Editorial: NCAA looking to protect, not discriminate

Death or discrimination. Which would you rather risk?

The NCAA created a new requirement that… Death or discrimination. Which would you rather risk?

The NCAA created a new requirement that all Division I athletes be screened for sickle-cell trait, most commonly found in African-Americans. Although critics of the test worry it could cause discrimination and limit recruiting opportunities for people who carry the trait, the fact that complications from sickle-cell trait can be so easily prevented seems to make the screening worthwhile.

Some medical experts argue that exercise might seriously harm athletes with the trait. Some have died.

CNN reports that nine collegiate football players’ deaths have been related to sickle-cell trait since 2000, making exertional sickling the leading cause of death in NCAA football players this decade.” But “the medical field is divided over whether there is enough evidence to warrant the mass screenings,” because the way the trait is related to the deaths is “unclear,” CNN reports.

People with sickle-cell trait — which differs from the sickle-cell disease that causes red blood cells to have an abnormal shape and clog blood vessels — tend not to experience complications. But concern for student athletes with sickle-cell trait is not unwarranted. The shape of the red blood cells of an athlete who has the trait can change during intense or extensive physical exertion, according to the NCAA’s website.

Incoming student athletes can choose to get tested for the trait, show proof of a prior test or sign a waiver if they decline testing.

By declining testing, a student can potentially ensure he isn’t denied any opportunities based on the presence of the trait.

Regardless of whether the sickle-cell trait and intense exercise combination was a direct cause of student-athlete deaths or not, the results of testing are not supposed to exclude students from sport participation. The NCAA website provides fact sheets for both students and coaches on sickle-cell trait and how to prevent a collapse. The sheets include symptoms to watch out for and advice such as refraining from intense exercise when sick.

The screening requirement was part of a settlement between Rice University in Houston and the parents of college football player Dale Lloyd, whose death in 2006 was tied to sickle-cell trait, according to the NCAA’s website.

Because the new genetic screening rule was the result of a lawsuit against a university, critics of the requirement argue that the screening is for the protection of the universities and not the protection of the athletes. But why does this matter? Though it would be unfortunate if the requirement’s main purpose were protecting the universities, the result would still serve the interest of the students’ safety. And because of the intense nature of college sports, we would even support the NCAA monitoring for other conditions to further protect students.

After all, the student can always opt out of the testing, but we think it’s probably better to know. Even if having the sickle-cell trait could possibly hinder certain recruitment opportunities, we guarantee that dying will be even less convenient.