Guidelines at Athletic Events

Guidelines for Chiropractors at Athletic Events 

The R.C.C.S.S.(C) is a specialty college chartered by the Canadian Chiropractic Association (C.C.A.) to oversee chiropractic sports sciences in Canada. 

The Guidelines are in addition to those established by the C.C.A. ("Practice Guidelines for Chiropractors in Canada") 

The R.C.C.S.S.(C) is an educational and coordinating organization, providing post graduate training in the specialty of sports and rehabilitation. Successful participants graduate with specialized training and, ultimately, may after full completion sit for Fellowship examination, and upon fulfillment of requirements be afforded the title of "Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences" and use the designation F.R.C.C.S.S.(C).

 All chiropractors are qualified primary care providers by their training and all are governed by the various provincial licensing and self regulatory bodies.

Guidelines 

1. Chiropractors should be aware of and adhere to the pre-established protocols for the medical team of a particular athletic event.

 2. All chiropractors at sporting events will conduct themselves in a professional manner. Chiropractors should be seen as equal team members within their scope of practice and expertise. Further, chiropractors, like members of the team are expected to follow the authority and direction of the "charge person" appointed by the appropriate authority prior to any event.

 3. Chiropractors by their training are recognized to have the expertise to effectively fill the roll of "charge person" and event management.

 4. Chiropractors are expected to provide input during group discussions regarding necessary care of a particular athlete or team.

 5. Chiropractors are recognized as expert providers of spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and adjustments, and may also utilize a variety of supportive and complimentary therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring normal mechanical function, enhancing neuromuscular input, facilitating proprioceptive function and decreasing compensatory joint pathophysiology. Chiropractors also provide athlete evaluation and instructions regarding athletic conditioning, injury prevention and health promotion through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modification. The range of diagnostic and therapeutic services offered by chiropractic is dynamic and will be modified by education, research, technological change and the athlete's evolving health care needs.

6. The provision of on-site acute care of athletic injures by a member of the R.C.C.S.S.(C) may include: injury assessment and diagnosis, basic emergency life support, provision of first aid, securing appropriate care from other team members and transportation to an emergency facility.

7. The chiropractor, in cooperation with all performance enhancement personnel and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the athlete.

RCCSS(C) 4101 Rev. Dec. 7, 2012