EASTERN ILLINOIS SPORTS MEDICINE
What is a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents.
Athletic Trainers are recognized by AMA (American Medical Association) as an allied health care profession since 1990.
ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF
POLICIES
The Athletic Training rooms are available to all intercollegiate athletes for the prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation of injuries.
HOURS OF OPERATION
O'Brien Athletic Training Room
Open Monday thru Friday 7 am -12 pm, 1pm - Practices | Weekend hours by appointment
Lantz Athletic Training Room
Open Monday thru Friday 1 pm - Practices | Weekend hours by appointment
Closed during Summer Session
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM CODE OF CONDUCT
Holiday hours and exam week will vary and are dependent on sport coverage. All final decisions regarding these times shall be made by staff ATC assigned to the sport.
• All injuries and illnesses must be reported to Certified Athletic Trainer no later than 9 am or as determined by Staff ATC
• The athletic training room is a co-educational facility; appropriate dress and behavior is required at all times
• Athletes must shower before all post-practice treatments
• No smoking or chewing tobacco allowed in the athletic training room
• No food allowed in the treatment areas
• The athletic training room is for those seeking medical attention. Please do not loiter.
• No one is allowed in the athletic training room offices without the permission of a Staff Certified Athletic Trainer
• Student-athletes are not allowed to use the telephone or computer in the athletic training rooms without the permission of a Staff Certified Athletic Trainer
• No shoes on the treatment tables
• No cleats or spikes to be worn in athletic training room
• Use of cell phones is prohibited in the athletic training room
• No moist heat packs are to leave the athletic training room
• Dump ice from ice bags in the sink or cold whirlpool
• No open wounds in the whirlpools
• Bring your own towels when using the whirlpools
• Dry off before leaving the whirlpool area
• Medical referrals are to be made by Staff Certified Athletic Trainers only
• Abusive or offensive behavior and/or language towards another individual will not be tolerated. Such behavior will be reported to the head coach and the athlete will be asked to leave the athletic training room
ATHLETE INJURY POLICY
• Athletes agree to report all injuries (athletic-related or non athletic-related) to the Sports Medicine Staff.
• Report all new injuries to Certified Athletic Trainer no later than 9 am
• Certified Athletic Trainer will determine appropriate management of injury.
• Certified Athletic trainer will direct proper referral of athlete to EIU Team Physician and EIU Student Health Service
• Morning treatments plus pre- and post-practice treatments for injuries are mandatory
• Written injury reports, treatment compliance reports and participation status reports are given to coaches each morning
• In case of emergency when EIU Athletic Training Rooms and Student Health Service are closed*,take personal insurance information and go to Sarah Bush Medical Center Lincoln Emergency Room, contact your Certified Athletic Trainer as soon as possible.
ATHLETE ILLNESS POLICY
• Athletes agree to report all illnesses to the Sports Medicine Staff
• Report all new illnesses to Certified Athletic Trainer no later than 9 am
• Certified Athletic Trainer will assist in arranging an appointment with a Student Health Service physician or schedule an
appointment with team physician at O'Brien training room
• Illness evaluation form must accompany athlete to all doctors' appointment. Upon completion of exam, evaluation form
is returned to athletic training room
• Physicians will determine participation status due to illness
• Certified Athletic Trainer will notify coach of illness and practice limitations
• Emergency illnesses that occur when EIU Athletic Training Rooms and Student Health Service are closed*, take personal insurance information and go to Sarah Bush Lincoln Medical Center Emergency Room, contact your certified Athletic Trainer as soon as possible.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION
(www.eiu.edu/~health/)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Regular Hours
4:30 pm – 8:00 pm RN on duty, MD on call
Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm RN on duty, MD on call
Sunday: Closed
The Athletic Training Room in conjunction with EIU Student Health Service personnel must refer athletes to a doctor, dentist, hospital or any other medical personnel. This will ensure expenses are covered by the appropriate health insurance plan.
SPORTS NUTRITION
At Eastern Illinois University, we believe that fueling athletes well is just as important as training them hard. The Sports Nutrition program provides Panther student-athletes with practical, personalized nutrition support designed to enhance performance, recovery, and overall wellness.
Whether it’s building lean muscle, staying energized during the season, or navigating on-campus and local food options, our goal is to meet athletes where they are and help them make informed, sustainable choices.
Nutrition Services for EIU Student-Athletes
● 1-on-1 Support for athletes with specific goals (muscle gain, performance fueling, recovery nutrition)
● Team-Based Education including fueling strategies, hydration, travel nutrition, and supplement safety
● Custom Tools & Resources like shopping guides, restaurant rankings, and game-day fueling plans
● Close Integration with Athletic Training Staff to support return-to-play and medical nutrition needs Panther Nutrition Fundamentals
● Eat balanced meals every 3–4 hours (lean protein, quality carbs, healthy fats)
● Stay hydrated: water throughout the day; use electrolytes around intense activity
● Fuel around workouts: carbohydrates for energy, protein for recovery
● Focus on whole foods > processed ones – but find realistic options that fit your schedule
● Don’t skip meals – especially breakfast or post-practice recovery Featured Resources
EIU Athlete Grocery List (PDF)
A checklist-style guide tailored to student-athletes shopping in Charleston and at the local Walmart. Created to help fuel muscle gain, endurance, and performance on a budget.
EIU Athlete Restaurant List (PDF)
A checklist-style guide tailored to student-athletes looking for a bite to eat in Charleston at local and chain establishments. Created to aid in decision making at potentially unhealthy restaurants
ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITIES
Eastern Illinois Sports Medicine is based out of two main training rooms.
O'Brien Stadium houses O'Brien Athletic Training room and is home to EIU's football, soccer, baseball and track teams. As well as containing these sports it is also the main sight for team doctor clinical visits, drug testing and pre particiaption exams.
Lantz Arena houses Lantz Athletic Training room and is home to EIU's mens and women's basketball, tennis and swimming teams as well as the volleyball, softball, cheerleading and womens rugby teams. In addition to these sports Lantz is also used for ATEP lab classes
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O'Brien Stadium
Training Room |
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Lantz Arena
Training Room |
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VISITING TEAM INFORMATION
On behalf of Eastern Illinois Sports Medicine we welcome you. To make your stay more enjoyable we offer information that should help you prepare for and find everything that you will need in Charleston and at EIU.
Visting Team Brochure (for all teams) (PDF)
PROFESSIONAL LINKS
National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA)
Great Lakes Athletic Trainer's Association (GLATA)
Illinois Athletic Trainer's Association
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
NATABOC Exam Information
