The University strongly recommends that each participant receive a medical exam prior to club sport physical activity, particularly for physically demanding or contact sports. Each participant should be covered by their own health and accident insurance. The University has no special coverage for club sport athletes.

Recent hospitalizations, surgery, chronic illness, debilitating conditions, or other medical history that precludes athletic participation renders an individual ineligible for club participation until a medical clearance has been obtained from University Health Services.

Club officers must submit an injury report to the Club Sports Office within 24 hours of any injuries requiring any form of medical attention occurring while participating in any aspect of a club sports activity.

Submit Injury Report Here

Club Sport participants are granted limited access to athletic healthcare through Harvard University's Sports Medicine Department located within the Dillon Field House.

Services Available

A certified athletic trainer will be available by appointment to provide athletic healthcare to active club sport participants. Care will be provided for minor injuries that are musculoskeletal in nature, such as: Sprains, Strains, Severe Bruises, and other Sports-Related Injuries.

For conditions that do not meet the above criteria, club sport athletes will not be seen but rather referred to an appropriate healthcare provider, most likely through University Health Services. While a recommended referral will be provided by the certified athletic trainer, club sport athletes have the discretion to see a healthcare provider of their choosing. Physician services are not available within Dillon Field House and will be referred to Harvard University Health Services. (Ex: concussions, illness, conditions which may require surgery, emergent/urgent issues)

Care provided can include:

• Evaluation of sports injuries

• Rehabilitation programs

• Use of therapeutics modalities

• Development of custom home exercise plan

• Home care instructions

• Injury education

In order to maintain access to this service for all club sport participants, patients will be limited to a maximum of 8 total visits per pathology.

Treatment Scheduling

The athletic training room at Dillon Fieldhouse will be available for club sport athletes by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment with the designated club sport athletic trainer, email Dylan Lothian,  MS, LAT, ATC dlothian@fas.harvard.edu

For scheduling information and Athletic Training Room Policies, see the Medical Room Coverage Guide

Financial Responsibility

No charge to the club sport participant will be assessed for care provided at Dillon Fieldhouse by the designated athletic trainer. Should any additional care be required through a different healthcare provider, the club sport athlete assumes all responsibility in scheduling and financing.

To provide a safe and positive experience for all participants, it is necessary to take preventative measures before accidents and injuries occur. It is strongly recommended that every club sport develop, implement, and practice the following safety policies.

• Club sport members, coaches, and instructors should emphasize safety during all club related activities as per University and club association guidelines.

• Have at least two members certified in First Aid and CPR available at club practices, games, etc.

• Certified athletic trainers are suggested for all home/away competitions. The Athletic Department does not provide athletic trainers for club sport competitions. However, clubs may inquire about hiring certified athletic trainers

• Develop and practice safety guidelines relevant to your sport as established by your certifying agency.

• Inspect fields and facilities prior to every practice session, game, or special event. Report unsafe conditions to the Club Sports Director immediately. Do not use facilities if they are unsafe.

• Encourage all members of your organization to carry personal health insurance.

ALL PARTICIPATION IN CLUB SPORT ACTIVITIES IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE. HARVARD UNIVERSITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY INCURRED BY PARTICIPANTS WHILE INVOLVED IN ANY CLUB SPORT ACTIVITY.

• Club Sport members may not instruct/coach any person(s) under the age of 18 without authorized permission from the Club Sports Office.

• Clubs deemed "high risk" by the Athletic Department are required to schedule Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for each home event. The Club Sports Office will notify those specific clubs at the beginning of each year. Failure to secure these services for events will result in loss of access to Harvard's facilities.

A concussion is a brain injury that: is caused by a blow to the head or body, can change the way the brain normally works, can range from mild to severe, presents itself differently for each athlete, can occur in ANY sport and can happen even when not losing consciousness. Symptoms can include amnesia, mental confusion, headache, loss of consciousness, dizziness, impaired vision, nausea, convulsions, loss of appetite, etc. The appearance of any of these symptoms indicates a significant head injury that requires medical attention. Contact a physician or report to a local emergency facility.

Basic steps to prevent a concussion include:

• Do not initiate contact with the head or helmet

• Avoid striking an opponent in the head

• Follow rules for safety and the rules of the sport

• Practice good sportsmanship at all times

• Practice and perfect the skills of the sport

If a concussion is suspected: don't hide it; report it; get checked out; take time to recover. Remember, it's better to miss one game/contest than the whole season. When in doubt, get checked out!