Catastrophic Injury and Illness
NCAA schools are required to follow guidance on preventing catastrophic injuries and to report any student-athlete catastrophic injury or death.
Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death
The Interassociation Recommendations identify areas where institutions can reduce risk through proactive planning, education and implementation of best practices.
Catastrophic Injury Reporting Requirements
NCAA Association-wide legislation requires schools to report annually on all student-athlete fatalities and catastrophic injuries, regardless of whether such fatality/injury is sport related. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research and the Datalys Center assist with the collection of catastrophic injury data.
Although fatalities and catastrophic injuries among college athletes are rare, identifying the causes and circumstances of catastrophic events are critical to developing effective prevention and response strategies.
To report a catastrophic event by phone, call the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at 919-843-8357.
Report a Catastrophic Injury
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions are intended to help NCAA member schools understand and implement the Interassociation Recommendations: Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death in Collegiate Athletes.
These questions address both the development of the recommendations and common topics related to their interpretation, application and implementation on campus.
Endorsed by the NCAA Board of Governors as Association-wide policy, the recommendations provide evidence-based guidance designed to support student-athlete health and safety through emergency preparedness, risk reduction and institutional best practices.
NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program
The NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program provides excess medical expense coverage for eligible student-athletes who suffer serious injuries while participating in covered intercollegiate athletics activities.
Have Additional Questions?
The NCAA Sport Science Institute works to support student-athlete health, safety and performance through research, education and collaboration with medical and scientific experts. Have questions or need more information?