senior HS-potential injury and Army ROTC

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Nov 14, 2016
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My son is playing baseball going into his senior year of high school. He pitches and catches.
He had a mild injury to his shoulder his sophomore year because his idiot coach over pitched him.
This year his idiot coach catches him and pitches him, sometimes in the same game.
If he had a serious shoulder injury would that keep him out of the ROTC program and cause him to lose his scholarship?
I'm wondering if he should just quit and save himself from potential injury.
 
If he enjoys playing baseball,let him play. It's not like he'll ever have the chance to play in high school again. No way could my parents have convinced me to stop playing baseball or football in high school. Best times ever!! My son wrestled in high school which has a much higher injury risk than baseball. As a matter of fact, he ended up getting hurt (same shoulder both times) by the same opponent in two different tournaments. My son was very good but this other kid was stellar and went to Bucknell on a full ride. He recovered just fine and went on to lead his ROTC unit in PT score his 1st (3) years. Bottom line, the odds of getting hurt bad enough playing baseball to void a scholarship are in his favor. In my day (I played catcher as well), I'd say his bigger risk would have been getting mowed over on a close play at the plate. However, I think they stopped letting runners plow into catchers. No more Pete Rose vs Ray Fosse collisions.
 
Talk with the coach. He needs to know there is over use injury that is happening. If you enjoy playing and the coach listens, then keep playing. You could get hurt crossing the street. Heck a young man a few years ago tore his knee up getting off the bus at West Point's induction day.

Has he had dodmerb? Did he get qualified? Unless he is diagnosed with an actual injury by a doctor there is no need to report it. Cadets do get hurt in the program. They are young and active folks. Most recover and commission just fine, but there is always risk of an injury that makes non-commissionable.
 
If he has the scholarship and can live without baseball HE might consider sitting out.
If his goal is to commission as an Officer in the Army it might be the smart move.
If he gets injured in the spring he might not have time to recover or get a waiver before he needs to be quailfied.
There is a lot riding on him showing up healthy.
It is ironic that the same activities that help a cadet win their scholarship put them at risk of losing it.
 
Talk with the coach. He needs to know there is over use injury that is happening. If you enjoy playing and the coach listens, then keep playing. You could get hurt crossing the street. Heck a young man a few years ago tore his knee up getting off the bus at West Point's induction day.

Has he had dodmerb? Did he get qualified? Unless he is diagnosed with an actual injury by a doctor there is no need to report it. Cadets do get hurt in the program. They are young and active folks. Most recover and commission just fine, but there is always risk of an injury that makes non-commissionable.

He had his DodMERB exam in July of last year and except for mild color deficiency which disqualified him from the Coast Guard Academy he is in perfect health.
However I thought cadets and ROTC candidates were given another physical the summer before they start the program?
 
It is not unusual for an athlete their senior year slow it down. I have seen D1 recruits graduate early and enter into college and train during what would be there senior year 2nd semester. Protect them from injury. My husband blew out his arm senior year. Lost his ride and DQ'd from his back up plan for the navy. He was a pitcher.

I told mine your appointment or NROTC scholarship is your bread and butter for college. You being able to play your sport is the honey(sweetens the deal). The goal as to become a military officer doesn't include you being able to your sport.
 
If he is already DODMERB qualified, gets injured and it takes longer than 45 days to recover then he will need a medical determination in order to evaluate whether he still meets medical fitness standards.

If he is not DODMERB qualified, an injury could affect his chances to become medically qualified.
 
If he is already DoDMERB qualified he will not take another physical prior to reporting to college.
 
Keep in mind also that he will need to pass his APFT to validate his scholarship. If his arm is in a sling he will have a tough time doing 42 pushups. Keep that in mind.
 
My son is playing baseball going into his senior year of high school. He pitches and catches.
He had a mild injury to his shoulder his sophomore year because his idiot coach over pitched him.
This year his idiot coach catches him and pitches him, sometimes in the same game.
If he had a serious shoulder injury would that keep him out of the ROTC program and cause him to lose his scholarship?
I'm wondering if he should just quit and save himself from potential injury.

Pitching and catching same game is little league. Your son is obviously a vital enough player to politely talk to his coach about overuse. Doesn't sound like he has to worry about the coach sitting him.....
 
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