Information for Athletes

Policies | Training Room Procedures | Heat Illness Prevention | Heat Illness ID and Treatment

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES

1. Medical Forms:No student will be allowed to participate in any athletic practices/games until his/her medical form is on file in the school infirmary.
2. Athletic Participation: No student who for medical reasons has missed any school function on the day of an athletic contest will participate in any athletic contest unless the school physician has given permission.

ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM PROCEDURES

• Evaluations/Treatments: Excluding emergencies, athletes are seen on a first come - first serve basis. Athletes with an injury that needs evaluation should arrive before 2:45 p.m. or they will likely have to wait until after all routine taping is completed for evaluation. Routine pre-practice taping is done from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. After all athletes have been taped, evaluations and treatments will be done.
• Attire/Personal Items: Athletes should wear a clean shirt and shorts in the athletic training room. All personal items (athletic equipment, backpacks, etc) should be left outside the athletic training room.
• Reporting of Injuries: Athletes are expected to report all injuries or medical concerns to the athletic trainers the day of its occurrence. This should be done as soon as possible following an injury. The athletic trainers will then arrange for the appropriate care.
• Return to Play: The medical decision as to whether a student is to participate in daily athletics is made by the school physician, the school athletic trainers, or a member of the health center staff.
• Daily Injury Log: Athletes requesting athletic training services are required to sign in on the daily treatment log. This report is entered into the computer daily, and a copy is on file in the infirmary and athletic office.
• Medical Conditions: Athletes with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries (i.e. asthma, diabetes, allergies to bees, prior concussions, etc.) should speak with one of the athletic trainers regarding their condition/injury. Any athlete who uses an inhaler, epi-pen, or wears a protective device that has been prescribed by a doctor while competing (i.e. knee brace) should inform the athletic trainers at the start of the season.
• Equipment: It is the responsibility of each athlete to wear all equipment required for his/her sport at every practice and game. This includes mouthguards, pads, shinguards, helmets (with the proper amount of air), etc. At the beginning of the season, athletes will be informed by their coach as to what equipment is mandatory and what constitutes illegal equipment. The equipment will be properly fitted to the athlete, and the athlete will be shown how to properly wear the equipment. Athletes should immediately inform the coach if their equipment becomes unsafe or illegal.
• Hydration: Proper hydration is essential to minimize the occurrence of heat illness. Each athlete should have his/her own water bottle and should bring it to practice full each day. To reduce the risk of spreading disease among team members, athletes should not share water bottles. Water breaks are scheduled every 15-20 minutes during practice. Athletes should take a drink whether or not they feel thirsty, since thirst is not always a good indicator of one’s hydration status. (see section on heat illness for more information)
• Warm-up/Stretching: Most practices will begin with a warm-up of approximately 3-5 minutes of light jogging followed by a stretching routine appropriate for the sport. At the end of practice, there will be a cool-down period followed by stretching. This will help to remove the lactic acid built up during practice and reduce muscle soreness. It is important to do these stretches properly as this will help prevent soreness and injury.
• Sleep: Athletes perform better when they are well rested. Try to establish regular hours for going to sleep at night and awakening in the morning.
• Nutrition: Much can be written about this subject, but here are a few general guidelines. Eating in a dining hall setting can be overwhelming. Review the posted menu and have a plan as to what you will eat at each meal. Eat three meals a day – do not skip breakfast. Eating a variety of foods will ensure that nutritional neess are being met. Try to have approximately 60% of your food intake be from carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20% fat. Eat fruit rather than candy bars for snacks. Avoid fried, greasy foods and foods with gravies and sauces. Vegetables and fruit contain more nutrients in their raw state than when cooked, canned or processed. Choose fruit or low fat yogurt (regular or frozen) and fruit for dessert.

Do not hesitate to consult with Mrs. Kelly or Mr. Doyle regarding any of the above information.

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PREVENTION OF HEAT ILLNESS

Practice or competition in hot and/or humid environmental conditions raises the potential for heat illness. Heat illness occurs when the body is unable to efficiently cool the core temperature. Sweating is the mechanism by which the body cools itself. Outside air evaporates the sweat and this keeps the body cool. The moist air that results from high humidity inhibits evaporation and cooling and causes the body’s core temperature to rise.

The athletic trainers will monitor the environmental conditions and will advise coaches if modifications/special precautions are necessary.

Four keys to the prevention of heat illness are listed below.

• Education: It is essential that all coaches and student-athletes are aware of the risk factors for heat stress syndromes and that proper precautions are taken.
• Hydration: Athletes should arrive at practice well-hydrated. They should drink plenty of fluids 2-3 hours before practice or competitions. Athletes should drink every 15-20 minutes to help maintain fluid levels during activity. Athletes should weigh themselves before and after workouts and drink at least 20 oz. per pound of weight loss. Gatorade (available in the dining room) and water are the best choices. Avoid any beverage that has caffeine (soda, coffee, tea) as this does not aid in rehydration. If your urine is clear or pale yellow then you are properly hydrated. If it is dark yellow or brown then you need to increase your fluid intake at once.
• Clothing: Clothing and equipment add insulation to the body and reduce the amount of skin surface area for evaporation. When clothing becomes soaked with sweat, evaporation cannot occur and the clothes will retain body heat. It is important to start each practice wearing clean, dry clothing and equipment.
• Fitness: Physical training and heat acclimation increases the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature. Athletes with poor physical condition, those with excess body fat, those who regularly push themselves to capacity, those with a history of heat illness, and those with circulatory and respiratory problems are most often affected. Athletes should speak up if they are not feeling well or are experiencing early signs of dehydration.

IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF HEAT ILLNESS

* *life threatening condition

Treatment: The basic care for all of these is the same. The goal is to reduce body temperature. Follow these steps.

1. Move the athlete to a cool place.
2. If conscious, rehydrate with a sports drink or water.
3. Loosen or remove as much clothing as possible.
4. Apply cool wet cloths to the skin.
5. Fan the athlete or place in front of a fan to aid evaporation.
6. Stretch and massage cramped muscles.

If the athlete refuses water, vomits, or starts to lose consciousness take the following measures.

1. Call the athletic trainers on the radio. Have someone call 5-911.
2. Place the athlete on his/her side.
3. Continue to cool the athlete by using ice packs on the wrists, ankles, groin, neck, and armpits.
4. If necessary, immerse the athlete in cool, not cold water.
5. Continue to monitor breathing and pulse.

From: Gatorade Sports Science Institute

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