Improving NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Screening
Gathering in a large room on Duke’s campus, there are faces of student athletes, trainers, researchers, and physicians with one purpose: to improve sickle cell trait screening. Although the expertise varies and opinions may be different, the goal is the same. Provide a unique and comprehensive list of recommendations to ensure the health and safety of student athletes that may have sickle cell. A collaboration between Duke and UNC, the two-day summit was an opportunity to learn more about Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) screening at universities across the nation and offer recommendations.
The goal of the conference was to hear from athletes, medical professionals, researchers, and trainers to learn more about how sickle cell screening is being conducted at various institutes. After gathering data, testimonials, and professional opinions, the team put together recommendations on how to move forward with screenings. It’s important to note that sickle cell trait has been linked to serious medical problems when athletes are under high-intensity exercise in heat, humidity, or altitude. Although complications are rare. the NCAA recognized this complication and required athletes to provide proof of SCT status to reduce risks. Unfortunately, its implementation has not been consistent across divisions, which leaves many schools unclear about what it means to be compliant.
Arriving at school and getting tested for SCT before starting a sport, can be life-changing for many athletes. Travis Bates, a Duke football player and participant at the conference, explained the importance of all NCAA athletes to be tested and how a positive result affects not only the player, but teammates, coaches, trainers, and family. The people closest to you, the ones you rely on at practice and home, are the same people you will lean on to help recognize symptoms and what action to take when help is needed. Knowing and understanding the signs and consequences of this disease could be lifesaving. Since sickle cell disease is genetic, Travis also stressed the importance of knowing if you carry the trait and could potentially pass the disease to future children. Many athletes grow up playing intense sports for years, training, and exercising without even knowing they have sickle cell.
Travis states, “It took me 20 years to know I had a condition that could have affected me in so many ways. If Duke never tested me when I first came here, I could have overworked myself and symptoms could have occurred, and by then it would have been too late. Testing ensures the safety of athletes and prevents any possibility of harm.”
Researchers from Duke and UNC wanted to better understand how schools and athletes have been handling the policy and analyzed data from 1,857 participants across 172 NCAA schools. Overall, there was support for the policy and an understanding of the importance of testing but also revealed there was a lack of consistency and some challenges with implementation, therefore there were opportunities for improvement.
Once research findings were complete, the next big step was to make recommendations with the group convening for part two of the summit. Participants reviewed study results and provided feedback on draft recommendations. Having such a diverse group of people in one room with various experience and expertise, led to a mix of perspectives and was a strength of the event. Listening to athletes explain their experience with testing, hearing from medical professional about their concerns, and listening to athletic trainers describe their views allowed the group to effectively pull together their recommendations.
“Our research and summit reveal challenges and gaps in implementation of the SCT screening policy. We hope the recommendations and strategies we’ve offered will advance efforts of the NCAA and similar bodies to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes before, during, and after college,” said Charmaine Royal, Director of Center on Genomics, Race, Identity, Difference and Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation at Duke University.
Clint Haggard has been the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of South Carolina since 2009 and holds numerous leadership positions, including president of the SEC Sports Medicine Committee. As a trainer at USC for 17 seasons and a background in medical services to athletes, Clint has seen his share of medical issues on and off the field. He appreciated being part of the conversation, providing input, and listening to various (sometimes conflicting) opinions on how to move forward with SCT.
“The conference was great because you had such a diverse group of people present that had many different viewpoints on things. By having such a diverse group of professionals, we were able to look at the issue from many different angles and come up with the best solutions for all,” stated Clint.
Aaron Hall, student-athlete at Duke University, explained how the summit stressed the importance SCT and making information available and accessible.
“I think it’s extremely important for all NCAA athletes to be screened for SCT because it’s important to know how this disease could affect you, your teammates, or your future family. This condition isn’t just one that affects football but, also, life. Having the screening helped me get the information I needed on how to take care of myself and teammates, and what symptoms to look out for,” expressed Aaron.
The final report has been submitted and discusses the need for universal screening and precautions. The main focus of the summit was SCT, however the consensus was to continue stressing the importance of having conversations about other health risks of college athletes, including cardiac and mental health.
Research should continue and new data will become available over the years, but for now the group recommends annual reviews to ensure policies and materials continue to be effective. We need to have safe athletic environments across the nation and equitable for all athletes.
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The event was part of a multi-year research project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examining the implementation of the NCAA’s SCT screening policy.