Sports Sciences and Medicine Committee Chair
Updated August 2012

The Sport Sciences and Medicine Committee Chair is a permanent committee pursuant to Article XVI, Section 1 of the USFS by-laws. The chair is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate and recommend team medical personnel to international competitions and evaluate their performance
  • Lead the education and outreach at multiple levels for the communication of relevant applicability of scientific and medical research and knowledge as it relates to figure skating. Such efforts will be collaborative with HQ staff, PSA and relevant external organizations such as ISU and national/international sports science and medicine societies
  • Advise skaters and coaches on doping control, banned substances and other issues related to doping.
  • Provide medical oversight and name of designated medical liaison for national championships and other competitions if applicable
  • Coordinate the following three sections of the committee
  • 1. High performance: Provide professional service and education in figure skating sports medicine and sports science for enhancement of performance and prevention of injuries of figure skaters. Work is done collaboratively with HQ staff- Director of High Performance and Director of Sports Science and Medicine
  • 2. Research and Education Coordinate the committee to design and implement the annual scientific meeting at nationals which is geared to educate healthcare professionals,scientists, interested coaches, parents and skaters on cutting edge foused topics in sports science and medicine
  • 2. Research and Education : Coordinate the committee to set the research agendas, solicit research proposals, assist with proposal development and funding, ensuring definable and practicable outcomes of research and disseminating resulting information.
  • 3. Medical Services: Coordinate the committee to set medical event coverage policies, and collect medical information at events and while traveling such that annual rates of injury and other medical information can be analyzed and trends can be identified for future research proposals and preventive initiatives
  • Provide status reports to the Group Coordinator for the Fall Board meeting and for Governing Council
  • Initiate and hold conference calls and meetings with the Sports Science and Medicine committee, the three subcommittees, three vice chairs (steering committee) and international team medical staff to discuss relevant issues.

Member of:

  • Athletes Development Committee, others as selected

Reports to: Group Coordinator, Athletes

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Certified physician or other medical professional
  • Experience working with athletes in international competition as the team doctor or physiotherapist
  • Member of this committee for at least three years

Recommended:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Team doctor, team leader or physiotherapist for at least 3 competitions, one of which is a championship event
  • Member of the Sport Science and Medicine Committee for at least 4-5 years

Expected Time Commitment: Attendance at Governing Council (3-4 days) required, monthly conference calls (1-2 hours); availability to answer phone calls and e-mails and network with skaters, officials and coaches (10 hours/month).