination should ideally be performed at least 6 weeks prior to the start of activity to allow time for treatment and rehabilitation of identified problems. Six months has been identified as the limit by the NCAA. This allows institutions the flexibility to accommodate large number of student athletes arriving for the fall semester.

Do I need a new physical every year I compete at Lawrence University?

YES, you do. For returning athletes we have specifically designated free "Physical Updates" with our affiliated Orthopedic Surgeons and Family Practice Doctors.

If you miss the scheduled night, YOU must find and schedule your own physical. This may incur insurance or out of pocket fees.

Do I need to have all the immunizations listed on the physical form?

Yes, we would like all incoming first-year athletes to have this on record and many are required by the state and university.

My doctor forgot to sign and/or check the no restriction box on the physical form?

We cannot accept this without these two items being completed. You must get your doctor to fill in these vital areas before you will be allowed to try out for the team or begin practice.

Who may conduct the student-athlete’s medical examination?

Any licensed medical physician may conduct the medical exam. A physicians assistant or nurse practitioner may administer the medical exam under the supervision and approval of a licensed medical physician.

Insurance FAQ

What are the insurance requirements?

All Lawrence University student-athletes must provide evidence of an insurance policy that has a limit of at least $90,000 and also cover athletically-related injuries.

This is a prerequisite for practice and competition set forth by the NCAA. No student will be allowed to participate in any way until such evidence of current insurance coverage is on file with the Lawrence University Department of Athletics. This includes a photocopy of both sides of your insurance card and a more detailed insurance information which is entered in the Athlete Portal.

If you have questions regarding the terms of your coverage, you should contact your insurer immediately. Please be sure to note if there are any exclusions in your policy regarding athletically-related injuries or regional coverage. If your insurance does not meet these requirements, Lawrence University will review the individual circumstances.

Will the insurance offered through the school cover my athletic participation?

No, the Student Assurance Accident and Sickness policy offered through Lawrence University does not cover athletically related injures so therefore it is not a valid form of insurance for participation.

I do not have insurance, can I still play a sport at Lawrence University?

NO, you cannot play or practice until you have a valid insurance policy that meets the requirements above.

Where can I get insurance?

Most students have insurance through their parents' policy. If this is not possible, you can go anywhere to get a policy. Please, make sure it meets the requirements and it's duration is, at a minimum, the length of the season you are participating in. However, having a policy that covers the entire academic year is highly recommended, as student-athletes are participating in activities year round. If you need help finding a policy, please contact the Head Athletic Trainer or see below.

There are a few companies that have short term policies that cover athletic injuries. Dates should be, at a minimum, the duration of the season although the entire academic year is recommended.

WPS Instant Protection Plan
United Health Care Short-Term Plan

For international student-athletes, there are some student travel plans that cover athletic injuries.

HTH Travel Insurance: Global Student USA Plans
HCC Insurance StudentSecure: Budget and Select Plans ONLY

You can also contact Jan Liesse who may be able to help you find a policy that suits your needs.

Jan Liesse
Individual Health Consultant
Jan.Liesse@associatedfinancialgroup.com

Direct Line 920 497 5569
Toll Free 1 866 335 2227

What about the insurance through the NCAA?

The NCAA's Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program covers student-athletes who are catastrophically injured while participating in a covered intercollegiate athletic activity (subject to all policy terms and conditions). The policy has a $90,000 deductible. This coverage does not qualify as the basic coverage required for participation in athletics at Lawrence University. It is supplemental coverage in the event of a catastrophic injury. More information on this program can be found on the NCAA website.

My parents' insurance will be changing (sometime) during the season. What should I do?

You must notify the Athletic Training staff and update your Athlete Portal as soon as you know the new information so we can properly change it in your file.

My insurance has not changed since I gave you a copy of my insurance card last year. Do I need to give you a new photocopy or can you just carry over last year's copy?

We need a new copy of your insurance card with your name and sport printed at the top EACH YEAR.

If I get hurt playing a sport at Lawrence University and my insurance does not pay all my medical bills, will Lawrence University's insurance cover the balance, thus eliminating my out-of-pocket expenses?

NO, Lawrence University does not carry primary or secondary coverage on its student-athletes and will assume no responsibility whatsoever for the payment of, or authorization to pay, medical expenses resulting from injuries that occur while participating in intercollegiate athletics at Lawrence University. All athletes are required to carry their own medical insurance and are responsible for all costs incurred while playing sports.

I am a military veteran and have insurance through the Veterans Administration, therefore, I have no insurance card. What do I do?

Simply bring us a photocopy of your military ID as proof of VA insurance.

The following are some known insurance plans that DO NOT cover athletically related injuries (updated July 2013).

Student Assurance Services: Blanket Student Accident & Sickness Plan

HCC Insurance Company: Short Term Medical, Atlas Travel, and StudentSecure Smart plans

Assurant Health: Short Term Health Insurance

Sickle Cell Trait FAQ

What is Sickle Cell Trait?

It’s a generally benign condition in which a person inherits from their parents one gene for the oxygen-carrying element in their red blood cells – hemoglobin – and one gene for sickle shaped hemoglobin. It is not the same as the more severe condition, sickle cell disease, in which both genes for sickle hemoglobin are inherited. Those with the trait experience normal healthy lives. 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. But in most cases, carriers of the trait live normal, healthy lives without incident. Please see the Sickle Cell Trait fact sheet for student-athletes or visit the NCAA.org Sickle Cell Trait page for more information

Why do I need to show proof of testing?

Starting August 1, 2013, all Division III schools must confirm the sickle cell trait status of incoming (new and transfer) student-athletes before participation in intercollegiate athletics. Starting August 1, 2014, all student-athletes must confirm their sickle cell trait status.

How can I show proof of testing?

Proof can be shown in one of three ways.

Documentation: The student-athlete may provide documented results of a sickle cell solubility test administered before participation.

Pending documentation: A student-athlete who has taken a sickle cell solubility test but whose results are not yet confirmed may participate provided the student-athlete engages in mandatory education, signs a waiver and receives appropriate precautions.

Opt-out: The student-athlete may sign a waiver declining confirmation of sickle cell trait status. Before signing a waiver, the student-athlete shall be provided education regarding the implications of exercising the waiver option. Before athletics participation, a student-athlete who signs a waiver under this provision shall engage in mandatory education regarding sickle cell trait status.

Where can I get the Sickle Cell Trait Testing and Waiver form?

The document is available for download on the Athlete Portal after you log in, or you can download the Sickle Cell Trait Testing Info and Waiver.

Why do I need to be tested?

Lawrence University recommends that all student‐athletes who are unable to confirm their sickle cell trait status undergo sickle cell trait testing prior to participation in any intercollegiate athletic activity. Knowledge of sickle cell trait status can be a gateway to education and simple precautions that may prevent collapse among athletes with sickle cell trait, allowing you to thrive in your sport.

What if I don't know my test results or know if I was tested?

Actually, tests for sickle cell trait are currently performed on all newborns in the U.S., but few are aware of a positive result because the condition is not considered life threatening in most of the population. You may obtain results from testing performed as a newborn by following the contact information on this document: 50 States SCT Results

How can I get tested?

Sickle cell trait testing in the form of a blood test can be done by the student‐ athlete's primary care physician. The expense of the test is the responsibility of the student‐athlete.

What if I have been tested, but I do not have my results yet, can I still participate?

Yes, provided that the student-athlete engages in mandatory education, signs a waiver and receives appropriate precautions.

Will I still be able to participate if I test positive?

Student‐athletes who test positive for the trait will NOT be prohibited from participating in intercollegiate athletics.

What if I don't want to be tested?

Knowledge of sickle cell trait status can be a gateway to education and simple precautions that may prevent collapse among athletes with sickle cell trait, allowing you to thrive in your sport. However, it is ultimately your decision if you wish to know your status. If you choose not to provide results, you must simply sign the Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver.

ADD/ADHD Medication FAQ

I am currently taking medication for ADHD. What do I need from my doctor?

Please refer to the Banned Substance Exception Attachment for information required from your doctor.

Does a student-athlete need to have an updated letter from the prescribing physician on file each year of their eligibility?

Yes, an annual follow-up with the prescribing physician is the minimum standard, and that can be reflected in a letter from the physician or a copy of the medical record, with written indication of the current treatment.