# Implementation and Implications of Sickle Cell Trait Screening in the NCAA

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $107,105

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In 2010 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a mandatory sickle cell trait (SCT)
screening policy for student-athletes in its Division I (DI) colleges and universities. Currently, schools in all
three divisions of the NCAA are implementing the policy. To date, very little published research is available
on SCT in student-athletes or on the actual implementation of the NCAA screening policy. Many important
questions remain regarding this controversial mandated genetic screening program.
 Results from a preliminary study we conducted of NCAA DI institutions in North Carolina reveal that
athletic staff at most of the schools found it beneficial to know the SCT status of their student-athletes, but felt
they need clearer guidance and instructions from the NCAA on the policy implementation. We also found that
that some athletic staff and student-athletes believed that black students were the only ones at risk and should
be the targets for screening. There has been little education for coaches, athletic trainers, and student-athletes
on reasons for screening all student-athletes. Of the few student-athletes with SCT in our sample, only about
 one-half changed the way they participate in their sport based on their status. These and our other preliminary
findings provide important information concerning the procedures, perspectives, and behavioral outcomes at
some institutions in one US state. A larger and more representative sample is needed to better understand the
policy’s challenges, limitations, and risks, and to develop strategies to address them.
 The parent grant builds upon our previous work in North Carolina. The Specific Aims are to: 1) assess
implementation, risks, and secondary benefits of the NCAA SCT screening policy and determine contributors
to and implications of variation within these domains and 2) provide guidance on the current NCAA SCT
policy and practice and other similar public health policies and practices. For Aim 1, data will be generated
from online surveys and semi-structured telephone interviews with athletic staff and student-athletes at
NCAA DI, DII, and DIII colleges and universities. For Aim 2, we will collaborate with the NCAA to convene a
national summit involving selected stakeholders at institutional and policy levels to review the findings from
Aim 1 and develop best practice recommendations for future implementation of the SCT screening policy.
 This supplement will allow for the provision of more appropriate and equitable incentives for the expected
13,305 survey respondents, which will increase our capacity to obtain a robust response rate and achieve our
Aims.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10166113
- **Project number:** 3R01HG010364-02S2
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARMAINE DAWN MARIE ROYAL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $107,105
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-09-17 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10166113

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10166113, Implementation and Implications of Sickle Cell Trait Screening in the NCAA (3R01HG010364-02S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10166113. Licensed CC0.

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