Message from Patrick Zahn MS, ATC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach / Certified Athletic Trainer
Hello and welcome!
If you're looking for the pre-participation medical paperwork for the 2025-2026 academic year, you've come to the right place! Please thoroughly review all information and complete appropriate forms as outlined. Please know that student-athletes are encouraged to see their primary care physician for a physical exam. The team physician has the final say regarding medical clearance and participation status.
All new student-athletes are required to have a pre-participation physical exam with a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.). Only returning athletes who have had a significant change in medical history are required to have a physical. The physical should be completed on the form below. Remember, the physical MUST be signed by a M.D. or D.O., not a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Pre-participation physicals for the 2025-2026 academic year must have been conducted on or after April 1, 2025.
Due Date:
Pre-participation medical paperwork must be submitted via the Student Health Portal no later than Friday, July 11th, 2025.
Download the Sports Physical Exam Form (PDF)
Returning athletes can check with their coach to see if they require a physical, but most will only need to schedule a Returner Medical Check-in with their athletic trainer. Student-athletes experiencing difficulties and/or hardship scheduling an appointment with an outside provider may schedule a pre-participation physical exam with the team physician on campus. Further instructions on how to schedule this can be found in the pre-participation paperwork on the Student Health Portal.
Athletes with significant or ongoing medical conditions should gather and submit all medical records from their treating physician for review by the Georgian Court University Team Physician. Failure to do so may result in delay in medical clearance for participation. For example, if you've ever been referred to a cardiologist, or had episodes of fainting, please send the records related to any medical workup you had done, even if the condition was deemed a non-issue. If you underwent any surgical procedures in the last 2 years, please send records of the care you received.
Submission of documents will only be accepted via the Student Health Portal. Do not fax / email submission or turn in documents to your coach or athletic trainer. These will not be accepted.
Insurance:
All student athletes are required to submit a front and back copy of their primary and secondary insurance card (if applicable) as part of their physical. Any changes during the year must be submitted to the Office of Athletic Training via the Student Health Portal.
The University offers excess insurance plans for students and athletes. More information about the insurance process can be found at www.gculions.com/insurance or by clicking the button below.
Privacy Practices:
Georgian Court University Office of Athletic Training is in full compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations. The University's Privacy Policy can be found by clicking the button below.
Georgian Court University Drug Education & Testing:
Georgian Court University is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that encourages students participating in intercollegiate athletic competition to avoid the abuse of alcohol and the unauthorized use of controlled substances as well as performance enhancing drugs, including dietary supplements. This program is separate and distinct from the NCAA drug-testing program and sanctions. Additional information can be found by clicking the button below.
Concussion Education Requirements:
In the interest of athlete safety, the NCAA requires member institutions to have a comprehensive concussion management plan in place. Georgian Court University has been in full compliance with this requirement even prior to its instatement. The concussion management plan must include "an annual process that ensures student-athletes are educated about the signs and symptoms of concussion". To this end, we utilize ConcussionWise for Athletes offered by Sport Safety International. Click the logo below (or visit www.gculions.com/concussionwise) to take this on-line course. This is required by all student-athletes annually.
Sickle Cell Trait Testing:
The NCAA requires all Division II student-athletes to confirm their sickle cell trait status by laboratory testing. Information describing the nature of sickle cell trait, individuals that might be at risk, and signs and symptoms can be found on the NCAA website: http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/sickle-cell-trait
Detailed information regarding Georgian Court University's policy as well as instructions for getting tested can be found at www.gculions.com/sct.
Medical Paperwork:
Click the button below to access the secure Student Health Portal to complete your pre-participation medical paperwork.
New Students: If you have not already accessed your user account, it is recommended you do so now, as those credentials are required to access the student-health portal as well as your e-mail. Important updates may be sent to you throughout the summer at your GCU account or via secure message on the student-health portal. Instructions on how to access your account for the first time can be found HERE (PDF).
It is recommended that you assemble the following items / information before you begin:
- A scanned copy of your Sports Physical Exam Form completed and signed by your primary care physician (Required for all new student-athletes)
- A clear front / back scan of your Primary Health Insurance Card (if applicable) saved to your computer and cropped. International student must submit a copy of their policy binder in place of insurance card.
- A clear front / back scan of your Secondary Health Insurance Card (if applicable) saved to your computer and cropped
- Lab report showing your sickle cell trait status (new athletes only)
Appropriate Attire for Physical Examinations/Medical check-ins:
Athletes who have made prior arrangements to report for physical with the team physician should report in appropriate athletic attire that will allow the athlete to undergo physical examination and functional movements. A t-shirt and athletic shorts with sneakers is advised. Female athletes are advised to wear a properly fitting sports bra under a t-shirt. Athletes who wear corrective lenses must bring their contact lenses or glasses to undergo vision screening. Failure to follow this request may result in delays in medical clearance.
Sincerely,
Patrick Zahn MS, ATC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach / Certified Athletic Trainer
732-987-2692
pzahn@georgian.edu
