This handbook, first published in 1975, is the primary educational tool used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, and is designed to assist schools in the development of safe intercollegiate athletics programs. The handbook's first section on administrative issues covers sports medicine administration; medical evaluations, immunizations, and records; dispensing prescription medication; and lightning safety. The second section dealing with medical issues covers medical disqualification of the student-athlete; skin infections in wrestling; prevention of heat illness; weight loss/hypohydration; assessment of body composition; eating disorders/anorexia and bulimia; menstrual cycle dysfunction; blood borne pathogens; nontherapeutic drugs; nutritional ergogenic aids; use of local anesthetics; use of injectable corticosteroids for sports injuries; cold stress; "burners," or brachial plexus injuries; and concussion and second-impact syndrome. The third section on special populations covers participation by impaired and pregnant student-athletes and student-athletes with sickle cell trait. The final section on equipment covers protective equipment; eye safety; use of the trampoline and minitramp; mouth guards; use of the head as a weapon in football and other contact sports; and guidelines for fitting and removing helmets. Appended is a NCAA injury surveillance system summary. (JM)