As your child prepares to participate in the athletic program at Minooka Community High School, we want to take the opportunity to inform you about policies and procedures of the Athletic Training Program. This is being done hoping that we can have a successful athletic health care program where there is excellent communication between your child, you, the attending physician, the coach, and the athletic trainer.
The athletic training staff is composed of one certified/licensed athletic trainer, a team physician, and your family physician. Athletic Training Student Aides will NEVER be allowed to make medical decisions or diagnose injuries.
The Athletic Training Facility is a health care facility where an athlete receives treatment, care, and preventative assistance as well as rehabilitation. The athletic trainer is responsible for providing services in an attempt to maintain the athlete’s level of competition at its highest degree.
Procedures
It is the athlete’s responsibility to report to the athletic trainer and coach all injuries and illnesses as soon as possible. This includes all injuries that occur at all away games. It is mandatory for the athlete to report the injury to the athletic trainer the next day to be evaluated before he or she can attend practice. At this time the athlete will inform the athletic trainer if he or she has had the injury checked by a doctor.
If an illness/injury occurs, that is non-life threatening, the athlete shall report immediately to the coach and the athletic trainer. If a physician has examined your child and the physician states that he/she cannot participate, then you must have a signed release from the physician before the athlete can return to practice or competition. We are familiar with area physicians who treat athletic injuries and understand the high school athlete who we can refer you to see. We will also be happy to work with your family physician.
A medical referral form will be given to the athlete when the need for further medical care is warranted. The form is designed to provide a means of communication between the physician, the family, and the athletic training staff. A phone call will also be made to the parent(s) or guardian regarding the injury so that you understand what is taking place.
Decisions regarding the availability of an athlete for practice of game competition require the cooperative efforts of the athlete, coach, athletic trainer, physician, parents, and athletic director. Decisions will be made based on sound medical judgment with the outcome being good for the athletic health care for the athlete. The following guidelines will be used to determine player status:
- If an athlete is under the care of a physician, the physician shall determine the availability of the athlete for participation in his or her sport. Under no circumstances shall the coach allow the athlete to participate without specific direction by the physician, a “non participation” decision by the physician, will always be followed by the Minooka Community High School District, and Athletic Department.
- If an athlete is NOT under the care of a physician, the responsibility regarding the availability of an athlete for participation rests with the Athletic Trainer and Coach.
Hours
The Athletic Training Facility (ATF) will be staffed on school days from 11:00 AM until all practices/games are completed. On Saturdays the ATF will open no later than 30 minutes before the first game starts and will remain open until all practices/games have been completed. On School Holidays, the ATF will be open no later than 30 minutes before the first practice starts and will remain open until all practices/games have been completed. The Certified Athletic Trainer will be present for all home events and practices.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Certified Athletic Trainer at 815- 467- 2140, Ext. 158 or stop by in person during office hours to talk with the Certified Athletic Trainer. Please leave a message if we are unavailable to take your call.
Instructions for care of an athletic injury at home
(For use by parents/guardian)
1. Apply the RICE principal to control swelling, relieve pain, lessen spasm, and aid in healing:
R = Rest
I = Ice (Real ice with a barrier between the ice and the skin. Apply ice for 20 minute on and then for 20 minutes off; repeat this procedure for a total of 2 hours). Ice only, NO HEAT, for the first 48 hours to 72 hours.
C = Compression (elastic wrap, do not wind too tight)
E = Elevation (above the heart)
2. Various forms of heat many interfere with the healing process during the first 48 to 72 hours. This includes Ben Gay, hot soaks, Epsom salts, warm whirlpool, ext. It may feel good, but it can lengthen the recovery period.
3. Consult your family physician if signs and/or symptoms of the injury increase of worsen. Be sure to get any treatment recommendations and activity restrictions in writing from the physician for the Athletic Training Staff to follow.
The Certified Athletic Trainer will keep parents informed of their student- athlete’s injury process: if requested. However, it does require student- athlete to see the athletic trainer daily. Their team coach will also be kept informed. Proper home treatment of athletic injuries is pivotal to the convalescence of the problem. Treatment will be performed daily in the athletic training facility, but valuable hours at night and on weekends would be lost in the healing process without the cooperation of the parents/ guardians. If you wish to discuss your child’s injury treatment with the athletic trainer, please call 815-467-2140, Ext. 158. or email the athletic trainer at rflynn@mchs.net.
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301 S. Wabena Ave.