1. Ethics & Laws

2. Every member of the sports medicine team is responsible for his or her actions and for conducting themselves in an ethical and legal manner
Keep in mind – Sports medicine is “public”, everything is usually on film

3. Vocab Liability – legal responsibility
Ethics – morals, a set of principles or values that influence behavior
Negligence – the failure to give reasonable care

4. Code Of Ethics All ATC must follow a code of ethics
Principle 1: respect the rights, welfare and dignity of all individuals
Principle 2: comply with laws and regulations governing the practice of athletic training
Principle 3: accept responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment
Principle 4: maintain and promote high standards in the provision of services
Principle 5: not engage in any form of conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession

5. Athletes Bill of Rights
Policies and Standards for fair treatment of athletes
Right to have fun through sports
Right to participate at a level commensurate with their maturity level
Right to participate in a safe and healthy environment
Right to proper preparation for participation
Right to treated with dignity
Right to say “no”

6. Liability and Risk
It is important to minimize your exposure to lawsuits
Work within your scope of knowledge and expertise
Follow rules and procedures
Keep in close contact with coach’s, parents, and athletes
Involve team physician in all decisions
Document everything, and keep all important papers organized and available

7. Assumption of Risk – acceptance of responsibility for the risks involved in the participation of a given activity
Risk Management – reduction of the potential for injury

8. Team Ethics Teams only work well when the members the same ethics
Physician – all members of the team must respect and support his/her decisions
Trainer – serves as a link between members of the team. Also determine when confidential information should be shared
Coach – provide a safe, unbiased, and positive environment for athletes
Tough to balance between wins and best interest of the athlete
Athlete – understanding and complying with team philosophy
Parents – support the team’s philosophy

9. What to do when “rules are broken”
DON’T turn the other way
You are often the first to see issues
It is your job to ensure the athletes safety
You are the athlete’s advocate
Remember to protect yourself as well

10. Worst case……..
Tort – a private or civil wrong against another person or his property
Act of omission – failure to perform a legal duty
Act of commission – an action performed illegally
Battery – the unlawful touching of an individual without consent
Malpractice – professional misconduct