Safford High School. Athletic Training Center. Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Athletic Training Center Parent Handbook

2 Dear Parent/Guardian of Student-Athletes, I am Renee Williams, SHS s athletic trainer. Unless you have been involved in organized athletics at the high school, college, or professional level you may not know what an athletic trainer is. When many people hear the word trainer they think of personal trainers at their health club. You can think of athletic trainers as the unknown health care providers of sports medicine. Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals specifically trained to manage athletic injuries. I am certified and licensed in the state of Arizona. I have been a certified athletic trainer since I have worked with college and high school athletes and truly enjoy working with Safford High s student-athletes. My purpose for developing this handbook is to acquaint you with athletic trainers, the Safford High School Athletic Training Facility, and to encourage your participation in our Sports Medicine Team. There are many people who are involved with the care of student-athletes. The sports medicine team consists of myself, our team physicians, coaches, sports medicine students, the student-athlete, and you. Your involvement in your student-athlete s prevention and treatment of his/her injury is essential to the best possible outcome. This handbook contains information on the operation of Safford High s Athletic Training Facility and about injury prevention. Please take a moment to read through it and acquaint yourself with the procedures and recommendations contained within. I encourage you to speak with your child about injury prevention and what to do in the event an injury occurs. I look forward to working with you and your children. I am available if you have any questions about the Athletic Training program at Safford or your child s injuries. Sincerely, Renee Williams, ATC Athletic Trainer

3 Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation in athletics, work and life. The practice of athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination and diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, subacute, and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions and certain medical conditions in order to minimize subsequent impairments, functional limitations, disability, and societal limitations. Athletic trainers work settings can include high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians offices, corporate and industrial institutions, the military, and the performing arts. Regardless of their practice setting, athletic trainers practice athletic training (or provide athletic training services) according to their education and state practice act. To become certified, athletic trainers must fulfill the requirements for certification as established by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). BOC certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in six major practice domains: 1. Prevention 2. Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis 3. Immediate Care 4. Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning 5. Organization and Administration 6. Professional Responsibility For more information on athletic training visit or General Athletic Training Guidelines and Operations If your child is injured during practice he/she should report it to the coach immediately. Waiting to report an injury or thinking it can be walked off will only result in additional injury. The coach will then direct the studentathlete to the athletic training center (ATC). If the student-athlete cannot ambulate on his/her own, the coach will send for the athletic trainer What can you expect if your child receives an injury during their participation in SHS athletics? One of four things will occur depending on the severity of the injury: o Minor injuries minor injuries will be treated on site and will be followed up in the athletic training center as needed. o Moderate injuries Moderate injuries will be treated and followed-up in the ATC and a note informing you of the injury will be sent home with your child. The note will also contain home care instructions for you to assist your child with. o Serious injuries With a serious injury your child will receive initial treatment and he/she will be sent home with a referral to see a physician. Once a student-athlete receives a physician referral, they cannot participate in further athletics until they have been seen by, and return with a release note from a physician. o Severe injuries Severe injuries are those that require immediate medical attention, you will either be called to come and transport your child to an emergency facility or an ambulance will be called and you will be notified, depending on the severity of the emergency. After any injury the student-athlete must follow-up with the athletic trainer prior to participating in a practice or competition. If the visit requires a visit to the emergency department or an appointment with a physician, the athlete MUST HAVE A PHYSICIAN S RELEASE FORM AND be cleared by the athletic trainer PRIOR to participating in a practice or competition.

4 If an in-season student-athlete sees a physician for any reason they MUST HAVE A PHYSICIAN RELEASE stating he/she can participate in athletics AND be cleared by the Athletic Trainer PRIOR to being allowed to participate in a practice or competition. There are NO exceptions. General Guidelines for Injury Prevention o Athletes should work year round to maintain their condition with proper diet and exercise. o A good conditioning program will incorporate exercises aimed at improving muscular strength and endurance, core strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. o Athletes should eat a balanced diet of all the food groups: grains/cereals, meats/fish/poultry, dairy, and fruits/vegetables. o If the athlete s sport activity is outdoors, athletes should do part of their conditioning outside to acclimatize their bodies prior to the start of the season. o Shoes should fit appropriately, be broken in, and provide necessary support for the sport. o Shoes and braces with short lifetimes (such as ankle braces) should be replaced at the beginning of each season, and anytime during the season that they appear damaged or overly worn. o A minute warm-up AND cool-down period is recommended for all practices, conditioning sessions, and competitions. o Athletes are encouraged to participate in a stretching and flexibility program daily, after practices and competitions. o Athletes should learn and follow the rules of their sport. Please note: The above guidelines are not all-inclusive, but are designed to provide guidance. No amount of preparation or preventative measure will eliminate the risk of injuries, but these guidelines may help prevent an injury from occurring, or lessen the severity of an injury and decrease an athlete s downtime. Athletic Trainer Contact Information Name: Renee Williams Office Phone: Mobile Phone: rwilliams@saffordusd.com Hydration Student-athletes should be encouraged to maintain proper hydration levels. Proper hydration not only enhances performance, it also decreases the likelihood of incurring heat illnesses. Two hours before exercise athletes should drink oz. of water or a sports drink (<7% carbohydrate). Ten minutes before exercise athletes should drink 7-10 oz. of water or a sports drink. During practice drink 7-10 oz. of water or sports drink every 15 minutes. Within two hours after practice an athlete should drink oz. of water or a sports drink per pound of weight loss during practice. Sports Rehabilitation If a student-athlete requires any sports rehabilitation, either due to injury or post-operatively the Safford Athletic Training Center is fully equipped to handle any rehabilitation regimen. Rehabilitation sessions can usually be accommodated after school. If rehabilitation is post-operative a physician s referral is requested. Athletic Training Equipment All equipment that is loaned to athletes will need to be turned in by the end of the season. If this equipment is not returned, the athlete will be fined a replacement cost for the item. The athlete will also be unable to participate in the next athletic season. Athletic Training Center (ATC) Rules and Regulations 1. Student-Athletes are not allowed in the ATC without supervision. 2. No cleats or spikes will be allowed in the ATC. 3. Sign- in upon entering the ATC. If you do not know how to sign in, or have questions, ask the athletic trainer. 4. Please remove shoes before getting on the treatment tables.

5 5. Do not bring unnecessary clothing, athletic equipment, or bags into the training center. 6. No self-treatment will be tolerated. All taping, wrapping, wound cleaning and bandaging, etc. will be applied by the athletic training staff. 7. Do not use, remove, or otherwise touch any equipment or supplies from the ATC without permission. 8. Please return all loaned equipment as soon as it is no longer needed (i.e. braces, wraps, crutches, etc.). 9. Student-Athletes must conduct themselves in a proper manner (courteous, respectful, and patient) while in the ATC. Please use appropriate language. You will be asked to leave if you become excessively loud, or your behavior becomes disruptive or is offensive to others. 10. The ATC is a co-ed facility. Everyone will act with respect and maturity and dress appropriately as necessary for treatment (i.e. shorts, t-shirts). 11. Help keep the ATC clean at all times. Discard your trash and place used towels in the proper container. 12. To facilitate treatment of all athletes, we ask that you leave the ATC once you have received treatment during times when the center is crowded and busy. 13. Please arrive early so that you may be evaluated, treated, do your rehabilitation exercises, get taped, and be to practice on time. 14. Remember, the athletic training staff is dedicated to your health and safety. They will give you the best possible care. Your courtesy, cooperation and respect in return will be appreciated. The athletic training staff will not be dispensing medications of any kind. Please do not ask. If an athlete needs medications during the day, he/she will need to see the nurse. If it is after hours, during games, athletes will need to see their own parents. Many have the will to win on the day of the contest. Few have the will to prepare to win. -- Vernon Law

6 CONCUSSION RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL Returning to Sports 1. You should NEVER return to play if you still have ANY symptoms (Be sure that you do not have any symptoms at rest and while doing any physical activity and/or activities that require a lot of thinking or concentration.) 2. Be sure that the PE teacher, coach, and/or athletic trainer are aware of your injury and symptoms. 3. It is normal to feel frustrated, sad and even angry because you cannot return to sports right away. With any injury, a full recovery will reduce the chances of getting hurt again. It is better to miss one or two games than the whole season. Return to play should occur in gradual steps beginning with aerobic exercise only to increase your heart rate (e.g., stationary cycle); moving to increasing your heart rate with movement (e.g., running); then adding controlled contact if appropriate; and finally return to sports competition. Pay careful attention to your symptoms and your thinking and concentration skills at each stage of activity. Move to the next level of activity only if you do not experience any symptoms at the each level. If your symptoms return, let your health care provider know, return to the first level, and restart the program gradually. Gradual Return to Play Plan 1. No physical activity 2. Low levels of physical activity (i.e., symptoms do not come back during or after the activity). This includes walking, light jogging, light stationary biking, and light weightlifting (lower weight, higher reps, no bench, no squat). 3. Moderate levels of physical activity with body/head movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate- intensity stationary biking, moderate-intensity weightlifting (reduced time and/or reduced weight from your typical routine). 4. Heavy non-contact physical activity. This includes sprinting/running, high-intensity stationary biking, regular weightlifting routine, non-contact sport-specific drills (in 3 planes of movement). 5. Full contact in controlled practice. 6. Full contact in game play.

7 Athletic Training Center Parent Injury/ Illness Notification Date: Dear Parent: During a recent practice/game, your son/daughter received an injury. The injury was to the and the initial evaluation suggests. To facilitate treatment, please make certain your son/daughter follows the initial care indicated below: Ice Compression Elevate Crutches Return Apply for 20 minutes on, 1 hour off as often as possible. Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage when icing. Keep injured area raised above the level of the heart whenever possible. Crutches have been properly fitted and the athlete has been shown how to use them. See the athletic training staff tomorrow. Additional comments: Based on the initial signs and symptoms, it does not appear necessary to see a physician at this time. However, if the injury becomes worse, fails to improve despite the treatment or if you have any doubt about the condition; feel free to consult a physician. Please remind your son/daughter to report to the athletic training center tomorrow prior to practice/competition for follow-up care of the injury. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. Renee Williams, ATC Athletic Trainer rwilliams@saffordusd.com (w) (c)

8 Concussion Release Form This form is to be used after an athlete is removed from and not returned to competition after exhibiting concussion symptoms. The athlete should not be returned to play until written authorization is obtained from an appropriate health care professional and the parent/ guardians. Once the athlete has obtained permission to return to activity, requires a gradual return-to-activity protocol supervised by our athletic training and coaching staff before full contact activity is allowed. s Concussion Management Program uses the Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) for Baseline and After-Injury testing. The comparison of these two test results can be used to assist in determining cognitive recovery. Athlete: Sport: Date of Injury: Guidelines for Returning to Activity after a Concussion Return to play should occur in gradual steps beginning with aerobic exercise only to increase your heart rate (e.g., stationary cycle); moving to increasing your heart rate with movement (e.g., running); then adding controlled contact if appropriate; and finally return to sports competition. Pay careful attention to your symptoms and your thinking and concentration skills at each stage of activity. Move to the next level of activity only if you do not experience any symptoms at the each level. If your symptoms return, let your health care provider know, return to the first level, and restart the program gradually. Gradual Return to Play Plan 1. No physical activity 2. Low levels of physical activity (i.e., symptoms do not come back during or after the activity). This includes walking, light jogging, light stationary biking, and light weightlifting (lower weight, higher reps, no bench, no squat). 3. Moderate levels of physical activity with body/head movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate- intensity stationary biking, moderate-intensity weightlifting (reduced time and/or reduced weight from your typical routine). 4. Heavy non-contact physical activity. This includes sprinting/running, high-intensity stationary biking, regular weightlifting routine, non-contact sport-specific drills (in 3 planes of movement). 5. Full contact in controlled practice. 6. Full contact in game play. PHYSICIAN S ACTION o This athlete did not sustain a concussion and may return to full activity. o This athlete was diagnosed with a concussion and is not fully recovered. o This athlete requires academic accommodations and should be referred to Guidance Counseling. o I would like to review copies of this athlete s Axon Sports CCAT test results. o This athlete was diagnosed with a concussion and has fully recovered. He/ She is ready to begin graded return to play activity. Notes/ Recommendations: Physician s Name (please print): Date: Physician s Phone #: Signature of Physician: I agree with the above plan and am knowledgeable about my child s condition and situation. Parent Signature: Athlete Signature: Date: Date: SHS ATHLETIC TRAINING rwilliams@saffordusd.com

9 Physician Release Form This form must be completed and returned to the athletic trainer prior to returning to athletic participation following an injury or illness. Athlete: Date of Injury: Sport: Injured During: Practice Game Other: Injury: Location: Details of Injury: TO BE COMPLETED BY PHYSICIAN Impression/ Diagnosis: I have examined the above named athlete and recommend: Full participation starting on No practice or play until Expected return to activity on Physical activity restricted to until (approx. date) Additional Comments: Recommended treatment: Rehabilitative Exercise: Active ROM Passive ROM PRE s Other Modalities: Ultrasound Electrical Stimulation Cold Packs Hot Packs Whirlpool Physician s Name (please print): Physician s Phone #: Date: Signature of Physician: I agree with the above plan and am knowledgeable about my child s condition and situation. Parent Signature: Student Signature: Date: SAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC TRAINING rwilliams@saffordusd.com