MSU Athletics

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood condition that can be found in a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.  If a person receives a sickle cell gene from both parents, they will inherit sickle cell disease.  If he/she inherits only one sickle cell gene, then they are said to have “sickle cell trait”.

Sickle cell trait is usually a benign condition, but during intense exercise, hypoxia or lack of oxygen in the muscles may cause sickling of red blood cells (meaning the red blood cells change from a normal round shape to a more crescent or “sickle” shape).  They can then accumulate in the bloodstream and potentially build up and “jam” the vessels, leading to a collapse from the rapid breakdown of muscles starved of nutrients they normally get from blood flow.  For this reason, MSU Athletics would like to know if you have sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease so that we can take measures to prevent these problems.  (If you have the trait, it will not affect your ability to play your sport or your standing on the team).

All newborn babies are tested for sickle cell disease and the trait when they are born.  If you present proof of your status for sickle cell trait (usually on record with whoever was your doctor when you were born) then the test does not need to be repeated.  If you cannot provide documentation then a simple blood test can be taken.

Starting in August 2022, Minot State University, in accordance with the NCAA rules, will require that all student-athletes be tested for sickle cell trait.  Before any prospective or current student-athlete will be permitted to try out, practice, compete, or take part in out-of-season training, the student-athlete has 2 options:

1.  Show proof of a previous sickle cell trait test.
2.  Get tested for sickle cell trait.

For student-athletes who carry the sickle cell trait the following simple steps will be taken:

• The athlete will watch the NCAA educational video about sickle cell trait and athletic participation.
• The student-athlete will meet with a team physician to answer any questions and make sure the student-athlete understands the issue and the steps he or she needs to make remain safe while participating (staying hydrated, recognize early signs and symptoms of heat illness/sickle crisis, and report them to sports medicine staff and coaches immediately).
• MSU Athletic Training staff, sport and strength/conditioning coaches will be notified of student-athletes trait status to ensure that he/she is allowed access to fluids as needed.
• Student-athlete is not forced to participate in timed physical tests before becoming acclimated to heat and exertion at the beginning of a season, and any athlete complaints of exhaustion are taken seriously and activity stopped until evaluation by athletic training staff is completed.

Student-athlete is encouraged to maintain proper hydration at all times, maintain proper asthma management, refrain from exercising while feeling ill or experiencing a fever, refrain from using diuretics or supplements that may cause dehydration, allow proper adaptation at altitude increases as little as 2,000 feet.