During an OFFICIAL visit, who is permitted to conduct a medical examination?

During an official visit, the person who is permitted to conduct a medical examination is the physician or institutional medical staff. This is important because medical examinations involve evaluating an athlete's health status, including checking for any pre-existing conditions or injuries that could affect their participation in collegiate sports.

Having a qualified medical professional carry out this examination ensures that the process adheres to health regulations and standards. Athletic departments are required to follow guidelines set by the NCAA, which mandates that only professionals with the appropriate credentials and training, like physicians or medical staff, are authorized to perform such examinations. This not only ensures the safety and wellbeing of the prospective student-athlete but also helps the institution maintain compliance with NCAA rules.

Coaches or administrative staff, like a head coach or director of operations, are not qualified to conduct medical evaluations, as they lack the necessary medical training and expertise. Similarly, while a strength coach may have knowledge related to athlete conditioning, they are also not qualified to conduct medical examinations. This reinforces the importance of having medical matters handled by individuals who are specifically trained for it.