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ATHLETIC TRAINING
Student/Athlete Healthcare
The CAC athletic program is extremely blessed to have OrthoArkansas furnish the services of Ms. Traci Byrd, ATC/L, as our certified athletic trainer. As the inevitable opportunities arise, parents are encouraged, but not required, to use OrthoArkansas physicians. The trainer will be present at many athletic practices and games. Should further services be required you may contact her by cell phone at 786-7953. She will be able to address your concerns or schedule an appointment with a doctor should such be necessary. Please DO NOT go to the OrthoArkansas clinic expecting to see a doctor without first contacting the athletic trainer or Athletic Director or scheduling your appointment in advance through normal channels.
Preparticipation Physicals
Every athlete is required to have a pre-participation physical examination. This physical is good for a one-year period only. Athletes may not participate in athletic practices or competition until a signed (signed by the health care provider) is on file in the athletic office.
A certified athletic trainer (ATC) is not allowed to sign the card for the pre-participation physical. An ATC may help administer parts of the exam, but a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner must oversee the exam and sign the appropriate form.
Every year (in May) OrthoArkansas will provide an opportunity for athletic physicals for student athletes at a minimal cost. The occasion will be widely publicized by various means. It is the responsibility of the student athlete and/or parent(s) to take advantage of this opportunity or arrange to schedule a physical with their own healthcare provider at their expense. Generally, there will not be make-up dates scheduled.
Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Staff
Team Physician: Dr. David Gilliam, MD - OrthoArkansas
Athletic Trainer Program Supervisor: Tom Cantwell, ATC/L - OrthoArkansas
Athletic Trainer: Traci Byrd, ATC/L, or substitute as assigned by OrthoArkansas
Athletic Training Room
The Athletic Training Room is staffed and open on most school days, Monday through Friday, from 30 minutes before the first practice; generally by 2:15 pm. Hours may vary on non-school days, such as holiday breaks, spring break, and pre-season practices in August. Depending on the season, facilities in the field house or gym may be accessed; rarely are both active.
Students with 7th period off (or early release) are encouraged to go to the athletic training room as soon as possible if they need to see the athletic trainer or use the athletic training room for treatment or rehabilitation programs. This reduces the delays that are frequently encountered by student athletes immediately before practice.
Student athletes currently participating in a sport will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Some exceptions will apply, such as athletes who need to leave to ride a bus for practice or competition, medical emergencies, etc. Athletes who are out-of-season may need to wait until after the start of in-season practice (3:45-4:00) to use the athletic training room facilities or the services of the athletic trainer.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
Under CAC school policy, coaches and teachers cannot give medications to students. This includes common over-the-counter medications. If a student athlete has prescription medication he/she needs or may need to take during athletic participation, he/she should make the athletic trainer and coaching staff aware of it with written notification from parents and/or the prescribing physician. Student athletes should store medications (including inhalers) in the team first aid kit ONLY with the permission of the athletic trainer and/or coach.
Ankle Braces, Taping, and Other Braces or Supports
Athletes are expected to provide their own ankle braces, knee braces, and other protective equipment used on a regular basis. The athletic trainer may occasionally have sample or overstocked protective equipment to give to athletes, but purchase of these items is not through the school athletic budget. In some cases, the school will own or purchase equipment to place in inventory. As available and prescribed, such may be used by athletes with the athletic trainer's permission. Often an athlete's physician will prescribe a brace or other protective equipment. The cost of prescribed protective equipment may be covered by the athlete's health insurance. Athletes and their parents or guardians should check with their insurance company before assuming the equipment is covered. The athletic trainer can order braces for any athlete. The full cost of the equipment may be the responsibility of the athlete and his/her family.
Taping may be part of the initial treatment for some injuries. However, taping an athlete on a regular basis for an entire sports season may be of limited or no value; it requires a large investment of time and resources and will therefore be discouraged. Athletes will be expected to purchase braces, arch supports or other protective equipment rather than rely on tape the entire season. If the athlete desires to be taped for a prolonged period of time, such will require the direction of the team physician and/or athletic trainer.
Medical Coverage for Athletic Events
A certified athletic trainer, in consultation with the athletic director, will provide medical coverage at the following athletic events in the priority listed below. Collision/contact sports and the principle of "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" will be applied in determining priority. The statistical incidence of injury may also be considered when determining coverage.
Fall Sports Season
Home and Away Varsity Football Games
Home and Away JV Football Games
Home and Away Junior High Football Games
Home and Away Varsity Volleyball Games
Winter Sports Season
Home and Away Varsity Basketball Games
Home Wrestling Events
Home and Away Junior High Basketball Games
Spring Sports Season
Home and Away Varsity Events
Home and Away Junior High Events
General First Aid for Common Athletic Injuries
The athletic trainer is equipped and prepared to handle common athletic injuries at both games and practices. However, the athletic trainer may not be at all games or practices. Below are general guidelines on treating non-emergency common athletic injuries. Most of these injuries respond well to the RICE principle of treatment:
Rest the injured area. This can prevent further injury.
Ice the injured area. Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes followed by an hour off.
Compression (elastic wrap) to the injured area can help reduce swelling.
Elevate the injured area (extremity).
ICE: Ice is preferred over chemical cold packs. Chemical burns have resulted from broken instant cold packs. Instant cold packs will not be used in the team first aid kits. Generally, the coaching staff provides ice for games and practices if ice is not readily accessible. The ice machine provides ample ice and is easily accessible to all coaches in all home venues. Ice bags are available in the first aid kit or near the ice machines.
COMPRESSION: A poorly applied elastic wrap can do more harm than good. If no one has been trained on how to properly apply an elastic wrap, skip this step.
1. Bruises or Contusions - A contusion is caused from bleeding from damaged blood vessels or soft tissue. Most contusions are not serious and can be treated as follows:
- Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes. Reapply hourly.
- Elevate an injured extremity to control bleeding.
- If a more serious injury is suspected (fracture, concussion, or contusion of an internal organ such as the liver or spleen) consult a healthcare professional.
- DO NOT apply heat or a heating pad to a contused area; heat will increase the bleeding and swelling and delay healing.
2. Strains - A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Treating a strained muscle promptly and appropriately can minimize the time an athlete is hampered by this injury. Use the following treatment guidelines:
- Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes. Reapply hourly.
- Do not apply heat to a muscle strain for at least 72 hours. The athletic trainer should make the decision of if and when to use heat as a treatment modality.
- Do not use analgesic balms such as Icy HotTM, BiofreezeTM, or other product to an acute muscle strain during the first 72 hours. These products should only be used under the supervision of the athletic trainer.
- Do not over-stretch an acute muscle strain.
3. Sprains - A sprain is an injury to a ligament. It is a result of a joint moving beyond its normal range of motion. Moderate or severe sprains can be accompanied by a fracture, and should be treated accordingly. First aid for sprains includes:
- Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes. Reapply on an hourly basis.
- If the injury is a lower extremity injury, the athlete should not bear weight on the injured leg if they are noticeably limping when they walk. The athlete should use crutches.
Scope of Duties
When available on- or off-site in the high school setting, certified athletic trainers must work within the scope of practice as dictated by the state or NATA and NATA BOC if no additional state regulation is required. Coaches must limit their actions in response to athlete injuries to the provision of standard athletic first aid. To exceed the basic standards of emergency first responder care specified by the American Red Cross and other similar agencies, would place both the staff and the school in a potentially litigious situation.
In addition, certified athletic trainers, as well as coaches must work within their employer's "scope of assigned duties"; this may or may not include:
A. service outside the contractual employment period (e.g. summer)
B. service to athletes participating in private activities or club sports
C. service to athletes participating in non-school sports
D. service to any athlete who is not a member of a sports program sponsored by the school.
