Parents & Athletes

An ATC is not a doctor. We prevent, recognize, evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate injuries.

Doctor visits

If an athlete visits the doctor for an injury or prolonged illness a note must be obtained. The note must include what the athlete can and cannot do, when the athlete can return to sport activity, and under what conditions or restrictions, if any. This note serves as written permission to return to athletic participation. Coaches must not allow student athletes to participate in athletics until written permission has been granted by a physician. This is NHIAA policy. 

The athletic trainer and sports medicine staff must write a note for any athlete that has an athletic injury that is referred out for any form of treatment. The athletic trainer will maintain a log of all athletes who receive treatment and will write notes for any who receive rehabilitation or specialized treatments.

Water

It is ideal if athletes consume lots of water in small amounts. All athletes are encouraged to get their own water bottle, and please DO NOT SHARE. Sharing water bottles can transmit illness. 

Hygiene

Wash practice clothing and equipment after every use. Shower after athletic sessions as soon as possible. All equipment that comes in contact with skin (i.e. shin guards, shoulder pads, helmets, eye cages, cups) should be sanitized as often as possible, at least once a week is the minimum recommendation.  

Mouth guards

Do not share mouth guards. Replace it when it is worn or chewed. Get the mouth guard well molded so that it will stay in your mouth and on your teeth as designed. Do not over trim a mouth guard. An over-trimmed mouth guard could potentially be dislodged and block an air way. If you have lost a mouth guard the athletic trainer will provide you 1 per season. Please do not make this a habit.

Ice

Ice all new injuries. Ice is applied for the first 48-72 hours. It aids in decreasing internal swelling and bleeding. Ice will also minimize damage to underlying tissues. Heat when applied too early will encourage increased blood flow, and other fluids to the injured area. This will result in increased pain and delay healing. Please listen carefully when the athletic trainer instructs you in home care regarding these options.

Do not move an injured player, keep him/her down and tell the coach. The risk or severe injury could be increased should the athlete be moved.

Length of treatment, keep coming to see the athletic trainer or sports medicine staff until we decide it’s time to stop. 

Do not assume that you just need a tape job because coach told you so. Please come to the athletic trainer and ask to have your injury evaluated. A proper evaluation must be performed to determine what type of treatment is necessary for your injury. Tape is not a cure all.

Athletic Trainer availability

First come, first served. Athletes that have a game and need to be evaluated or treated prior to a game have priority to athletes that are participating in practice only.

Nurse visits are for in school emergencies and illness. 

Athletes may make an appointment with the athletic trainer during school hours (when the athletic trainer is available) only if said athlete has a study hall during that period. Athletes may NOT skip class to come to the athletic training room. If there is an emergency, the nurse will be contacted first and she will decide whether or not the athletic trainer can assist.

Participating in sports has a risk. The risk ranges from minor to severe, sprain/fracture versus paralysis/death. The sports medicine staff does all we can to prevent injuries.