International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic

The International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) provides chiropractors with the credentials required to serve at FICS events worldwide. It is the minimum qualification to participate as part of a FICS chiropractic delegation at regional sporting events and international competitions, including The World Games and the Olympic Games.

Eligibility: Hold a chiropractic degree from an accredited program (see Accredited Program section for full details). Undergraduate students in, or entering, their final year may complete the hands-on seminars and online learning components in advance.

Educational Curriculum Pathway 1

1. Hands-on Seminars:  Attend an Upper and lower extremity seminar (approximately 24 hours each). Topics include common sports injuries, joint assessment and manipulation, soft-tissue applications, head injury management, and taping.

2. ICSC Online Learning (eLS): – Ten modules with quizzes and a final exam. Bundles can be purchased in the FICS shop 2 at a time.

3. Practical Experience with Athletes: refer to the working with athletes section for more details

• Evidence is required through a logbook, a letter from a high-performance coach/administrator, or a written case study
• Work with recreational youth (e.g., a 10-year-old soccer team) does not qualify
• Experience must be with secondary school or club teams competing at inter-club/league level or higher to qualify as high-performance
• This clinical experience must be completed after graduation as a chiropractor

4. CPR Certification: Must be current (within the past two years)

5. Evidence to Practice

• Proof of current authority to practice chiropractic in your country (e.g., active license/registration where required, or equivalent recognition where licensure is not mandated)
• Where applicable, evidence of malpractice/professional liability insurance.

Members who hold a postdoctoral sports-specific chiropractic degree are considered for expedited certification.  Holders of postdoctoral sports-specific chiropractic degrees get expedited consideration.

The acceptable master’s program for advanced standing is sports medicine. FICS acknowledges the following to expedite ICSC requirements:

• Masters of Sports Science and Rehabilitation degree
• Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (USA)
• DACBSP® – American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (USA)
• Diplomate in Sports Chiropractic (USA)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Science (Canada)
• IFEC Sports Chiropractic Program (France)

Not sure if your degree qualifies? Send your degree and transcript to admin@fics.sport for assistance.

FAST TRACK 2: 

• Submit your postdoctoral degree to FICS
• Complete the FICS Upper Extremity Live Hands-on Module Seminar
• Complete Bundle 5 of ICSC e-learning E-Learning – Module – ICSC09 (Cultural Diversity) & Module –  ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic)
• Further documentation is required when submitting your evidence for sign-off and completion. Please refer to the ICSC Completion section for full details.

FAQ:

• Why is the Master’s in Exercise and Sport Science degree NOT recognised for this fast track? The missing curriculum is sports injury assessment of the upper and lower limbs, emergency care of the athlete’s concussion, and imaging of the athlete. The FICS ICSC recognition demands expertise in athlete treatment, injury assessment, concussion protocols, head trauma, facial injury assessment, and sports injury care and imaging.
• How is the Upper extremity course different from the one I recently completed with the CCSP program?The upper limb e-learning module provides detailed information on particular injuries, mechanisms of injury, prevalence, research, and grading scales. This lays the foundational work that the hands-on module builds on. The hands-on module is the capstone of the ICSC online learning content. Recognition degrees should encompass expertise in athlete treatment, injury assessment, concussion protocols, head trauma, facial injury assessment, and sports injury care and imaging.

Transitioning from ICCSD/ICCSP to ICSC:

Pathway 3.1   –    ICCSD/ICCSP (less than <8 years since completion):

• FICS Module ICSC01 (Head Injuries in Sport)
• FICS Module ICSC04 (Emergency Procedures)
• FICS Module ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic)
• Copy of your ICCSP
• Copy of your current evidence working with athletes
• Copy of your evidence that you are still practicing

Pathway 3.2   –    ICCSD/ICCSP (greater than >8 years since completion): Attending hands-on seminars is mandatory to update and enhance your current knowledge and skills, where various online learning updates will be integrated to keep you up-to-date.

• Hands-on seminar – Upper Extremity Seminars. This covers your head injury and emergency procedures updates, which is why you don’t need to purchase the updated modules.
• Hands-on seminar – Lower Extremity Seminars
• Online learning – ICSC09 – Cultural Diversity
• Online learning – ICSC10 (International Sports Chiropractic)
• Copy of your ICCSD/ICCSP
• Copy of your current evidence working with athletes
• Copy of evidence you are still practicing.

Please refer to the ICSC Completion section for full details.

FAQ covers the evolution of the FICS Educational program – ICCSD to ICSC 

• International Chiropractic Sports Diploma (ICCSD) 2002-2016: Born out of the global need for a recognised certification, FICS crafted the ICCSD as a pivotal educational tool, especially in countries without a national sports organisation. This accreditation has stood the test of time, remaining a cornerstone in chiropractic education.
• International Chiropractic in Sports Practitioner (ICCSP) 2016-2019: Responding to the dynamic landscape, FICS evolved the ICCSD in 2016, adapting content and transitioning to an online format. This update ensured that the accreditation stayed current, meeting the ever-changing demands of sports chiropractic practice.
• International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) 2019 – Present: The birth of ICSC marked a milestone, streamlining the certification process and mitigating trademark challenges. As a wholly-owned FICS certification, ICSC empowers Sports Chiropractors to offer care at the International Federated Games. The entire e-learning program resides within the FICS environment, guaranteeing real-time updates for best practices without the need for name changes. For ICCSD and ICCSP holders aspiring to embrace ICSC, a transformative journey awaits.

Online Learning (eLS): ELS_ICSC_Asynchronous_Moudles_Education Learning Objectivies_20230301

• Dive into our revolutionary eLS program, where YOU set the pace.
• Sign up anytime and complete the modules in YOUR preferred order.
• Each online module comes with a section exam to validate your learning.

Hands-on Seminars: HOM_UE & LE Hands On Seminars_Education Learning Objectivies

🌍 Our internationally renowned Sports Chiropractors, seasoned in treating athletes at global events, are here to guide you.

• FICS deliver hands-on seminars throughout the world in different countries annually in partnership with our member NCSCs.
• Hybrid approach – theory online, followed up with a practicum of hands-on skills.
  The theory section is five short modules taken before the hands-on portion of the seminar. The theory has a very short section exam at the end of each module to validate your learning. The practicum part is 100% hands-on and allows you to practice the skills with the master instructors.

No Finals Required! 🎓

No final exams are needed because your knowledge journey is validated with each completed module. Every module conquered is a step closer to expertise.  You build on your knowledge, one module at a time!

#NoStressLearning #FICSExcellence  #FICSAdventures #ChiroExcellence

Payment Information:

• FICS use Stripe Financial Services for credit card payments in Swiss Franc (CHF).
• A 1.3% surcharge is applied to cover credit card fees, in addition to the course fee.
• If you would like to save credit card fees and do a direct bank transfer, simply shoot us a message at admin@fics.sport  for an invoice and bank details.

Shop & Save:

• E-Learning bundles are available to allow you to space out payments. Full ten modules are approximately 2,600 CHF (Swiss Francs)
• Pick up a 20% coupon off online learning modules from your members’ Coupon page within your FICS dashboard.
• For seminars and events, you can register directly at the member’s rate.

Hands-on Seminars:

• Seminar pricing varies by location and hosting country, and we offer a range of pricing for members / non-members / students.

Student Discounts:

• Students get a 20% discount on online learning (contact FICS or Student Commission for a code).
• Special student prices for hands-on seminars are available within the event registration; proof of enrollment is required.

Final payment

• 65.00 CHF (Swiss Franc) administrative fee due at the final review of all your evidence.

Once you have all your evidence ready, please send it to admin@fics.sport.  FICS will review and verify your submission. Please allow up to three to four working weeks for a decision.

Step 1: Download and save your digital completion certificates for each module required in your pathway you are completing.

Step 2: Download and save copies of any seminar completion certificates you were required to attend.

Step 3: Gather all other evidence needed for your submission, including:

• Practical experience working with athletes (use the reference format shown in the example provided)

• A copy of your current CPR certification or equivalent emergency procedure credentials (must be less than two years old)

• A copy of your Chiropractic degree

• Evidence that you are practicing (we accept a copy of your current chiropractic license, registration, or malpractice insurance)

Step 4: Send all your evidence in one email, making sure each file has your name in the file name.

Student discount:Students can reach out to FICS to apply for a discount on the eLS. The hands-on seminars all have student prices advertised at the time of registration. Students will be required to provide evidence that they are enrolled student in a chiropractic program and in their last year of study or within the first year of graduation.

Do I need a Textbook? The required textbook for the eLS is no longer necessary. The eLS system presents the latest and current information. Online learning caters to the individual learning styles and allows FICS the ability to continue to build on our learning platforms catering to the diverse membership. It will enable FICS to update information as new research comes to light and introduce different tools and resources for language functions and hear audio translations.

Do I need an ICSC to participate in a FICS sports chiropractic team at an international event? Yes, you need to have an ICSC and be a member of FICS to be selected for a FICS team working at the International Games. This is necessary to assure the games organisers and the athletes that all doctors on the team are properly qualified and experienced, and to promote the professionalism and future of sports chiropractic.

Why do I need to do the modules above if I already hold a postdoctoral degree?

We have reviewed the expedited process to ensure that doctors holding any postgraduate degree receive the full educational content necessary for ICSC certification. This mapping has been carefully designed to allow Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where applicable, while ensuring that completion of the ICSC modules provides all the knowledge and skills required for the full international certification. The Extremity Live Hands-on Module provides a comprehensive understanding of protocols for working with athletes at events, as well as other essential topics that bridge any gaps in content. 

Why do I need to do the head injury module every two years?
The study of head injuries is continually evolving, and concussions are common across many sports and recreational activities. If you have completed a Head Injury Module within the last two years, you may apply for advanced standing. Simply reading research papers does not provide evidence that you have met the practical considerations or demonstrated competence in the assessment and management of concussions, including understanding prolonged symptoms, cognitive deficits, and long-term effects such as depression and cumulative deterioration in brain function. Face-to-face training or equivalent practical experience is required to ensure these skills have been applied and assessed.

Continuing Education (CE) in Sports Chiropractic!

CE/CPD/CEU is a prerequisite for Sports Chiropractors at international games, ensuring continuous growth, current knowledge, and expanded networks throughout your career.

Local Recognition and Certificates:

Gain approval for CE credits for your local chiropractic license with certificates of completion provided for all  FICS courses, listing learning hours.

Many National Council Sports Chiropractors (NCSC) are working with their local governing body to gain the recognition of FICS seminars and courses. We would encourage you to contact your local NCSC as the first point of contact to enquire what the process is within your country. Some countries have a self-assessment requirement and will provide you with the necessary application to fill in to apply for CE credits.

🌍 Global Recognition and Partnerships:

FICS is forming partnerships worldwide to help you meet CE requirements. Stay tuned on social media and this page for updates as we expand our network. Reach out if you have contacts in your country to open up a conversation.

United States Special Opportunity:

• In partnership with US universities, FICS will offer CE credits in select states for the hands-on seminars. These will be advertised within the seminar details at the time of registration.

Partnerships with Institutions:

In collaboration with Northeast College, we offer a course of credits for ICSC01 and ICSC10. The most up-to-date listing will always be posted on their website https://ce.northeastcollege.edu/courses/browse/ Search Keyword FICS

European Chiropractic Union (ECU) Recognition:

The full E-learning modules and the hands-on seminars FICS delivers under the ICSC Program are recognised by ECU for Continuing Professional Development, earning CE credits for each course element.

Unlock FICS Membership – Two Paths Await! 

National Chiropractic Sports Council (NCSC) & Regional  Chiropractic Sports Council (RCSC). By joining your local NCSC/RCSC, you automatically become a member of FICS. 

 💼 NCSC/RCSC Membership:

Pathway 1: As the first point of call, we encourage you to explore the NCSC/RCSC route and discuss with them whether this is the right fit for you. When FICS has a local NCSC/RCSC in your country, we want to ensure you are informed about this group. Through your local country route, you can offer numerous benefits, allowing you to connect with top sports chiropractors in your region and giving you the FICS membership for international connection and exposure.

 💼 FICS Individual Membership:

Pathway 2: If, for any reason, you prefer not to join via the NCSC route, the other route you can access is joining FICS as an individual member. If you wish to join FICS as an individual member, please outline in the attached application your reasons for direct membership and why joining the NCSC is not right for you. I will forward this to our Membership Commission for consideration of your application.

Join FICS directly for CHF 125.00 and step into a global community of sports chiropractors.

🌟 Empower Your Global Network – Choose Your FICS Membership Path! #FICSMembership #GlobalNetwork 🌐

Professional experience – If you choose to use the letter from a sporting club to demonstrate your practical experience, please follow the requirements below. It is essential that you have worked with athletes in a sporting setting. Working with athletes in a private clinic setting does not offer the same experience as treating a diverse athlete base in a multidisciplinary environment, such as a polyclinic alongside other sports medicine professionals.

Provide a letter in English on a letterhead from a high‐performance team coach/administrator confirming that you have been their team chiropractor for at least one entire season. High performance implies that the team you are working with is competitive.

For classification purposes:

• Working with a team of 10‐year‐old soccer children is NOT considered high performance;
• However, working with a secondary school or club team that competes against other club teams to improve their ranks in a league is considered high performance.

REQURIEMENTS: 

1. Format: All letters MUST be in English 
2. Letterhead: The letter must be on a club or professional letterhead to match the club or person providing the reference. The athlete must list their full name, sport, and contact details if the letter is from an athlete.
3. Team level: Example: National, State, Local) and sport/s.
4. Service period and outline of duration (Example: 2021 season, covering training twice a week and game days = on average xxx hours per week.)
5. Athletes: Range of athletes you have provided care for. It is important to demonstrates your capacity to work with a diverse athlete base, as opposed to only one athlete you regularly care for. The rationale behind this is that, when working at international events, you’ll encounter a wide range of athletes from diverse backgrounds with whom you may not be familiar. Therefore, the evidence in this section emphasises the doctor’s exposure to a variety of athletes and potential treatment approaches.
6. Your skills: To include your teamwork skills;
   roles and responsibilities;
   communication with athletes; and
   position within the team (for example, only Chiropractor or working in a team of XX with another Chiropractor, Physio, Doctor etc.).
7. Contact details include the person’s contact details to verify the letter and provide additional follow-up if required.
8. Don’t forget to get the letter signed and include the total number of hours your service for the club covered.

EXAMPLE: 

preferably letterhead if from a club.
Date
Person Name signing the letter
Position
Full clubs name
Contact details. An email will suffice.

This letter is to confirm that (Your Name) worked on the (Type of sport) medical team for the (event). Dr (your name) was an integral part of the team that worked on the professional  (sport) athletes. Dr (your name)  demonstrated professionalism, a strong work ethic and an excellent bedside manner and skill set in working in a multi-disciplinary medical tent.

Event
Full name and dates of any events relevant to your letter of support.

Athletes Care: It’s essential to have records of at least 50 different athletes’ injuries and treatments. This demonstrates your capacity to work with a diverse athlete base, as opposed to only one athlete you regularly care for. The rationale behind this is that, when working at international events, you’ll encounter a wide range of athletes from diverse backgrounds with whom you may not be familiar. Therefore, the evidence in this section emphasises the doctor’s exposure to a variety of athletes and potential treatment approaches.

Job Responsibilities

• List whether you were a member of the team of multi-disciplinary professional health or the sole medical staff member providing care for a participant athlete/s
• List all job responsibilities you had for the event referred to in this letter of support.

Treatment options include:

• Specific Chiropractic spinal and extremity manipulations
• Soft tissue treatment, including Graston instrument-assisted mobilisatio,n active release therapy
• Passive, active and resisted stretches and PNF Cryotherapy
• Kinesiology taping
• Soft tissue myofascial release therapies Mechanical soft tissue release

It must be signed by the person submitting the letter, with their email address to allow verification and follow-up.