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Athletic Trainer/Sports Injury Policies

Sports Injury Policies

Concussion Education and Testing

GMAHS Student-Athletes in the following sports/events will be baseline tested annually using the ImPACT computerized concussion evaluation: Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Softball, Lacrosse, High Jump, and Pole Vault. The baseline test is used by physicians as a tool to help determine an injured athlete's readiness to return to play after a concussion.

All GMAHS coaches are required to complete annual training in recognizing and understanding concussion.

Athletes and Parents are required to view the free ConcussionWise course so that they may better understand concussion basics and how to prevent and properly care for a concussion.

All ConcussionWise training programs can be found here: Sport Safety – Play Safely! 


Athletic Injury

Any injury sustained while playing a GMAHS sanctioned sport MUST be reported to the school’s Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) as soon as possible for evaluation, physician referral, and/or treatment.
 

If an injury occurs while at an away contest, Student-Athletes may be evaluated by the host school ATC. Student-Athletes are expected to report in person to the GMAHS ATC on the next school day.

If a Student-Athlete is injured outside of a GMAHS sanctioned sport (ex: travel or club team), she is ENCOURAGED to report to the ATC for evaluation, physician referral, and/or treatment.
If a Student-Athlete will miss school because of an injury, she should contact the GMAHS ATC with an update on her status.
 
Injury Evaluation and Treatment
 

The ATC will be available for injury evaluation and treatment daily after school, game schedule permitting, and during WIN1/2 by appointment. Student-Athletes are NOT allowed to miss class for injury treatment or evaluation.

Student-Athletes will be evaluated or treated in the following order:
 
  • Teams with Away contests
  • Teams with Home contests
  • Taping for practices
  • Previously evaluated injuries
  • New injuries
 
Physician Visits
Any student-athlete that is seen by a physician for an injury must submit a clearance note to the ATC. This note must include a return to play/clearance date and be signed by the physician. The note must also include an injury diagnosis and therapeutic recommendations if she is to rehab with the ATC.

Acceptable physician notes for injuries include: the “physician referral form” provided by the ATC, OR a note on the physician’s letterhead or prescription pad with the previously listed information, OR the “Recertification by a Licensed Physician of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine” form (Section 8 of the CIPPE).
 

In cases where the injury is a concussion, the ONLY acceptable physician note will be the “physician referral form” provided by the ATC.

If a Student-Athlete sees a physician for an injury, she WILL NOT be allowed to return to practice or games until a clearance note is received, NO EXCEPTIONS.
 
Non-athletic Related Medical Procedures/Problems
 

Any student-athlete that is seen by a physician for a non-athletic illness or procedure (ex: dental surgery, asthma, illness) MUST submit a clearance note to the ATC from that physician. See above for a list of acceptable physician notes. Student-Athletes WILL NOT be allowed to return to practice or games until a clearance note is received, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Emergency Transport/ Emergency Room Treatment
 

Any Student-Athlete with an injury or illness that requires transport to or treatment in an emergency department must make follow up appointments with their family doctor or appropriate specialist, and be cleared, in writing, by that physician. Student-Athletes WILL NOT be allowed to return to practice or games until a clearance note is received, NO EXCEPTIONS. Emergency Department discharge papers will NOT be accepted for return to play.

Return to Play
 

Return to play is an individualized decision as each person will heal at different rates. Depending upon injury severity, student-athletes may be restricted in return to play.

Student-Athletes who were seen by a physician must have appropriate clearance, in writing, from that physician before they will be allowed to return to play.

*** Note: in cases of CONCUSSION, please refer to the GMAHS Concussion Protocols for specific return to play procedures. ***