What Are the Duties of Sports Physicians?

Sports physicians are licensed doctors responsible for the specialized care of amateur or professional athletes. In addition to their medical licenses, the doctors should also have additional training and experience in the fields of sports medicine, musculoskeletal trauma and injury, and advanced life support skills. These physicians can earn a specialty board certification in the area of sports medicine to further hone their skills. They will often be members of one or more sports-related medical associations.

Medical Duties

• Sports physicians are responsible for preseason physical examinations and granting permission for sport participation. They manage acute and chronic illnesses as well as injuries. Sports physicians administer, supervise or direct first aid on the field and coordinate post-injury care and referrals to any necessary specialists. These doctors also oversee an injured athlete's rehabilitation program, help the athlete prepare to return to active play, and provide the final permission to do so.

Educational Duties

• Sports physicians educate athletes individually and as teams, either directly or by arrangement with appropriate professionals. Topics include nutrition, strength and conditioning, and other subjects specific to an individual athlete's medical and injury history. Sports doctors also educate other members of the treatment team, such as athletic trainers, coaches and administrators. If appropriate, these physicians educate athletes' families about individual issues.

Administrative Duties

• Sports physicians coordinate and supervise care provided by other health care providers, such as other medical specialists, nurses, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers, nutritionists, dieticians, physical therapists and counselors. Sports doctors define the areas of practice and the pecking order for the involved health care providers by establishing a chain of command to optimize care and communication.

Logistical Duties

• Sports physicians oversee or assign logistical tasks to ensure a safe environment for both players and spectators. They establish emergency protocols; ensure adequate staff coverage of games or events; establish protocol for the acquisition, storage and use of materials and supplies; evaluate the safety of event weather; and assess the safety of event arenas, fields, parks or tracks.