LC-H Athletic Training Policies and Procedures
Injured Athlete Procedures
- Student-athletes MUST report all injuries to the Athletic Trainer at the time of the injury or as soon as possible if the Athletic Trainer is not present.
- In an event that the Athletic Trainer is not immediately available, the coach should make the initial assessment for severity and treat accordingly, to the best of their ability. The coach must notify the Athletic Trainer of the injury and course of action taken within 24 hours.
- Once the Athletic Trainer has assessed the injury, a treatment plan will be established and a referral will be made, if necessary. The student-athlete is expected to follow the treatment plan.
- Injured student-athletes are expected to attend games and practices, unless otherwise noted by the Athletic Trainer or physician.
- Parents and other members of the coaching staff are encouraged to contact the Athletic Trainer with questions or about the student-athlete's injury status/plan of care.
- The Athletic Trainer will not carry or provide student-athletes with any oral pain relieving medications. If a student-athlete needs medication while at a practice or competition, the proper paperwork must be filled out through the school and a copy of that paperwork must be provided to the Athletic Trainer.
Medical Referrals
Any condition that is beyond the Athletic Trainer's scope of care, requires obvious medical intervention or does not respond to the Athletic Trainer's course of care in a timely manner will be referred to an appropriate medical provider.
Any condition that is beyond the Athletic Trainer's scope of care, requires obvious medical intervention or does not respond to the Athletic Trainer's course of care in a timely manner will be referred to an appropriate medical provider.
- Upon injury, the Athletic Trainer will determine if the injury needs a referral to a medical specialist for further evaluation and/or treatment.
- The student-athlete may be sent home with injury information that states the Athletic Trainer's findings, as well as recommendations for immediate treatment. If part of the treatment consists of a physician's referral, a form may be sent home with the student-athlete to be returned with the physician's findings and treatment plan.
- In the event of a self-referral to a physician, the student-athlete MUST produce a note form the physician that states the injury, treatment recommendations, and participation status.
- The Athletic Trainer cannot override any physician's diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or participation status.
Return to Participation
- ALL student-athletes who have seen a physician, whether by self-referral or by referral of the Athletic Trainer, MUST provide a note from the physician that states clearance status prior to returning to participation.
- Student-athletes may be instructed, either by the Athletic Trainer or physician, to resume practice at a gradual pace so that the injury may be monitored for complications or assurance that return is safe. A status of 'full go' will be given once this process has concluded and the athletic trainer deems the athlete able to compete with no implications.
- Student-athletes are expected to continue a rehabilitation and/or strength program on the injured area, if deemed necessary by the Athletic Trainer or physician. Some student-athletes may be given exercises to perform at home and are expected to complete these exercises as instructed.
- Student-athletes may be removed from participation by the Athletic Trainer if doing so is considered in the best interest of the student-athlete and their injury. The student-athlete, parent/guardian, physician, coach, or official may also initiate this removal.
Taping and Bracing Policy
- Taping serves a great purpose in the treatment of athletic injuries. If the student-athlete wished to be taped for preventative purposes, especially for ankles, they must complete a short rehabilitation program in order to strengthen the injured area and decrease the chance for re-injury.
- Taping will be made available to student-athletes who have either a documented injury that has been determined after evaluation by the Athletic Trainer or as a physician prescribes it. The Athletic Trainer will only apply tape when deemed appropriate for use and is necessary for the recovery process.
- "Spatting" of the shoe will not be done by the Athletic Trainer, unless they believe that its use will aid in the prevention of re-injury to the ankle. "Spatting" of the shoes for purposes other that the prevention of re-injury will ONLY be done if the student-athlete provides their own tape.
- The Athletic Trainer can advise the student-athlete and the parents/guardians in the purchase of appropriate bracing or supportive devices that will be beneficial in the care and prevention of injuries.
- Student-athletes may be given braces to use for the duration of the injury. This will be documented on an equipment sign-out sheet. Student-athletes MUST turn the equipment back in.