Overview
The USEF Human Athlete Sports Health Program (HASH) is designed to optimize athlete performance by supporting the health needs, both physical and mental, of the eligible Athletes. The USEF HASH works to develop health policies and procedures for Athletes, review USEF HASH staff structure, establish position statements and educational content for the enhancement of athlete safety (e.g. concussion diagnosis and management, return to sport, event medical coverage and anti-doping), develop a more robust injury reporting system, and support coordinating medical resources for acute and rehabilitative care. The USEF HASH organizational structure is as follows:
- USEF Medical Director (Dr. Mark Hart)
- USEF HASH Coordinator (Steven Morrissey)
- USEF HASH Contractors (independent contractors of USEF)
- USEF HASH Providers (individual professionals identified by USEF)
The USEF HASH will be a resource to eligible athletes per the definition and criteria posted here.
Types of USEF HASH Contractors & Providers:
The following are the types of licensed and/or certified professionals that may be included as USEF HASH Contractors and Providers in a variety of different situations based on their skill sets and individual program needs.
- Medical Physicians (MD, DO)
- Physical Therapist (PT/DPT)
- Licensed or certified Athletic Trainer (LAT or ATC)
- Mental Health Provider or Sport Psychologist
Besides the four primary provider types, USEF HASH Contractors & Providers can also include licensed providers such as:
- Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DCM)
- Sport Massage Therapists
- Acupuncturists
- Sports Registered Dietician
- Sport Physiologist
For Athletes:
Eligible athletes can reach out to the USEF HASH Coordinator, Steven Morrissey, at [email protected] with a request for connection to a USEF HASH Contractor or Provider.
For Medical Professionals:
Below is the process for professionals to apply to be a USEF HASH Contractor or Provider.
General Requirements for USEF HASH Providers
USEF HASH Providers must meet all current regulatory, licensing, insurance, and other requirements to practice and be in good standing with their appropriate state and/or national certifying boards.
USEF HASH Providers are required to maintain USEF Subscriber Membership, which will be provided on a complimentary basis, as well as annual SafeSport training and successful completion of a NCSI criminal background check every 24 months. USEF HASH Providers are also required to complete WADA or USADA anti-doping training every four years. Providers are also required to take the free online USOPC Mental Health First Aid training certification when available. Basic Life Support (BLS) active certification is required for Providers providing event medical coverage. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and/or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are recommended but not required for Providers involved in event medical coverage.
USEF HASH Providers must follow all SafeSport policies, including one-on-one rules for medical providers. In general, treatments will be performed in open areas. USEF HASH Providers may not treat minor athletes without another adult present. When an adult athlete requests privacy, treatments may be performed in a private area, but the USEF HASH Provider must offer the athlete the option to have another adult present.
Recruitment & Identification of USEF HASH Providers
Identification of new USEF HASH Providers is essential to maintaining a high-quality, trained pool available to athletes. USEF HASH Providers are identified by the following:
- Professionals directly contact the USEF HASH Coordinator
- Qualified Medical Personnel who perform well at USEF licensed competitions
- Athletes’ current medical providers
- Recommendations from the equestrian community, including program leadership, coaches, and athletes
- Recommendations from USEF HASH Contractors or Providers, as well as other sport medicine programs, including the USOPC, other NGBs, the NCAA, or other national sports medicine organizations
Application Process for USEF HASH Providers
- Medical professionals must submit a cover letter, resume and at least three letters of recommendation to the USEF HASH Coordinator.
- The USEF HASH Coordinator will review the candidate to verify the professional meets all the USEF HASH Provider license requirements.
- Submission will then be reviewed by the USEF Chief Medical Officer and any relevant USEF HASH Contractors to determine if the candidate fulfills a program coverage need.
- When applicable, the USOPC Sport Medicine Staff may be asked to review a candidate.
- The candidate may be required to work with USEF HASH Contractors to be evaluated on their medical knowledge, professionalism, and ability to interact positively with athletes, coaches, team staff, and other support personnel.
- Status as a USEF HASH Provider will be a joint decision between the USEF Chief Medical Officer, relevant USEF HASH Contractors, and USEF Staff.
- If approved, the candidate will be required to complete all general requirements as noted in the section above prior to being considered as a USEF HASH Provider.
Please contact the USEF HASH Coordinator, Steven Morrissey, at [email protected] with any questions regarding the USEF HASH Program.