Equipment
All applicable items must be approved and insured (e.g. automobiles, vans, boats, etc.). Club equipment should be inventoried and reported at the close of each academic year by club officers. Clubs may request to store equipment in the athletic facilities via the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness. Storage cabinets and closets should be kept orderly and in accordance with all applicable building policies/codes.
Student Medical Exam & Health Insurance
All participants in Department of Athletics and Recreation activities are strongly advised to have an annual medical examination and proper medical insurance coverage. While the Department strives to provide safe activities and facilities, there are inherent risks, including physical injury, associated with participating in club programs.
Maintenance of good physical health and medical insurance in the event of a physical injury can provide peace of mind while participating in club activities. Some clubs may be required, by league affiliation or national organizations, to complete additional forms verifying health and medical insurance.
Participants who do not complete the necessary liability and insurance forms will not be eligible to participate in club activities. Acceptance of Risk waivers MUST be on-file with the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness in advance of any club activity/participation.
Contact and water sports must complete the Contact and Water Sports Acceptance of Risk Waiver while non-contact, non-water sports must complete the Acceptance of Risk Waiver.
Club officers are to collect all applicable forms and turn them into the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness at the beginning of the club's season as well as when any new members join the club.
First Aid Response Procedures
With the large number of participants involved in the Sport Club program, there will be accidents and injuries. When an injury does occur, adhere to the following emergency action steps:
- CHECK the scene for safety and CHECK the injured or ill participant
- CALL 1-2-3 or 773-702-8181 (on campus) or 9-1-1 (off campus) when needed
- CARE for the injured or ill athlete until medical personnel arrive
If on campus, the Athletic Facilities Manager on-duty should also be contacted via the applicable front desk. When in doubt, call for medical attention as doing so is often the most important action one can take in helping an individual in need of care.
Clubs may pick up first aid kits from the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness at the beginning of the school year (or club season). The kit should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure adequate supplies. If additional supplies are needed, please contact the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness.
If someone is injured, the coach or acting officer should complete an Accident Report to be turned into the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness Clubs as soon as possible (i.e. same day or next business day).
Serious injuries should be reported immediately to the Athletic Facilities Manager on-duty via the applicable front desk if within, or near, the athletic facilities. 1-2-3 or 773-702-8181 (UCPD) should also be called if on campus. If off campus, please dial 9-1-1 in the event of a medical emergency.
Teams practicing off campus should check with the applicable facility managers/supervisors regarding the emergency procedures for a site.
Prudent and discreet judgment should be used in the application of care to an injured individual.
Accidents During Off Campus Competition
It is the club's responsibility to ensure that all away games, seminars, tournaments and contests are conducted in a safe manner. Clubs should be aware of the emergency action plan at all away venues. Club officers/captains should evaluate the playing conditions and the site's emergency action plan before activity to determine if the activity can be conducted in a safe manner.
If someone is injured at an away event, the coach, captain or acting officer should inform the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness via an e-mail, phone call or completed Accident Report as soon as possible (i.e. the same day or next business day).
Concussions
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!
Facility Safety Procedures
If an accident does occur, it is very important that club members know the proper procedure for care. It is the responsibility of each club to ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe manner and environment. Emergency action plans have been developed for each facility on campus.
Before beginning any type of activity, make sure that the playing surface is cleared of any bottles, cans, metal objects, unsecured equipment, etc. that may cause injury. There should also be ample space surrounding all playing areas.
If any unsafe conditions do exist, please notify the Athletic Facilities Manager on-duty or similar building supervisor if off campus. Please also notify the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness as soon as possible.
Make sure that a medical kit is at all practices and competitions and there is awareness of the applicable emergency action plan in the event of injury or other incident. The University of Chicago’s Emergency Action Plan can be found here.
Inclement Weather Procedures
In the event of inclement weather:
- Terminate all activity and evacuate the area to the designated shelter area(s)
- Urge participants to keep away from outside walls and/or glass
- Avoid areas with large unsupported ceilings (e.g. gymnasiums, pools, etc.)
- Wait for an "all clear" signal/notification from the building supervisor/manager before leaving the shelter area and resuming any activity
A tornado watch goes into effect when, although the actual conditions in the area may not be presently threatening, there is a strong chance of a possible tornado developing. A tornado warning goes into effect when a tornado has been sighted.
For tornado watch and warning information, stay tuned to the National Weather Service. The Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness can also provide weather information, if needed.
Designated shelter areas should keep all participants away from outside windows and doors. Areas recommended are locker rooms, rest rooms, corridors, etc.
