Illness & Injury Management
Varsity Illness Management Plan
Updated September 20, 2024
We’ve noticed an increase in COVID cases and other illness within our varsity program. It’s crucial that any athlete experiencing symptoms, regardless of the illness, should refrain from practicing or being around others.
Please report any symptoms to Dr. Martin or Traci Vander Byl (Varsity Athletic Therapist) so we can effectively monitor and manage any contagious illnesses within the Varsity teams.
We understand there may be a tendency to downplay symptoms by saying "it's just a cold." However, even common illnesses can be communicable. Therefore, we ask all athletes and coaches to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Stay away from others if you are symptomatic.
- Wear a medical mask during close contact situations.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
You should only return to training once symptoms have fully resolved or you have been cleared by medical staff.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our team safe!
Basic Illness Etiquette
- Practice regular hand washing
- Practice coughing into sleeve
- STAY AT HOME when symptomatic e.g. DO NOT come to train, travel or compete with Vikes or enter our facilities if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact Dr. Martin as soon as possible.
Return-To-Play
For all illness (including COVID-19), Dr. Martin is the only person who can medically clear you for return to any Vikes training or competition environment.
Below is a sample graduated return to play protocol that will be followed by Dr. Martin and the Vikes Sports Injury Clinic staff. Please seek advice from Dr. Martin who will use clinical judgement to start you at the most appropriate stage in this process post-illness.
*Modification based on this article: bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/19/1157
COVID-19 - Testing
COVID-19 is still prevalent in our society and can cause major side effects if not treated properly. COVID-19 rapid tests are available at the Vikes Sports Injury Clinic, Student Wellness Centre and at local drug stores.
Notes for rapid test results:
- You must not rely on a negative rapid test (RTs) following a close contact to direct your actions.
- RTs have low sensitivity for COVID-19 in people who are asymptomatic especially done in close proximity (time wise) to an known exposure.
- People infected with COVID-19 may test negative for several days before testing positive on RT.
- Therefore, a negative test may represent a false negative and the infection status of the individual may change within hours of taking the test.
- A positive RT result does not require PCR/rapid molecular confirmatory testing.
- If an asymptomatic individual without a known exposure to a COVID-19 case decides to complete a RT outside of routine screening programs, for example prior to a social event/gathering/visit in a non-high risk setting, then they should complete it as close to the event as possible (e.g. on the same day, ideally within a few hours of the event) and understand important limitations to a negative RT.
- Those with a negative one-off RT should still follow existing public health measures including masking and limiting contacts.
Drug-Free Sport & Medication
The Vikes varsity program adheres to the U SPORTS, CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Association) regulations for drug education, use and policy including:
- A mandatory online drug education session “True Sport Clean” for all student-athletes participating in the Vikes varsity program.
- Strict opposition to the use of any banned or restricted substance or methods in contravention of U SPORTS rules and the rules of the National and/or International Sport Federations and the International Olympic Committee.
- Strongly discouraging the use of such substances and/or methods by individuals in positions of leadership in university sport (coaches, athletic 13 October 2020 staff, medical practitioners, sport scientists, administrators) or by the student-athletes themselves.
- Random testing of Vikes student-athletes in U SPORTS sports during the competitive season.
All Vikes Student-Athletes follow the rules for Drug Free Sport:
- By avoiding the use of any performance-enhancing drugs, (i.e. anabolic steroids) and/or techniques (i.e. blood doping), as outlined by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. Student-athletes who engage in or observe the use of such substance or techniques by another student-athlete are required to report the conduct to the Head Athletic Therapist or to Vikes leadership staff.
- By accepting responsibility to ensure that any medication taken is not a prohibited substance. Information to assist is available from:
- By participating in the required drug education programs from U SPORTS or Vikes Athletics.
Consult your doctor and/or the Athletic Therapist if you are unsure about the use of prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. You can also check your medications online.
Medical or Student Support Coordinator
If you require any confidential support and information on how to access resources, please reach out:
- Medical or COVID-19 related:
- Other supports, including mental health:
- Sarah Kingstone, Student Support Coordinator, Varsity Athlete Specialist: sscvikes@uvic.ca
Varsity Injury Management Plan
Varsity Injury protocol
Concussions
All varsity student-athletes in high-risk sports or who have a history of concussion must undergo annual baseline concussion testing with the Vikes Sports Injury Clinic. Athletes with a concussion can contact sic@uvic.ca to arrange a follow up assessment and to determine next steps to return to academics and physical activity.
Looking for information on identifying a concussion? Concussion guide for athletes.
Reference Resources:
