Below is a listing of frequently asked questions related to the athlete portal, student-athlete physicals, primary insurance requirements, secondary insurance, sickle cell trait, and ADD/ADHD medications.
Athlete Portal FAQ
I don't have my on campus address or SPC 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 and SPC #, please log-in and enter the updated information. SPC #s are typically issued mid to late August.
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.
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Physical Form FAQ
Where can I get the required Lawrence University physical form?
Several possibilities include:
- The SportsWare Portal has all the required forms.
- The Athletic Training office in Alexander Gymnasium.
What do I do about the August 1st deadline if my physical is scheduled after that date?
Please submit your paperwork to the SportsWare Portal as soon as possible once your physical is complete and contact the Head Athletic Trainer with any questions.
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. We will not accept a note that says "cleared for intercollegiate 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 or the first day of practice for winter and spring sports. For Transfer students, your physical date must be within six months of your first day of participation in athletics 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 student-athletes we have 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 and athlete portal?
Yes, all immunizations required by the school must be on record or a waiver must be submitted.
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 physician's assistant or nurse practitioner may administer the medical exam under the supervision and approval of a licensed medical physician.
Primary Insurance FAQ
What are the insurance requirements?
All Lawrence University student-athletes must provide evidence of a primary insurance policy that covers intercollegiate 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  intercollegiate or athletically-related injuries or regional coverage.Â
Will the insurance offered through the school cover my athletic participation?
Yes, The accident and sickness insurance plan administered by Consolidated Health Plans offered by Lawrence University will cover athletically related injuries and will act as a primary insurance for a student athlete. Please read the full policy for further information regarding this plan. For more information regarding this plan, please follow this link: https://www.lawrence.edu/students/wellness/health/insurance
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.
How do I know if a plan does not cover athletically related injuries?
The exclusions are located in the plan documents. Please read the list of exclusions for that policy and make sure read them thoroughly noting any sport type activity exclusions. Some policies exclude only extreme sports (sky diving, SCUBA, etc.) while others may exclude semi-pro or pro sports, and others exclude intercollegiate athletics specifically. The list of exclusions should be available prior to you purchasing the insurance, if not, please call the insurance company to obtain the exclusions.
How do I know if I am out of network?
Please review your primary health insurance policy regarding "out of state and/or out of area coverage" prior to your arrival at LU. This will help ensure that you have adequate, hassle-free coverage while you are here at school. In order to provide the best coverage and minimize problems (such as denial of treatment, or refusal of payment), it benefits all of us to be proactive and explore the possibility of modifying your current plan or purchasing additional insurance coverage to ensure the athlete will be fully covered away from home. Completing the Medical Facility Access form on the Athlete Portal will give us all a better understanding of how your policy will work in the Lawrence University area.
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 covers you for the duration of the academic year. Lawrence University does offer a primary insurance policy that students can purchase and this policy does cover athletic injury. For information about this policy, please see the follow link: https://www.lawrence.edu/students/wellness/health/insurance. If you need help finding a policy, or have questions regarding if a policy will cover you for athletics, please contact the Head Athletic Trainer.
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?
As long as the athlete portal has the most up to date insurance card image, you do not need to resubmit.
I am or my parents are active military or a veteran and have insurance through the Military or Veterans Administration, therefore, I have no insurance card. What do I do?
Simply bring us a photocopy of your military ID as proof of insurance.
The following are some known insurance plans that DO NOT cover athletically related injuries (updated April 2017).
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
UnitedHealth/UHOne/Golden Rule Short Term Policy
HCC/TokioMarine Short Term Medical Policy
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?
Documentation: The student-athlete may provide documented results of a sickle cell solubility test administered before participation.
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:Â 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 provides results before the first competition.
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?
You have to be tested to participate in NCAA athletics.
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.
