In order to help provide optimum prevention and care for the athletic injuries that may occur to your athletes, I would like to review a number of policies and procedures of the athletic training program.

Please keep in mind that it is beyond the scope of the Athletic Trainer position to have the Trainer physically present at every practice and game, although it would be the ideal. Also, please note that the Athletic Trainer position is a "supplemental" position, and that no "subs" are available in the event of illness, personal absence, emergencies, or school-related conflicts. Therefore, the coach must be prepared to handle any injuries that may occur during practice or games. Coaches are required to maintain first aid and CPR certifications by the NHIAA.

In order to protect both the coach and the school from possible legal action, the following policies and procedures regarding athletic injury care are established:

• The athletic trainer, to the extent possible, will be available "on site" as follows :

• 1. All regularly scheduled home games and home playoff games.
  2. Away games for varsity football, and all playoff games as available.
  3. One hour before the start of the school day (for evaluation and treatment)
  4. All after school practices (up to 7pm)
  5. During "free periods" during the school day (by appointment)
  6. The trainer may be available for special events, tournaments, etc. on weekends and/or holidays, by special request of the athletic director, or by private contract.

• When present, the Athletic Trainer will provide for the initial assessment, first aid, decisions regarding return to play, and parent contact if needed, for all athletic injuries. In the absence of an Athletic Trainer, these become the responsibility of the coach. All such injuries should be reported to the Athletic Trainer as soon as practical.

• By state law, the athletic training staff may only provide care for the injuries occurring to students involved in the interscholastic athletic program, and only for those injuries that occur as due to the students participation. It is not proper for the trainer to provide treatment (other than first aid) for injuries that occur in PE, intramurals, "out of season leagues", or at home, without express written authorization. Treatment for such injuries is the responsibility of the supervising teacher, school nurse, or family doctor.

• The coach is required to have first aid supplies at all practices and games. It is the responsibility of the coach to have the assigned first aid kit at each practice and game. It is also the coach’s responsibility to notify the Athletic Trainer when they need restocking of supplies. Return kits to storage area daily, unless other arrangements have been made with the Athletic Trainer.

• The coach is required to have emergency contact information for each athlete at all practices and games. "Yellow Cards" should be collected for each athlete, and available at every practice and game.

• The coach must make sure that sufficient water and injury ice are available if needed. An ice machine is available adjacent to the Athletic Training Room. In addition ice chests and water coolers are provided for each team, and stored in the same location. Return items daily, unless other arrangements have been made with the Athletic Trainer. Water bottles and cups will not be issued. Each athlete should be asked to bring their own water bottle to prevent the spread of illness.
• 2-way radios are available in the Medical kits for use in contacting the Athletic Trainer. They should be used only by the coach to contact the athletic trainer .
• Coaches should stress to their athletes that any injuries should be reported immediately to the coach or trainer, and that some type of initial treatment (usually ice) should be started prior to leaving school grounds. Any athlete that is not able to complete a practice or game must receive clearance from the Athletic Trainer prior to returning to competition.

• Any athlete that sees a doctor for an injury must provide written permission on Athletic Training Dept. forms, from the doctor prior to returning to any practice or game situation. A coach must not allow an athlete to participate unless he/she is positive that written permission has been granted. This is school board policy, and one of the most common causes of legal action.

• Coaches must make sure that players properly use protective equipment. All pads and safety devices used during games must be used during practice (including mouthguards!). No player should be allowed to participate, even for only one play, with out properly functioning safety equipment.

12. Coaches should periodically inspect the playing area and player equipment for safety hazards. Broken or unsafe equipment must be repaired or discarded immediately. If special tools are need to repair equipment on a continual basis (ie. football pads and helmets), the coach is responsible for making sure such equipment is present at all practices and games.

These guidelines are established to provide quality care to our athletes, and to protect you from costly legal situations. Should you have any questions regarding the Athletic Training program, please feel free to see me.