During an intramural coed basketball game one of the players on our team was instructed to take off his bracelet. That would’ve been understandable, but this was a medic-alert bracelet.

The intramural staff and referees demanded that he take off his bracelet even after the player explained it contained critical medical information.

The player had to exit the floor, and since there were no other male substitutes, one female also had to leave the game. To avoid further conflict, the player chose to take off the bracelet and enter the game again, all with the clock running.

The intramural staff provided athletic tape to the athlete a few minutes later so he could put the bracelet back on.

I’m searching for answers. What is the purpose of the medic-alert bracelet? Is the purpose of the medic-alert bracelet to be hidden?

Is it really more important to protect the other players from getting a possible scratch or is it more important to be aware of a medical condition? Would the player not be allowed to play if he refused to take off or cover the bracelet?

I feel sorry for the staff that has to abide by those “rules.” I would think that participants in intramurals should be encouraged to wear medic-alert warnings if they have them.

I am glad that we still had a good time playing and that there wasn’t a medical emergency. I’m also glad that the opposing team seemed supportive.

I hope in the future ISU intramurals does not have to deal with a situation where a medic-alert bracelet was removed and a medical catastrophe occurs.

Karla Mae Ayres

Senior

Community health education