Metropolitan State College of Denver

Transcription

1 Metropolitan State College of Denver Department of Athletics Athletic Training Policy & Procedure Manual

2 Table of Contents Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Introduction Mission Statement Athletic Training Room Regulations Hours of Operation Practice and Event Coverage Emergency Situations Involving Individuals Not Associated With Metro State Athletics Preparticipation Physical Exam Clearance for Participation End of Season Questionnaire Exit Interview / Physical Referral Policy Rehabilitation Services Second Opinion Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Policy Asthma Policy Diabetes Policy Pregnancy Policy Lightning Policy

3 Introduction Athletic Training is one of many professions that fall under the umbrella of sports medicine. As recognized allied healthcare providers the athletic training staff at Metro State College of Denver (MSCD) works under the direction and supervision of a physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals and sports team members. Athletic Trainers have extensive training in the areas of: Prevention of athletic injury. Recognition, evaluation, and immediate care of athletic injuries. Rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries. Health care administration. Professional development and responsibility. These domains have resulted in Athletic Trainers being considered as experts in the field of sports medicine. At all times the sports medicine staff will look after the health and welfare of the student athletes at MSCD. Communication will be constant between the athletic training staff and team physicians to ensure that the best possible care is being provided to the student athlete. The athletic training staff will operate within the guidelines set forth by this Metro State College Athletic Training Policies and Procedures Manual, the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, the NCAA Manual, and the Rocky Mountain Conference Handbook, as well as adhering to the MSCD Faculty/Staff and Student Handbooks. The purpose of this manual is to provide a clear understanding of the services to be provided to Metro State athletics and the manner in which they will be provided. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

4 MISSION STATEMENT The Athletic Training Program at Metropolitan State College strives to achieve two interrelated goals: Service to our intercollegiate athletes, and Education to our Athletic Training Education Program. The Athletic Training Staff strives to provide quality health care to our student athletes by protecting and returning them to sport participation as quickly and safely as possible. While doing so, we educate and prepare our Athletic Training Students to assume the role as an entry-level Athletic Trainer upon graduation. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

5 Athletic Training Room Regulations 1. The Athletic Training Room is a health care facility. Please act accordingly. 2. Report all injuries to the Athletic Training Staff. 3. Hours of operation Monday Friday: 8:00am - 30 minutes after the last practice. ** Athletic Training Room hours may need to be adjusted based on practice schedules. Saturday & Sunday: Hours will be set according to practice and/or games times. 4. Morning treatments/rehabilitation will be scheduled by your Athletic Trainer. 5. Any athlete that feels they will not be able to compete in practice/game as a result of an injury or illness needs to report to the Athletic Training Room before 10:00am. 6. If need should arise for medical care after hours, athletes should first contact their coach. 7. All athletes should shower prior to reporting to the Athletic Training Room after practice or games. **The Athletic Training Room will only be open for 30 minutes after practice or games. 8. All student-athletes must sign-in to receive treatment. 9. No shoes are allowed on treatment tables. 10. Respect all athletic training staff members and students. There will be zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior. 11. Do not remove anything from the athletic training room. 12. First come, first serve. Allow yourself enough time for your treatment/rehab. You cannot miss or be late to practice because you were in the athletic training room. 13. The athletic training room is not a lounge. If you are not receiving treatment or doing rehabilitation, do not loiter in the Athletic Training Room. 14. Absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the athletic training room. 15. No tobacco is permitted in the athletic training room. 16. No yelling or obscene language will be tolerated. 17. You are responsible for all equipment checked out to you. Once your season has been completed or you no longer need the equipment return it to the athletic training room. 18. Appropriate attire will be worn at all times in the athletic training room. 19. Students athletes must see a Metro State team physician prior to seeing another physician or healthcare provider. 20. Any student athlete that sees a medical provider must bring release from that provider before they are allowed to return to competition. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

6 Hours of Operation The Athletic Training Room will be open: Fall and Spring Semesters M-F: 8:00am 30 minutes after last practice. Sat & Sun: Hours will be determined by practice/game times Fall, Winter, & Spring Break Hours will be determined by practice/game times Summer The Athletic Training Room will remain open throughout the summer months. Hours will vary during this time; therefore athlete will be required schedule appointments with ATC s The Athletic Training Room will open one (1) hour prior to practices during each sports competitive season. The Athletic Training Room will be open for 30 minutes after the completion of practices or games during each sport s competitive season. In the event that all teams have completed training and no athletes are scheduled for treatments in the afternoon the Athletic Training Room may close before 5:00pm. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

7 Practice / Event Coverage The Athletic Training Staff will provide event and practice coverage based on the following policies provided that they are made aware of the schedule in a timely manner. Coaches are requested to turn in game and practice schedules as soon as they are completed. Any changes to these schedules require a minimum of 24 hours notice unless there are other underlying factors. Metro State Athletics Competition/Events Home Competitions All scheduled home competitions will have a Certified Athletic Trainer at the event. If there are multiple home events at the same time priority will be given in the following order. (Sport order is based on risk of injury supplied by the NCAA Injury Surveillance Study) Should other events or practices occur at the same time a 2-way radio will be given to the coaches of the lower risk sport. This will allow for communication between the Athletic Training Staff and the Head Coach should an emergency occur. Competitive season events will be given priority over noncompetitive season events. Non-competitive season events will be given priority over competitive season practices. Men s Soccer Women s Soccer Men s Basketball Women s Basketball Baseball Volleyball Softball Men s & Women s Tennis Men s & Women s Cross Country Men s & Women s Swimming and Diving The Athletic Training Room will be open a minimum of one (1) hour before the start of the event. The Athletic Training Room will be open for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes after the event. Metro State athletes will have access to all modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Room prior to and after the event. Supplies provided on the home sideline Water Ice Cups Crutches Splints

8 AED Blood Borne Pathogen / OSHA kit Medical Kit Emergency Action Plan See plan for individual site Tournaments Tournaments hosted by Metro State will have an ATC available for all games of the tournament. Events that do not have a Metro State team competing will have an ATC available for injury treatment during the game. The Athletic Training Room will be open a minimum of one (1) hour before the start of the first event. The Athletic Training Room will be open for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes after the last event. Metro State athletes will have access to all modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Room prior to and after the event. Visiting athletes will have access to all modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Room prior to and after the event provided they have an ATC or a note from their ATC with them. Visiting Athletic Training Students will have access to all modalities in the Athletic Training Room provided that they have a note from their ATC detailing what is needed to be performed. The following supplies will be provided on each sideline Water Ice Cups Blood Borne Pathogen / OSHA kit The following supplies will be located in a central location Crutches Splints AED Emergency Action Plan See plan for individual site Away Competitions Metro State teams that are competing at another institutions venue will not have an ATC travel with them except in the cases stated below: Volleyball Men s Basketball Women s Basketball Teams traveling without an ATC will be provided with the following: Medical kit with necessary supplies for team preparation and immediate care of acute and chronic injuries (within the scope of training of the coach). Primary insurance information for each of athletes.

9 List of allergies and current medication for each of the athletes. Emergency contact information for each athlete. Teams traveling with an ATC: Will have the following supplies: A complete medical kit Crutches and splints (if there is room to bring along) Primary insurance information for each of athletes. List of allergies and current medication for each of the athletes. Emergency contact information for each athlete. Will adhere to the following procedures: Provide an itinerary for travel a minimum of 2 days prior to departure. Cover all expenses for the ATC. Pick up and drop off the ATC on Metro States campus unless other arrangements are made in advance between the Head Coach and the ATC. Provide a room list to the ATC upon arrival to the hotel. Provide appropriate time for game and practice preparation. On-Campus Practices The Athletic Training Staff at Metro State will provide medical coverage to all athletes during the practice time of the competitive portion of their season. As a result of staff size a Certified Athletic Trainer may not be present at all sports considered to be low risk. Low risk sports are: Men s & Women s Tennis Men s & Women s Cross Country Men s & Women s Swimming and Diving Teams practicing away from the Metro State campus will not have a Certified Athletic Trainer at their practices. Exceptions may be made if the team is unable to practice on campus as a result of other activities conflicting with the practice environment and prior arrangements have been made with the Athletic Training Staff. Practices during the noncompetitive /nontraditional seasons, as well as condition, weight training, individual skill sessions, or other practices held outside the hours of operation for the Athletic Training Room will not have an ATC at the session and may not have medical coverage. The Athletic Training Room will be open for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to and after each practice. Competitive season practices will be given priority over non-competitive season practices. Metro State athletes will have access to all modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Room prior to and after the event. Supplies provided on the home sideline Water Ice Crutches

10 Splints AED Blood Borne Pathogen / OSHA kit Medical Kit Emergency Action Plan See plan for individual site Off-Campus Practice Metro State teams that practice away from the Metro State campus (but still in the Denver metro area) will not have an ATC present at their practices unless there are circumstances that prevent the team from practicing on campus. A member of the Athletic Training Staff will be present in the Athletic Training Room for pre and post practice treatments provided the practice occurs during the normal hours of operation. Upon request the Athletic Training Staff will provide the following supplies, but they must be picked up in the Athletic Training Room. Water cooler Ice chest Medical kit with necessary supplies for team preparation and immediate care of acute and chronic injuries (within the scope of training of the coach). Primary insurance information for each of athletes. List of allergies and current medication for each of the athletes. Emergency contact information for each athlete. Coaches choosing to practice off campus must be certified in CPR and First Aid by an accredited national organization. Visiting Team s Competitions at Metro State All scheduled competitions at Metro State will have a Certified Athletic Trainer at the event. Teams Traveling without a member of the Athletic Training Staff are asked to notify the Metro State Athletic Training Staff. The Athletic Training Room will be open a minimum of one (1) hour before the start of the event. The Athletic Training Room will be open for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes after the event. Visiting athletes will have access to all modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Room prior to and after the event provided they have an ATC or a note from their ATC with them. Visiting Athletic Training Students will have access to all modalities in the Athletic Training Room provided that they have a note from their ATC detailing what is needed to be performed. Supplies provided on the visiting sideline Water Ice

11 Cups Blood Borne Pathogen / OSHA kit The following supplies can be found on the home sideline. Crutches Splints AED Medical Kit Practice at Metro State An ATC will be present in the Athletic Training Room during normal hours of operation for pre and post practice needs. Water, cups, and supplies necessary for care of blood borne pathogens will be provided for practices. Ice, modalities, and other emergency supplies can be obtained in the Athletic Training Room. Use of modalities other then ice or hot packs will require a note from the ATC of the visiting institution. Should an emergency occur and the Athletic Training Staff is not available the visiting team should contact the Auraria Campus Police at Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

12 Emergency Situations Involving Individuals Not Associated With Metro State Athletics Should an emergency occur to spectators at Metro State event the Athletic Training Staff will assist in the activation of the EMS system by calling the Auraria Campus Police ( ). The Athletic Training Staff will provide care only to maintain and/or stabilize the vitals of the victim until the EMS system arrives. All care given will fall within the guidelines and training set forth by the American Red Cross for Community CPR and First Aid. Care provided by the Athletic Training Staff will also follow rules set forth by the Good Samaritan Law. Should an injury or illness occur that is not considered to be an emergency the Athletic Training Staff will not act or provide care to the injured individual. This decision was based on a recommendation by the Director of the Auraria Campus Police. The Athletic Training Staff will assist individuals in notifying the Auraria Campus Police of the injury or illness. Definition of an Emergency An emergency situation is defined as any situation that endangers the health of the individual in question. Typically, these situations arise from injuries resulting in a threat to the airway, breathing, and circulation of the individual. In addition, such injuries as fractures and dislocations of bones or joints may be classified as emergency situations if the airway, breathing, and circulation are impaired. In most cases, general illness, such as the flu, colds, sore throats, etc. are not considered emergencies. Minor bleeding, contusions, sprains and strains are also not considered emergency situations. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

13 Preparticipation Physical Exam All athletes competing at Metro State College must be cleared each year through a preparticipation physical exam (PPE). Metro State will provide a PPE for each athlete at a minimal cost. The purpose of charging for the PPE is to off set the costs associated with bringing in members of the medical community to perform the examination. If a student athlete misses the scheduled PPE they will be required to obtain a PPE from a Doctor (MD or DO), Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner. The PPE must be completed on Metro State forms and signed by the healthcare practitioner that completed the exam. Failure to follow this policy will result in the forms not to be accepted and the athlete will not be cleared to compete. PPE forms can be found in Athletic Training Room and also on the athletic website. Clearance for Participation In addition to having a completed PPE athletes must also have the following forms completed prior to clearance from the Athletic Training Staff Preparticipation Physical Exam Orthopedic Exam General Health Exam Medical History Medical Consent Waiver Assumption of Risk Waiver Emergency Contact and Insurance Information Copy of Insurance Card Release of Information Waiver Failure to have all the above forms completed will result in a delay of the athlete practicing with the team. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

14 End of Season Questionnaire At the completion of each competitive season all student athletes will be given an End of Season Questionnaire. The student athlete is required to complete and return the form to the Athletic Training Staff within one week of receiving the form. The purpose of this form is to review the health status of the student athlete and all injuries that occurred over the course of the competitive season. The Athletic Training Staff and Metro State will not be responsible for any treatments or expenses incurred for the treatment of the injury if it is not listed on the End of Season Questionnaire. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

15 Exit Interview / Physical Student athletes that have completed their eligibility or will no longer be competing for Metro State College are required to meet with the Athletic Training Staff within two weeks of the end of their season. The purpose of this interview is to check the health status of the student athlete and determine if any further treatments or evaluations are needed to ensure that there are no injuries that will cause permanent disability for the student athlete. Any student athlete that had a major illness or injury that required surgery or an extended period of rest or rehabilitation will be required to visit with one of Metro State s team physicians. Student athletes that have not had major injury or illness may request a meeting with a team physician to discuss their future health needs. If there is no predisposing condition that occurred as a result of Metro State athletics, the student athlete may be required to pay for expense from this appointment. Metro State College and the Athletic Training Staff will not be held responsible for any medical expenses that were not discussed during the exit interview. Furthermore, Student Athletes failing to turn in required paperwork and/or meet with the Athletic Training Staff and/or physician(s) will waive Metro State and the Athletic Training Staff from any future medical expenses. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

16 Referral Policy The student-athlete must report all injuries or illnesses to the supervising Athletic Trainer for his/her sport immediately. If determined necessary, the Athletic Training Staff will refer the student-athlete to a Metro State team physician. The student-athlete must take a medical referral form from the ATC to all appointments. If a referral from is not taken, the studentathlete and parents/guardians will be responsible for the bills incurred. Medical referral forms are only administered for athletic related injury and/or illness. All non-athletic related injury and/or illness will be the responsibility of the student-athlete Any student-athlete that does not report an injury to the supervising Certified Athletic Trainer and/or goes to a physician on his/her own accord will be considered medically ineligible to participate (practice or competition). The student-athlete will not be allowed to participate again until a medical release has been given to the Athletic Training Staff from the physician seen. The student-athlete must then be seen by an appointed Metro State team physician in order to be medically cleared to participate. Head Coaches, assistant coaches, student coaches, managers, or any other Metro State personnel shall not be permitted to schedule appointments for any student-athlete without first consulting the supervising Athletic Trainer for their sport. Any referrals without following proper procedures will result in the student-athlete being held responsible for payments. In the event of an athletic related emergency, or the athletic training staff is unavailable, any Metro State personnel should provide the student-athlete access to a medical facility of choice. The student-athlete will be responsible for payment of any fees resulting from missed appointments, including dental, eye exams, physical therapy, or any other medical problem. In particular instances the team physicians shall delegate other physicians to assist or act on express authority. However, the team physicians shall be kept informed of all injuries and or illnesses and have the final authority with regard to all medical disqualifications, treatment, medical hardships, and return of the student-athlete to full participation. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

17 Rehabilitation Services Student athletes that are injured as a result of competing for Metro State will be treated by the Athletic Training Staff and its team physicians. All rehabilitation for these injuries will be done under the supervision of the Athletic Training Staff. In most cases all rehabilitation will be done in the Athletic Training Room at Metro State. When special situations arise that prevent the student athlete from being able to perform their rehabilitation on the Metro State Campus, they must notify their coach, the Athletic Training Staff, and the Athletic Director for approval. Furthermore, costs associated with the rehabilitation away from the Metro State Campus will not be covered unless it is approved by the Athletic Director prior to beginning therapy. Student athletes that choose have their rehabilitation done away from Metro State will be required to complete a Second Opinion Waiver. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

18 Second Opinion If a student-athlete chooses to have a second opinion regarding an athletic related injury/illness, the student-athlete must notify the supervising Certified Athletic Trainer. The student-athlete must obtain a second opinion form and a medical referral form from the Certified Athletic Trainer. After the appointment the student athlete must submit to the Certified Athletic Trainer a copy of the physicians report including a diagnosis, treatment protocol, and a statement regarding medical status (full return, no practice, etc.). Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

19 Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Policy The use of medications and supplements by student athletes for injury prevention or treatment should be done with extreme caution. Student athletes need to be properly educated on the use and risks associated with the taking of these drugs. In addition to the possible side effects associated with the use of these medications or supplements there is also the possibility of a positive NCAA drug test. Prescription medications from physicians or other health care providers may also be banned by the NCAA. Therefore athletes should check with the Athletic Training Staff prior to taking any prescribed medication to ensure that the substance is not banned by the NCAA. Prescription Medication The Athletic Training Staff at Metropolitan State College of Denver will not store or dispense any prescription medication to any student athlete at MSCD. Expenses for prescriptions made by team physicians for MSCD to student athletes for an injury that directly occurred as a result of competing for MCSD, may be covered by the Athletic Department. For the expenses to be covered the student athlete must first present the prescription to the Head Athletic Trainer for approval and a referral form. The student athlete will be required to pay for the prescription out of their own pocket and then turn in the receipt and referral form to the Head Athletic Trainer for reimbursement. MSCD will not reimburse a student athlete who presents a receipt for a filled prescription with out the referral form, or for a prescription from physician or health care provider that is not a member of the sports medicine team. Prescriptions for injuries or illnesses that are not the result of athletic participation at MSCD need to be reported to the head athletic trainer immediately so that proper documentation can be placed in the student-athlete s medical file. The misuse of prescription medication will not be taken lightly by the Athletic Department at MSCD. Any misuse of prescription medication, including improper dispensing, tampering, forgery of prescription, or any other action that could be considered dangerous, will be reported to the appropriate authorities and will be handled according to school policy. Over the Counter (OTC) Medication The Athletic Training Staff at MSCD will keep a select few OTC medications on site in a secured area. These medications are kept onsite to assist in the healing or to allow the athlete to compete with greater comfort without placing the athlete s health at risk. These medications will only be dispensed based on the information given in the directions of the OTC medication. These medications may be given in higher doses under direct orders of a MSCD team physician. A Certified Athletic Trainer or team physician must approve of the dispensing of the OTC s prior to an athlete receiving the medication. At no time shall anyone outside of the Athletic Training Staff dispense OTC medication to a student athlete.

20 Further more these medications will only be supplied to student athletes for a short time. The Athletic Training Staff will not dispense the OTC medication longer than what is directed by the medications instructions. While OTC medications are considered to be safe for the majority of the public, adverse reactions can occur from the use of these medications. Misuse, abuse, or continual use of approved dosages of OTC s may lead to health problems. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

21 Asthma Student athletes that have been diagnosed with asthma by a licensed healthcare practitioner must include this information on their medical history form. The student athlete must notify the Athletic Training Staff (ATS) of changes in their symptoms, as well as any medications that they have been prescribed to help treat this condition. Student athletes will be continually monitored by the ATS to ensure that symptoms do not get worse or put the student athlete s long term health at risk. To properly monitor the student athlete s health, they will be required to perform a peak flow meter test each week. The results of this will be stored in the student athlete s medical file. Each student athlete should have an emergency bronchodilator with them at all times during exercise. They should also give the ATS an additional emergency bronchodilator to be stored in the specified team s medical kit for use in emergency situations. Metro State will not purchase medications to treat asthma, preventive or for emergency use, for any student athlete. Metro State does have a nebulizer for use by its student athletes. The student must have a prescription for use as well as provide their own medication for the nebulizer. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

22 Diabetes Student athletes that have been diagnosed with diabetes by a licensed healthcare practitioner must include this information on their medical history form. The student athlete must notify the Athletic Training Staff (ATS) of changes in their symptoms, as well as any medications (and doses) that they have taken within the last 48 hours. Student athletes will be continually monitored by the ATS to ensure that symptoms do not get worse or put the student athlete s long term health at risk. If student athlete is insulin dependent they should carry these supplies, as well as a source of glucose, at all times. The ATS will have access to a glucose source at all times. Metro State will not provide testing supplies for checking sugar levels of the student athlete. Metro State reserves the right to request quarterly lab values to monitor sugar levels over time (Hemoglobin A 1C ) Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07

23 Pregnancy Policy Student athletes that become pregnant during their time at Metro State will need to receive clearance from their primary provider as well as the team physician and Athletic Administration at Metro State if they wish to continue participating. While exercise is indicated for pregnant women and there is minimal risk that abdominal injury will harm the fetus during the first trimester of the pregnancy, Metro State, its team physicians, and the athletes physician will work together to determine the best course of action for the student athlete as well as the unborn fetus. Should any of the following signs or symptoms develop while exercising the student athlete should stop and see their primary physician: Vaginal bleeding Shortness of breath prior to exercise Dizziness Headache Chest pain Calf pain or swelling Pre-term labor Decreased fetal movement Amniotic fluid leakage Muscle weakness Student athletes will also be advised not to compete after the first trimester of their pregnancy to protect the fetus and the student athlete. If the student-athlete decides to compete, documentation outlining the student-athlete s medical condition, the potential risks of athletic participation during pregnancy, and the student-athlete s understanding of these risks of participation to her and her baby will be included in the student-athlete s medical record. Metro State will not be responsible for any expenses occurred as a result of the pregnancy whether or not the athlete chooses to continue to compete while pregnant. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 7/08

24 Lightning Policy Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect intercollegiate athletics. While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed. Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety. The following steps are in accordance with the NCAA, National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA): The supervising Athletic Trainer will obtain a weather report prior to the beginning of outdoor practices and competitions. In addition to outdoor sports, swimming and diving will also follow the same rules and guidelines. If conditions exist in which lightning is probable the ATC will notify the appropriate personnel prior to the practice or competition that conditions are likely to result in a possible lightening strike. Practice - Head Coach Competitions - Head Coach, Athletic Administrative Representative, Officials for competitive contests Lightning has the ability to strike up to 10 miles away from the storm. Absence of rain or clouds does not guarantee that a lightning strike will not occur, therefore these conditions will not come into effect when making the decision to suspend activity. Once lightning occurs within an eight (8) mile radius the ATC will notify the appropriate authority at the practice or event. The practice or event will be stopped and the athletes, support staff, and spectators will be instructed to find a safe shelter. We will begin this process at the eight mile mark so that everyone will have had a chance to find safe shelter by the time the storm is within six (6) miles. The National Severe Storms Laboratory, NCAA, and NATA all strongly recommended that all individuals have left the athletic site and found safe shelter by the time the storm is within six (6) miles. Two methods will be used to determine when the lightning is within eight (8) miles. 1) The use of the flash-to-bang method. To use the flash-to-bang method, the observer begins counting when a lightning flash is sighted. Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard. Divide this count by 5 to determine the distance to the lightning flash (in miles). For example, a flash-bang count of 30 seconds equates to a distance of 6 miles. 2) The use of the Sky Scan Lightning/Storm Detector. Two subsequent readings on the Sky Scan within the 8-20 mile range, regardless of the presence of visible lightning. Safe Shelters For all outdoor practices or events athletes will move into the Event Center. Spectators may use the Event Center or the Tivoli Student Union when it is open. Anyone in the pool should exit the pool area and move into another area in the Event Center. In the absence of a sturdy inhabited building people can seek shelter inside a vehicle with a hard metal roof and the windows rolled up. If this is the method of

25 protection that is chosen it is important to note that the person(s) must not touch the sides of the vehicle. Unsafe Shelters The following areas are considered to be unsafe during lightning storms. Locker room shower areas Swimming pool (indoor or outdoor) Golf cart Open-sided shelters In addition to the above areas people are advised to avoid the following objects. Electrical appliances Land line phones Return to Play Once an activity has been suspended the activity will not start again until after 30 minutes from the last strike. Therefore with each strike of lightning the timer will begin counting again. Evacuation of the Stands During competition, once the decision to suspend activity has been made, a representative of the athletic department will announce via the PA system: 1. Due to the risk of a lightning strike this competition has been temporarily suspended. Fans are advised to immediately seek shelter in the nearest enclosed, grounded shelter (Event Center or the Tivoli Student Union.) 2. REMEMBER: an automobile, golf cart, or open-sided shelter may not protect you from a lightning strike so these are not adequate shelters. In the event that someone is struck by lightning the Athletic Training Staff will follow the Emergency Action Plan for that venue. Reviewed 7/08, Revised 6/07