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Safford Unified School District
Athletic Training
Policies and Procedures Handbook
August 2012
Safford High School
Athletic Training
Policies and Procedures Handbook
Table of Contents
Athletic Training Program Operations ……………………………………………………………….…1
Program Services
Purpose of Athletic Training Services
Organizational Structure ………………………………………………………………………………...1
Duties and Responsibilities of the Athletic Training Staff
Athletic Training Rules and Regulations
Athletic Training Facility ……………………………………….……………………………………….2
Equipment Use, Maintenance, and Repair
Facility Cleaning, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Budget and Purchasing
Safety and Security Considerations
Scope of Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………...3
Athletic Training Hours of Operation
Sport Coverage
Responsibility of Coaches
Approval for Participation
Reporting Injuries and Illnesses
Documentation and Maintenance of Medical Records
Emergency Action Plan …………………………………………………………………………………5
Responsibilities of the Emergency Action Team
Guidelines for Serious Player Injury
Emergency Action Plan
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA Guidelines …………………………….….....7
Policies and Position Statements ………………………………………………………………………..7
Head, Neck, or Spinal Injuries
Lightning and Inclement Weather
Exertional Heat Illnesses
Fluid Replacement and Hydration
Concussion Return to Play Protocol
Appendices
Emergency Action Plan
Concussion Release Form
Physician Release Form
Parent Injury Form
Policies and Procedures Handbook
The following policies and procedures will define the purpose, role and guidelines of the Athletic Training Program at Safford Unified
Schools. It is provided to help student-athletes, coaches and district employees take full advantage of the available resources and to
ensure that the most effective and efficient operating procedures for both emergency and non-emergency situations are clearly defined.
ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM OPERATIONS
Program Services
The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is responsible for facilitating the prevention, recognition, treatment, and reconditioning of
sports related injuries of all student-athletes participating in team and individual sports.
Purpose of Athletic Training Services
The ATP is primarily responsible for the delivery of health care to student-athletes participating in all athletic programs. This includes
prevention, education, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and illnesses sustained during practices or games.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Duties and Responsibilities of the Athletic Training Staff:
Head Athletic Trainer
 Direct and supervise the daily operation of the athletic training center (ATC)
 Coordinate referrals and maintain communication with medical staff as necessary
 Direct the injury/illness prevention efforts of the athletic training program
 Administer first aid to all athletes
 Maintain the budget and ordering of all training center supplies
 Oversee data entries of all injuries, emergency cards, and records
 Supervise and direct student workers in the athletic training room
Student Athletic Trainers
As the ATP grows, students will have the opportunity to work and learn all aspects of athletic training. Candidates to work within
the ATP will be selected based, in part, on the following:
 Students will strive to project themselves as knowledgeable, sincere, and enthusiastic towards the delivery of health care in
the sports environment.
 Desirable personality traits include: dependability, initiative, integrity, confidence, and friendliness.
Athletic Training Center (ATC) Rules and Regulations
ALL ATHLETES ARE EXPECTED TO FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH ALL ATC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
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Student-Athletes are not allowed in the ATC without supervision.
No cleats or spikes will be allowed in the ATC.
Sign- in upon entering the ATC. If you do not know how to sign in, or have questions, ask the athletic trainer.
Please remove shoes before getting on the treatment tables.
Do not bring unnecessary clothing, athletic equipment, or bags into the training center.
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 clinic 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.
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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.
ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY
Equipment use, maintenance, and repair
Athletes are prohibited from using any of the modality equipment and are discouraged from ‘self-treatment’. All treatments should be
performed by the athletic trainer or by a sports medicine student under the supervision by the athletic trainer.
Please do not use or remove athletic training equipment or supplies without permission. This includes tape and towels. Return all
loaned equipment as soon as it is no longer needed (i.e. braces, wraps, crutches, etc.).
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.
Water coolers and/or bottles will be available for use on an as needed basis with permission. Those wishing to use these are asked to
notify the athletic trainer 48 hours prior to when the equipment is needed. Borrowed items must be returned to the ATC after each
use. They must be returned clean and in good condition. If coolers and/or bottles are taken on an away trip, and the ATC is not open
when you return, please keep them in a safe place and return them as soon as possible the next day. If coolers and/or bottles are found
to be misused, they will no longer be available and it will be the team’s responsibility to replace them.
Facility cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene
Cleaning and maintenance responsibilities will be divided between the maintenance crew and the athletic training staff.
Maintenance crew
Cleans and disinfects sinks, counters, and bathroom daily
Refills paper towel, soap, and hand sanitizer dispensers as needed
Empties wastebaskets and disposes of trash daily.
Athletic Training staff
Cleans and disinfects treatment tables daily.
Cleans and disinfects hydrotherapy modalities daily.
Cleans and polishes other therapeutic modalities weekly.
Sweeps floors daily and mops floors weekly.
Budget and Purchasing
Supplies
The athletic trainer will manage the athletic training budget and ordering of athletic training supplies.
Supplies are not to be used or taken without permission. Supplies will be provided for each team when deemed necessary in the form
of a stocked medical kit. The coach is responsible for returning the medical kit for additional supplies. The nonexpendable supplies
(i.e. wraps, scissors, sharks, etc.) given to each team in the medical kit will be checked when the medical kit is returned. If these items
are not accounted for the team will be charged a replacement fee.
Safety and Security considerations
Access to facility
Students are not allowed in the ATC without supervision. There is equipment that could cause harm if mistreated. Supplies and
equipment are not to be removed or used without permission. If supplies are needed, use your medical kit. It is the coach’s
responsibility to return it when it needs to be restocked.
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The ATC will be locked at all times when not in use. Access to the clinic will be limited to: School Administration, Athletic Trainer,
maintenance staff, and security.
SCOPE OF OPERATION
Athletic Training Center Hours of Operation
Operating hours are from 11:00 AM to the end of practice. From 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, the ATC is available only to the student-athletes
that are in season and preparing for practice. Minimal treatment will be done during this time; the ATC will reopen to all studentathletes from 3:30 – 5:30. Hours will vary due to practice and game schedules.
If an earlier time is desired, contact the athletic training staff to make arrangements. Please call 348-7079 for current hours.
Operating hours for game days will be about one and a half hours (1 ½) prior to game time and a half hour (½) after conclusion of the
game.
During weekends, holidays, school breaks and any other school closures the ATC will be opened on an as needed basis to provide
treatment that should not wait until school re-opens.
When the athletic training staff is covering outdoor games/practices, the ATC will be temporarily closed. In this case, the athletic
trainer may be reached by cell phone.
Due to liability reasons, the athletic training staff cannot treat non-athletes. We will make appropriate referrals.
During normal ATC operating hours, the athletic training staff will provide non-athletes with referrals when needed, and appropriate
first aid (ice bags, bandages, cover wounds).
Sport Coverage
The athletic training staff will make every effort to be available for all home games and practices. The athletic training staff must
prioritize coverage of care of in-season practices, home events, and athletic training clinic coverage. These factors all contribute to the
athletic training staff’s ability to provide coverage for all athletic teams.
The priority of medical coverage is as follows:
a. In season sports will be given priority over out of season sports.
b. Home competitions will be given priority over practices
c. If coverage cannot be arranged, then the athletic trainer will be on call. Being “on call” implies that the athletic training staff
will be accessible by phone either in the ATC or by cell phone while off duty.
Home events will have qualified personnel available depending on the availability of the athletic training staff. Provided will be:
water, ice, and pre/post game coverage.
We will follow the schedule provided by the coach. If practice/game times change and we are not notified there will be no coverage.
Responsibility of Coaches
When there is not a certified athletic trainer in sight, you (the coach) are responsible for helping care for the athletes’ injuries/illnesses.
You will also be asked to make a responsible decision on allowing the injured/ill athlete to continue participating until seen by a
certified athletic trainer or physician.
General Safety – Coaches have a responsibility to correct any condition of field, court, or equipment that may be potentially
hazardous. If the coach is unable to safely correct the hazard then they should report it to the appropriate person including the athletic
director, athletic trainer, custodian, or groundskeeper. Coaches also have a duty to execute any other reasonable and prudent task that
contributes to the promotion and/or maintenance of the health and welfare of the athletes under their charge.
Medical Kits – The coach is responsible for making sure he/she takes, and returns, the medical kit with the team to each event. When
available, the athletic trainer at the host site will use the supplies from the med kit to tape our athletes. The med kit will be issued at
the beginning of each season, and are to be promptly returned at the end of the season. Coaches can pick up and return the med kits in
the athletic training center. Coaches are responsible for returning the med kit to the athletic trainer for restocking as needed. If kits
are lost, the replacement cost shall be charged to the respective sports program.
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Emergency Forms – Consent for Emergency Care (CEC) forms are to be taken to all away competitions, and should be readily
available during home practices and competitions. CEC forms will be made available generally within 72 hours after your final
rosters are filed with the athletic department secretary.
Emergency Procedures – Coaches should have read and be familiar with the emergency procedures listed in this handbook. A coach
may at any time be needed to assist during an emergency.
Injury Reporting – All athletic injuries are to be reported to the athletic trainer. Injuries that occur on campus are to be reported to
the athletic trainer immediately. In the case of an emergency coaches are to follow the procedures in the emergency action plan. In
the case of an injury that occurs on an away trip, it should be reported to the athletic trainer as soon as reasonable, but no later than
just prior to the start of the next practice after the injury has occurred. Coaches should advise their student-athletes to report all
injuries. Coaches are responsible for compiling complete documentation of athletic injuries, with the help from the athletic trainer.
Completed documents will be sent to appropriate administration.
Practice Schedules – Please provide the athletic trainer a copy of your practice schedule at the beginning of the season. Changes in
the practice schedule should be communicated to the athletic trainer in a timely fashion. If the athletic trainer does not know of a
change in your schedule he/she may be unable to provide coverage.
Athletic Training Clinic Rules – A copy of the rules for athletes is in the front of this handbook. Please advise your athletes of the
need to follow these rules. The athletic training center is generally open immediately after school. Please advise your athletes to
arrive early in order to be at practice on time.
Away Competitions – Taping for away competitions should be done by the athletic trainer prior to departure for competition site.
When this is not possible, the host athletic trainer (when available) should tape our athletes with the supplies from our medical kit.
Water bottles – A carrier of water bottles will be made available to every team. The coach will be responsible for taking their water
bottles to away competitions. Water bottles for home competitions and practices will be made available by the athletic trainer, but are
still the responsibility of the coach supervising their area. All water bottles should be returned to the bottle carrier at the end of
practice. If water bottles or carriers are lost or broken their replacement cost shall be charged to the respective sports program.
Coaches should also serve as a role model and use water bottles correctly in order to minimize cross contamination of potentially
harmful pathogens.
Hydration – Athletes should be encouraged to maintain proper hydration levels. This not only enhances performance, it also
decreases the likelihood of incurring heat illnesses. See the position statements at the end of this handbook for further information on
hydration and fluid replacement.
Lightning Safety – If a thunderstorm is approaching the head coach of each program should designate an adult as a weather watcher.
This person will count the “flash-to-bang” time of lightning in the area. When the flash-to-bang count approaches thirty seconds
(lightning within six miles), the activity should be suspended and all personnel should be inside a building. All personnel should be
completely indoors and not under covered walkaways. Once the activity is suspended, wait at least thirty minutes after the last of the
thunder is heard to resume activities outdoors. Coaches are responsible for the safety of their athletes. The athletic trainer may be
called for an emergency at any time, and may be unavailable to notice that lightning has approached the campus. All coaches are to
watch incoming storms and count the flash-to-bang of lightning.
Approval for Participation
Prior to participation, all athletes must complete and return the athletic clearance forms; including a physical exam by their doctor. A
one-time completion of the AIA concussion education class ‘Brainbook’ must be on file before participation. All athletes must also
obtain the proper clearance from the athletic director. Athletes involved in contact sports will also need to complete a neurological
concussion assessment each year.
Reporting Injuries and Illnesses
In order for the athletic training staff to provide effective, quality medical care to the student-athletes at Safford High School, it is
important that the student-athletes report all illnesses or injuries, including those injuries/illnesses that are not sport related, to the
athletic training staff as soon as possible. For optimal treatment, all injuries or illnesses requiring missing practice or game time should
be reported.
After any injury the 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
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RELEASE FORM AND be cleared by the athletic trainer PRIOR to participating in a practice or competition. Physician Release
forms must be obtained whenever an athlete sees a physician or is under the care of a physician during their athletic season. The
athlete cannot practice or compete prior to the athletic trainer having the written release form turned into him/her.
Coaches should neither require nor permit a sick or injured athlete to participate in a game or practice.
Documentation and maintenance of medical records
All athletes are required to sign in a treatment log each time they receive tape or treatment. This is a log that coaches can have access
to if they wish to verify a student’s presence in the ATC.
All evaluations, treatments, and injuries will be logged into a computer software program for up-to-date records. Each head coach will
receive an injury report during the season on an as needed basis or on a schedule agreed upon by the head coach and athletic trainer.
Injury Report Terminology
Game Status:
Full
Questionable
Out
Game-Day
Decision
Practice Status:
Full
Limited
No Contact
Activity to
Tolerance
Out
No Limitations
50/50 that the athlete will or will not play
Athlete will not play
Decision on the athlete’s status will be made on the day of the
game, before the game after further observation of the athlete
No limitations
Athlete is limited in what he/she can do at practice, Limitations will
be listed
Athlete is not allowed to participate in drills/activities that involve
physical contact
Athlete is allowed to participate in activities to his/her tolerance
Athlete will not participate in practice
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Reasonable attention to all possible preventive measures will not eliminate sports injuries. Each scheduled practice or contest event
should include an emergency plan. Like the student-athlete’s welfare in general, an emergency plan is a shared responsibility of the
athletic department, administrators, coaches, and medical personnel.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) helps to outline procedures to be followed in the event of an accident, injury, or illness that results
in a medical emergency. It is vital that everyone involved is aware of these procedures and their role within them.
The Emergency Action Team will include but is not limited to:
Athletic Director – Ron Williams
Athletic Trainer – Renee Williams
Event/School Administrator
On-site Head and Assistant Coaches
Responsibilities of Emergency Action Team
Certified Athletic Trainer (AT):
If on site Primary Survey and assessment
Activate EAP as needed
Provide care/first aid as necessary until Emergency Medical Services arrive
Depending on the situation travel with the athlete to the hospital
If not on site After activating the EAP, go to the scene immediately if possible. Take the AED to the site.
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Assess situation; find out if EMS has been contacted.
Assist with care/first aid until EMS arrive
Provide EMS with athlete’s medical history and insurance information
Contact administration and inform of current situation
Make any arrangements to ensure continued medical coverage at the athletic event
Contact the “emergency contact person” on the athlete’s parent information sheet
Event Administrator/Athletic Director
If on site:
Inform other necessary administration of current situation
Unlock and open any doors, gates, or buildings necessary for emergency vehicles & personnel
Wait for EMS to arrive and direct them to proper doors/gates
Ensure or delegate control of other athletes, spectators, or crowds
Coaches/Assistant Coaches
If AT is on site:
Assist AT as needed
Assist EMS as needed
Help control other athletes, spectators, or crowds
If AT is not on site:
Activate the EAP
Calm, reassure, and stabilize the athlete
Send another athlete/coach to get/call the AT and/or EMS (call 911) depending on the situation
The EAP will be followed at home events. If a serious injury occurs away from home:
1. The coach should contact the athletic trainer.
2. A member of the coaching staff or a member of the athletic department will accompany the injured athlete to the medical
facility with the injured athlete’s emergency medical/insurance information.
3. A member of the coaching staff will make every effort to notify the injured athlete’s family of the situation.
4. The athletic trainer will immediately notify the Athletic Director of the emergency situation and will keep all designated
parties updated at regular intervals.
5. The athletic director will contact other school personnel as deemed necessary.
At the conclusion of the game/practice, the athletic trainer and athletic director will consider the appropriateness of updating the team
in the locker room as to the injured athlete’s condition.
To avoid misinformation and confusion, all team and department personnel are strongly cautioned to not speak with press/media
regarding the injured athlete and/or the emergency situation and to refer all inquiries to the athletic director or designee.
Once the athlete’s family has been notified of the emergency situation and gives consent, the athletic trainer, working with the athletic
director or designee may make a statement concerning the injured athlete to be released to the press/media.
The athletic trainer along with the head coach and athletic director or designee will be responsible for compiling complete
documentation of the incident and subsequent actions that followed.
Guidelines for Serious Player Injury
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Players and coaches should go to and remain in the bench area once medical assistance arrives. Adequate lines of vision
between medical staff and all available emergency personnel should be established and maintained.
Players, parents, and non-authorized personnel should be kept at a significant distance away from the seriously injured
player.
Players or non-authorized personnel should not touch, move or roll an injured player.
Players should not try to assist a teammate who is lying on the field (i.e. removing helmet or chin strap).
Players should not pull an injured teammate or opponent from a pile-up.
Once medical staff begins work on an injured player, they should be allowed to perform services without interruption or
interference.
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OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) GUIDELINES
Official Statement from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association on
Communicable and Infectious Diseases in Secondary School Sports
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) recommends that health care professionals and participants in secondary school
athletics take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of communicable and infectious diseases.
Due to the nature of competitive sports at the high school level, there is increased risk for the spread of infectious diseases, such as
impetigo, community acquired methicillin-resistant staphylococcus infection (MRSA) and herpes gladiatorum (a form of herpes virus
that causes lesions on the head, neck and shoulders). These diseases are spread by skin-to-skin contact and infected equipment shared
by athletes, generally causing lesions of the skin.
The following are suggestions from the NATA to prevent the spread of infectious and communicable diseases:
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Immediately shower after practice or competition.
Wash all athletic clothing worn during practice or competition daily.
Clean and disinfect gym bags and/or travel bags if the athlete is carrying dirty workout gear home to be washed and then
bringing clean gear back to school in the same bag. This problem can also be prevented by using disposable bags for practice
laundry.
Wash athletic gear (such as knee or elbow pads) periodically and hang to dry.
Clean and disinfect protective equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, catcher’s equipment, and hockey goalie equipment
on a regular basis.
Do not share towels or personal hygiene products with others.
All skin lesions should be covered before practice or competition to prevent risk of infection to the wound and transmission
of illness to other participants. Only skin infections that have been properly diagnosed and treated may be covered to allow
participation of any kind.
All new skin lesions occurring during practice or competition should be properly diagnosed and treated immediately.
Playing fields should be inspected regularly for animal droppings that could cause bacterial infections of cuts or abrasions.
Athletic lockers should be sanitized between seasons.
Rather than carpeting, locker or dressing rooms should have tile floors that may be cleaned and sanitized.
Weight room equipment, including benches, bars and handles should be cleaned and sanitized daily.
POLICIES & POSITION STATEMENTS
A. Head, Neck or Spinal Injuries
Guidelines
• Any athlete suspected of having a spinal injury should not be moved and should be managed as though a spinal injury exists.
C-spine in-line stabilization should be maintained.
• The athlete’s airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness and neurological status should be assessed. If airway is
impaired, maintain c-spine in-line stabilization simultaneously with airway using a modified jaw thrust maneuver. If the
athlete’s breathing is inadequate, assist ventilations as appropriate.
• The EAP should be activated.
• The athlete should not be moved until immobilized unless absolutely essential to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.
If the athlete must be moved, the athlete should be placed in a supine position while maintaining spinal immobilization.
• The rescuer(s) should maintain in-line stabilization, and continue to monitor baseline vital signs and complete secondary
evaluation while awaiting EMS. EMS will assume responsibility for immobilizing and transferring any athlete with a
suspected spinal injury to a back board and to appropriate medical facilities.
B. Lightning and Inclement Weather
Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect athletics. While the probability of being struck by
lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not
followed.
The flash-to-bang method is the easiest and most convenient way to estimate how far away the lightning is occurring. For example, if
an individual counts 15 seconds between seeing the flash and hearing the bang, 15 divided by 5 equals 3; therefore the lightning flash
is approximately three miles away.
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The 30-30 rule:
Criteria for suspension of activities – By the time the flash-to-bang count approaches 30 seconds; all individuals should already be
inside a safe shelter.
Criteria for resumption of activities – Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound (thunder) or observation of lightning before leaving
the safe shelter to resume activities. Know where the closest “safe structure or location” is to your field or playing area.
C. Exertional Heat Illness
Practice or competition in hot and/or humid conditions presents particular problems for athletes. In these situations, heat illness as a
result of heat stress, is a major concern of the sports medicine staff. Education and consistent monitoring are necessary to prevent
heat-related problems. Death from heat illness is rare but certainly possible. The following guidelines should be followed:
1. A complete medical history, including past history of heat illness, should be ascertained prior to practice/competition.
2. Acclimatization over a period of 1-2 weeks should be encouraged. Athletes need this time to gradually increase aerobic activity and
give their body an opportunity to acclimatize. The term acclimatization is not simply referring to an athlete “getting used to”
practice/competition in hot/humid conditions. Acclimatization refers to the actual physiologic changes that occur within the human
body to accommodate for increasingly levels of activity and hot/humid conditions. Acclimatization also occurs during changes in
altitude. Each exposure should reflect a gradual increase in duration and intensity of activity over the 1-2 weeks until an exposure is
approximately equal to the expected time of a practice/competition. For example: having athlete’s run/jog/sprint or other conditioning
for 2 or more practices on the first day of fall preseason; would be highly inappropriate. This is not only a heat illness concern, but
also relates to incidence of injury. Injuries are much more likely to occur when an athlete is lacking fitness and is fatigued. A more
appropriate practice plan would be to focus on conditioning for the 1 st session of the day, while the temperature is not as hot, then
focus on technique for the 2nd session, and strategy for the 3rd session. The amount of conditioning can then be progressively
increased each day and each practice exposure.
3. When heat/humidity conditions are extreme, consider moving practice/competition to another time of day that is cooler.
4. Heavy clothing, protective equipment, pads, and helmets impede upon the body’s cooling mechanism by restricting methods of heat
loss and sweating. Therefore, this equipment should be avoided, when possible, during times of extreme heat/humidity. Frequent rest
periods are encouraged for the purpose of loosening equipment/clothing and allowing heat loss.
5. Dark colored clothing should be avoided because it absorbs more solar energy than lighter colored clothing. Rubber or plastic
suits should never be used.
6. The following conditions should be taken into consideration as they make an athlete more susceptible to heat illness: inadequate
aerobic fitness, a history of heat illness, inadequate re-hydration, heart conditions, excess body fat, and inadequate acclimatization.
7. At all times during practice, training, competition, and especially during acclimatization; hydration should be maintained and
encouraged.
8. The following are signs and symptoms of exertional heat illness: weakness, cramping, excessive sweating, fatigue, rapid and weak
pulse, flushed or pale skin, nausea, lack of coordination/balance, incoherency, and cessation of sweating. Any such problems should
be immediately reported to the athletic trainer or notify EMS.
Heat Cramps
Definition: Heat cramps are caused by people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and
moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion
Signs and Symptoms:
• Abdominal Cramps
• Muscle Spasms
• Leg Cramps
First Aid:
1. Move victim to a cool location.
2. Give victim water slowly, 1/2 a glass of water every 15 minutes, over next 30 minutes to an hour.
Heat Exhaustion
Definition: Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high
temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Heat exhaustion is caused by fluid loss which, in turn, causes blood
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flow to decrease to vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. As a result of dehydration, victims often complain of flu like symptoms
hours after exposure.
Signs and Symptoms:
• Cool, Moist, Pale Skin
• Headache
• Dizziness and/or Weakness
• Nausea
• Skin may feel warm
• Excessive Sweating
First Aid:
1. Call 911
2. Move victim to a cool location
3. Give victim water slowly, 1/2 a glass of water every 15 minutes
4. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they may make the condition worse
5. Loosen or remove tight or bulky clothing
6. Apply cool, wet cloths or towels
Heat Stroke
Definition: Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanisms fail. Body temperature rises so high that brain damage and
death may result unless the body is cooled quickly.
Signs and Symptoms:
• Skin may be hot, red and dry
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Vomiting
• Decreased level of consciousness
First Aid:
1. Call 911 - Heat Stroke is a life threatening condition
2. Move victim to a cool location
3. Place victim in a cool tub of water and/or apply wet rags, towels or sheets
4. Use ice packs if available in the armpits, neck, wrists, and ankles to cool the major blood vessels
5. Do not give any fluid by mouth
D. Fluid Replacement and Hydration
Athletes must be allowed access to water/fluids at any time.
1. Hydration issues in athletics have become increasingly important in recent years. It is essential that procedures are in place to
handle and control these situations should they arise.
Dehydration: the process of losing body water; that if not reversed, may lead to a serious medical condition which may result in
illness, permanent disability or death
2. Unless hydration issues are addressed, an athlete will usually experience gradual dehydration over the course of practice or
competition because athletes fail to recognize their body’s hydration requirements, their amount of thirst, and the availability of
hydration.
3. An athlete’s level of performance significantly decreases when dehydrated. There is no justifiable reason to intentionally
dehydrate an athlete.
4. Dehydration by only 3-5% of body weight results in:
• Reduced muscular strength and endurance
• Elevated heart rate
• Decreased electrolytes
• Decreased blood volume
• A reduced ability to thermo-regulate
All of these put the athlete at greater risk for heat illness, kidney failure, cardiac arrest, rhabdomyolysis, and possible death.
5. The amount of hydration needed will be different for each athlete based upon:
• An individual’s sweating rate
• The climate conditions
9
• The exercise intensity
• The amount clothing/pads worn
• Level of acclimatization
• The athlete’s current level of fitness
• The state of hydration they begin in
• How the athlete’s body reacts/manages heat stress
6. General guidelines can be applied to prevent adverse situations. The following is a list of Fluid Replacement Recommendations:
• Pre-exercise: drink 17-20 ounces of water/sports drink, 2-3 hours before activity. Then drink 7-10
ounces of water/sports drink
10-20 minutes before activity.
• During exercise: drink 7-10 ounces of water/sports drink every 10-20 minutes.
• Post-exercise: drink what is needed to replace the amount you lost. Rehydration should contain water, electrolytes, carbohydrates,
and should be completed within 2 hours of activity.
Please note:
• These are simply guidelines. As stated before, each individual will differ and so fluid replacement can also be based on a person’s
needs and tolerance.
• The goal of fluid replacement is to approximate urine and sweat losses, and maintain hydration at less than 2% body weight
reduction.
E. Concussion Return To Play Protocol
Returning to Sports
1.
2.
3.
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.)
Be sure that the PE teacher, coach, and/or athletic trainer are aware of your injury and symptoms.
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
No physical activity
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).
Moderate levels of physical activity with body/head movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderateintensity stationary biking, moderate-intensity weightlifting (reduced time and/or reduced weight from your typical routine).
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).
Full contact in controlled practice.
Full contact in game play.
10
SAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Ron Williams
Athletic Director
Office: 928-348-7050 x5740
Cell: 928-651-4972
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
People to inform upon serious injury of an athlete:
Renee Williams
Athletic Trainer
School Administration
Office: 928-348-7079
Cell: 928-792-7844
Parent of
Injured Athlete
Activating the EAP
1. The AT on site will activate the EAP while providing immediate care and stabilization. IF NO AT is on site the coach will
activate the EAP and provide care and stabilization.
2. If needed call 911 to activate Emergency Medical Services (when in doubt call EMS)
Inform 911 operator:
a. Location
b. Phone number of caller or the Athletic Training room number
c. Athlete’s chief complaint
d. Number of athlete’s involved
e. Athlete’s age
f. Athlete’s level of consciousness
g. Any treatment initiated
h. Directions to site
3. Send an assistant coach or an athlete to guide the ambulance/advanced medical help to the incident.
4. Inform the events administrator (if present), the events administrator will assist as needed.
5. Stabilize the athlete until an athletic trainer or EMS arrives.
a. Perform ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
b. Stabilize the head and neck while assessing responsiveness
If multiple helpers:
1st rescuer stabilizes the head and neck as one unit
2nd rescuer removes face mask and assesses ABCs
3rd rescuer takes vital signs
c. Staff should log roll the athlete while maintaining the head and neck as one unit IF NEEDED
6. Continue CPR/stabilization until advanced medical assistance arrives.
When an athletic trainer is not on-site, coaches have the primary responsibility for emergency care and treatment of an athletic injury.
All injuries that result in the loss of practice or game time must have an accident/injury report form filled out.
Coaches are responsible to keep Consent for Emergency Care (CEC) forms with their teams at all times in case of an emergency
resulting in the need for medical care.
Directions to SHS Athletic Venues:
Football, Track
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd.
Turn LEFT at stop sign, continue straight, then
RIGHT toward parking lot. Access at open gate at the
NW corner of the track/stadium
Main/Small Gym
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd
Stay straight thru stop sign, go past football field
Gym will be on the LEFT
Tennis Courts
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd.
Courts on the LEFT
Hospital
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center
1600 S 20th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546
928-348-4000
ER: 348-4177
Baseball Fields
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd.
Turn LEFT between tennis courts
Continue straight toward fields
Softball Fields
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd.
Turn LEFT at stop sign, continue straight to end of
road. Access at open gate on LEFT, continue toward
fields on dirt path
Soccer Field
On 20th Ave, turn EAST onto Bulldog Blvd.
Field just east of tennis courts on LEFT
Safford High School
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, Safford High School requires a gradual return-to-activity protocol
supervised by our athletic training and coaching staff before full contact activity is allowed.
Safford High School’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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
No physical activity
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).
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).
Heavy non-contact physical activity. This includes sprinting/running, high-intensity stationary biking, regular weightlifting routine, noncontact sport-specific drills (in 3 planes of movement).
Full contact in controlled practice.
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: ___________________________________________________
Date: ____________________
Athlete Signature: __________________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Safford High School
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:
Modalities:
 Active ROM
 Ultrasound
 Passive ROM
 Electrical Stimulation
 PRE’s
 Cold Packs
 Other __________________________________________
 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 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
Apply for 20 minutes on, 1 hour off as often as possible.
 Compression
Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage when icing.
 Elevate
Keep injured area raised above the level of the heart whenever possible.
 Crutches
Crutches have been properly fitted and the athlete has been shown how to use
them.
 Return
See the athletic training staff tomorrow.
Additional instructions/ comments: _____________________________________________________________
If in your judgment signs/symptoms worsen or pain and discomfort increase, it is advised that you seek the
assistance of your physician or the closest emergency medical facility. Please remind your son/daughter that
he/she needs to report to the athletic treatment center tomorrow prior to practice/competition for follow-up
care of the injury. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Renee Williams, ATC
Athletic Trainer
[email protected]
(w) 928.348.7079
(c) 928.792.7844