Abstract

Physicians participate in screening, routine medical supervision, and the disqualification process of high school and college student athletes. Physicians and schools evaluating student-athletes for athletic participation should understand the meticulous medical process necessary to make eligibility/disqualification decisions, and the associated liability issues. It is the responsibility of a team physician to take a lead role in the sports teams’ medical evaluation process. The first duty of a team physician and institution is to protect the health and well being of their collegiate student athletes. The potential liability associated with the evaluation process requires that high schools and institutions of higher education work with their physicians to develop sound and reasonable administrative strategies regarding participation in athletics. Reducing the liability risk requires an understanding and compliance with the available medical guidelines and evolving judicial framework. It is imperative physicians understand case law and available medical guidelines. As medical professional standards evolve, so will responsibilities under legal standards. Liability issues regarding the preparticipation screening of athletes, their medical supervision, and their eligibility for and disqualification from participation are of increasing concern to the practicing medical community. Court cases involving athletic field morbidity and mortality have elucidated an evolving legal framework related to the alleged failure to properly diagnose, treat, qualify, or disqualify individuals from competitive sport. This manuscript will highlight liability cases involving cardiac, neurological, musculoskeletal, and heat illness issues. These cases will identify the importance of the standard of care in evaluation/disqualification, adherence to medical guidelines, and the need for diligent follow up in determining return to play issues.

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