Medical Event Policies & Procedures

Water loss through sweat allows the body to cool. Both outdoor and indoor athletes need to properly hydrate before, during, and after exercise.

 

Early recognition of dehydration can prevent the occurrence and severity of heat related illnesses. The Athletic Trainer and coaching staff need to be aware of the following

 

Signs & Symptoms of dehydration:

 

Before activity:

During Activity:

After activity:

One way to assess hydration status is through observing urine color. The following chart can assist in a visual comparison.

Fluid loss can be monitored through pre- and post-activity weigh-ins. The method should be supervised by the Athletic Trainer or coaching staff. These findings should be compared to the baseline hydration weight. The same clothing needs to be worn for the pre- and post- activity weigh-ins.

 

Pre-exercise body weight – post-exercise body weight x 100
pre-exercise body weight

 

The heat-acclimatization period is the initial 14 consecutive days of preseason practice. And practices or conditioning conducted before this time should not be considered a part of the heat-acclimatization period. The goal of the acclimatization period is to increase exercise heat tolerance and enhance the ability to exercise safely in hot & humid conditions.

 

The following steps are recommended by the National Athletic Training Association on how to manage asthma and other potential environmental respiratory distresses.

 

All athletes must receive a PPE in which the initial screening for asthma will begin in the form of a questionnaire. Those who have a questionable asthma related illness will be further assessed. For athletes suspected with exercise induced asthma an exercise challenge test will be administrated to confirm diagnosis.

 

The athlete is advised to have regular checkups with their primary care physician, at intervals deemed necessary by the physician. The Athletic Trainer is NOT responsible to ensure that the athlete meets with the physician. The physician may prescribe treatments to assist in the daily management of asthma.

 

Management

 

 

All epinephrine auto-injectors must be prescribed and dispensed by a physician directly to the athlete. An Athletic Trainer, physician or any other trained personnel will use epi-pens in an emergency. In the case that an athlete exhibits anaphylaxis and does not have an Epi-pen, the Athletic Trainer has extra Epi-pens on hand under physicians’ orders for use in an emergency.

 

 

 

If an athlete begins to exhibit signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, especially following an exposure to a potential allergen:

 

In a recent review of non-traumatic sports deaths in high school and college athletes (1), the top four killers, in order of occurrence, were: cardiovascular conditions, hyperthermia (heatstroke), acute rhabdomyolysis tied to sickle cell trait, and asthma. Acute exertional rhabdomyolysis (explosive muscle breakdown) from sickle cell trait is the least understood of these conditions.

 

A condition of inheritance versus race, the sickle gene is common in people whose origin is from areas where malaria is widespread. Over the millennia, carrying one sickle gene fended off death from malaria, leaving one in 12 African Americans (versus one in 2,000 to one in 10,000 white Americans) with sickle cell trait. The sickle gene is also present in those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Caribbean, and South and Central American ancestry; hence, the required screening of all newborns in the United States.

Sickling Collapse: Telltale Features
Sickling collapse has been mistaken for cardiac collapse or heat collapse. But unlike sickling collapse, cardiac collapse tends to be “instantaneous,” has no “cramping” with it, and the athlete (with ventricular fibrillation) who hits the ground no longer talks. Unlike heat collapse, sickling collapse often occurs within the first half hour on field, as during initial windsprints. Core temperature is not greatly elevated. Sickling is often confused with heat cramping; but athletes who have had both syndromes know the difference, as indicated by the following distinctions:

This is not to say that all athletes who sickle present the same way. How they react differs, including some stoic players who just stop, saying “I can’t go on.” As the player rests, sickle red cells regain oxygen in the lungs and most then revert to normal shape, and the athlete soon feels good again and ready to continue. This self-limiting feature surely saves lives.

 

As required by the SCHSL each athlete must fill out a medical history questionnaire on the pre-participation physical evaluation form. Question #42 on this form asks, “do you or anyone in your family has sickle cell trait or disease” and they are to explain the answer. Anyone answering yes to this question will be treated as if they have sickle cell trait.

 

Once an athlete with sickle cell trait is identified that athlete will be educated on the implications of sickle cell trait, including health and athletic participation. Knowledge of sickle cell trait status can be a gateway to education and simple precautions should be taken to minimize health issues among student-athletes with the sickle cell trait.
Coaching staff will also be made aware of their athletes who are sickle cell trait positive.

 

No sickle-trait athlete is ever disqualified because simple precautions seem to suffice. For the athlete with sickle cell trait, the following guidelines should be adhered to:

In the event of a sickling collapse, treat it as a medical emergency by doing the following:

Policy

Pre-participation exams will identify athletes with diabetes and/or family history. Together with the athletes’ primary care physician, a diabetes care plan will be developed. The Athletic Trainer will also outline the expectations of the athlete for blood glucose monitoring and review the protocols with both that athlete and parents.

 

Hypoglycemia

Definition:

 

Signs/Symptoms:

Neurogenic

Definition:

Signs/Symptoms:

 

Athlete responsible for:

 

 

 

 

Treatment:

 

 

Treatment:

 

 

 

Education: Administration, Teachers, Staff, Nurses, Athletes and Parents will be educated on signs and symptoms of concussion and what should be done to report possible concussions.

 

Any player who receives or is suspected of receiving a concussion injury will be removed from the event or game. Evaluation of the athlete will be done by an athletic trainer or team physician, to determine if a concussion has been sustained. If it is determined the athlete has sustained a concussion, the athlete will not return to play until written release to return has been obtained by McBee High Schools team physician, Dr. Kevin Sponseller—through Carolina Pine Regional Medical Center/Medical Group. A specific return to learn and play protocol will be followed by all personnel involved in the care for your child.

 

A sport-related concussion (SRC), as defined by the 2017 Berlin International Conference on Concussion in Sports, is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanics forces. This may include a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or other body part that transmits an impulsive force to the brain.
Rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function, any neuropathological changes and any range of the following clinical signs or symptoms may prove a student athlete has sustained a sport-related concussion:

 

Symptoms: somatic (e.g. headache), cognitive (e.g., feeling like in a fog) and/or emotional symptoms (e.g., lability).
Physical signs: e.g., loss of consciousness, amnesia, neurological deficit)
Balance impairment (e.g., gait unsteadiness)
Behavioral changes (e.g., irritability)
Cognitive impairment (e.g., slowed reaction times)
Sleep/wake disturbances (e.g., somnolence, drowsiness)

Pre-season Concussion Vital Signs baseline testing will occur with incoming freshman athletes participating in football, volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball. Middle school athletes participating in football will be tested their first year playing. There only needs to be one baseline test taken by each student athlete. Once an athlete has a baseline test, it will be determined by the athletic trainer, in lieu of the team physician, of when the athlete will need to take a post-concussion test. This typically takes place 24 hours after the initial injury. This allows for a time of rest for the brain.
Depending on the symptoms presented, a student athlete may need to go to the Emergency Room at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center.

Symptoms for this treatment would include, but not limited to:

If these symptoms are not present, the medical team physician declares that the student athlete should get as much rest as possible without interruptions. This may include, but not made mandatory, of going home to rest at the earliest convenience to the family.

 

In certain situations, the student athlete may need academic rest. Please read below for the protocols that will be followed depending on the symptoms of the athlete after they are diagnosed with a concussion.

 

Academic Rest:
The athletic trainer, in lieu of the team physician, will advise the administration, counseling, faculty, and staff of the appropriate return to learn protocol. A student athlete, that sustains a sport-related concussion, will need rest from studying as well. All student athletes are different and there is not one sign or symptom that will determine when they can return to studying or attending class. Here are recommendations, according to the Nationwide Children’s protocol, when dealing with a student athlete that has sustained a concussion.

 

Return to Learn:
Phase 1: No school
Symptom Severity: In this phase, the student may have a high level of symptoms (20-50 total symptom score on ImPACT) that prevent him or her from being able to benefit from being in school. These include sensitivity to noise, light, and loss of concentration/mentally foggy, reading or writing causing/increasing headache pain
Treatment: The student should rest the brain and body as much as possible; sleep is best.
Interventions:
– No school
– No activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as television, video games, computer use, texting, or loud music
– Other “triggers” that worsen symptoms – noted and avoided to help promote healing
– No physical activity, which includes anything that increases the heart rate, such as (but not limited to)
weightlifting, sport practices and games, gym class, running, stationary biking, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.

 

Phase 2: Half-day attendance with accommodations
Symptom Severity: In this phase, the student’s symptoms have decreased to manageable levels. Can concentrate in class, can read, or write without increase in symptoms. Symptoms may be exacerbated by certain mental activities that are complex, difficult and/or have a long duration.
Treatment: Balance rest with gradual re-introduction to school. Avoid tasks that produce, worsen or increase
symptoms. Avoid symptom triggers.
Interventions:
– Part-day school attendance, with focus on the core subjects; prioritize what classes should be attended and how often
– Symptoms reported by student addressed with specific accommodations
– Eliminate busy work or items not essential to learning priority material
– Emphasis in this phase on in-school learning; rest is necessary once out of school; homework reduced or eliminated
– No physical activity

 

Phase 3: Full-day attendance with accommodations
Symptom Severity: In this phase, the student’s symptoms have decreased in both number and severity. Symptoms
may still be exacerbated by certain activities, but short time spans with known symptom triggers do not have drastic
effects on symptom levels.
Treatment: As the student improves, gradually increase demands on the brain by increasing the amount of work,
length of time spent on the work, and the type or difficulty of work. Gradually re-introduce known symptom
triggers for short time periods.
Interventions:
– Continue to prioritize assignments, tests, and projects; limit student to one test per day
– Continue to prioritize in-class learning material; minimize workload and promote best effort on important tasks
– Gradually increase amount of homework
– No physical activity

Phase 4: Full-day attendance without accommodations
Symptom Severity: In this phase, the student may not have any symptoms or may have mild symptoms that are
often intermittent.
Treatment: Accommodations are removed when student can function fully without them.
Interventions:
– Construct a plan to finish completing missed academic work and keep stress levels low.
– No physical activity until released by a healthcare professional (such as physician (MD/DO).

 

Phase 5: Full school and extracurricular involvement
Symptom Severity: No symptoms are present.
Treatment: No accommodations are needed.
Interventions: Before returning to gym class, weightlifting and/or sports, the student should complete the gradual
return-to-play progression as indicated by the athletic trainer.

 

Return to play (RTP)
This is when the student athlete can participate in school, classes and is studying well. When this athlete is ready to participate in sports the athlete must be symptom free for 24 hours before beginning the return to play protocol.
Dr. Kevin Sponseller will be consulted prior to initiation of RTP. And Dr. Kevin Sponseller will give us the okay to return to play after going through the return to play protocol.

 

RTP strategy
Day 1: Light aerobic activity – walking, jogging, biking, pushups, sit-ups, jumping jacks
Day 2: Sport Specific activity – running, cutting, shooting, passing – no head contact
Day 3: Return to practice – No contact
Day 4: Return to normal controlled Practice
Day 5: Return to normal competition no restrictions

 

 

Dr. Kevin Sponseller is the team physician for McBee High School and will give written clearance on all athletes prior to return to play following a concussion. Once the return to play protocol has been followed and the athlete is prepared to return to his/her sport, the team physician will give written notice.

 

In the instance that the student athletes goes to their primary care physician and have been cleared by their physician to return to play the athlete MUST go through the return to play protocol first with the athletic trainer at McBee High School including taking a post-injury concussion test, RTP protocol, and final written clearance from Dr. Kevin Sponseller prior to practice or game participation.

 

 

Pre-participation forms, as well as documentation from the school counselors, will identify those with a diagnosed condition, however many disorders go un-recognized. If an athlete is displaying signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder, or has confided in a coach that they are experiencing signs and symptoms of a mental health disorder, the chain of command needs to be initiated and an appropriate referral needs to be made to a specialist.

 

The student-athlete will not be permitted to return to participation until evaluated and cleared by the specialist/counselor.

 

Chain of Command

 

 

Mental health disorders include, but are not limited to, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders

 

 

 

Signs/Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder (Panic Attacks, Anxiety, OCD)

 

Signs/Symptoms of an Eating Disorder (Anorexia, Bulimia, Disordered Eating)

 

 

Athletic Trainer
Ashley Carlson, MS, SCAT, ATC
(740) 412-9773
[email protected]

 

School Counselor
Lori Griggs
(843) 335-5529
[email protected]

 

In the event of a suspected spinal cord injury the EAP will be activated by the AT. The AT will delegate tasks to the personnel available.

 

 

Immobilization and Transport

 

Helmet Removal Considerations

 

 

The AT will be responsible for informing the appropriate individuals after emergency care is given.

 

 

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. The increasing presence of and timely access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at sporting events provides a means of early defibrillation and the potential for effective secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. High quality CPR and correct chain of survival is essential to increased survival rate. All coaching staff must be certified in CPR/AED. In the event of a cardiac emergency the following management plan should be followed.

 

 

 

 

The chain of command during the emergency events is listed below and should be referred to when determining which responsibilities each event personnel has.

 

 

Personnel	Duty
Athletic Trainer	Responds to on-site emergency
2nd in chain of command	Activate EMS, direct EMS upon arrival
3rd in chain of command	Retrieve emergency equipment
4th in chain of command	Provide crowd control

 

The following suggestions from the NATA and CDC have been adopted by the McBee High School athletic staff to help prevent the spread of infections and communicable diseases.

 

National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Position Statement and Guidelines for Sports Related Infections and communicable diseases:

 

 

These fungal lesions are due to dermatophytes. As they are easily transmissible the athlete should be treated with an oral or topical antifungal medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to participation. Once the lesion is considered to be no longer contagious it may be covered with a bio occlusive dressing.

 

 

While these infections may be secondary to a variety of bacteria, they should all be treated as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The athlete should be removed from practices and competition and treated with oral antibiotics. Return to contact practices and competition may occur after 72 hours of treatment providing the infection is resolving. All lesions are considered infectious until each one has a well-adherent scab without any drainage or weeping fluids. Once a lesion is no longer considered infectious, it should be covered with a bio occlusive dressing until complete resolution. All team members should be carefully screened for similar infections. If multiple athletes are infected, consideration should be given to obtaining nasal cultures of all teammates.

 
Shingles, Cold Sores

 

These are viral infections which are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. Lesions on exposed areas of skin that are not covered by clothing, uniform, or equipment require the player to be withdrawn from any activity that may result in direct skin to-skin contact with another participant. Covering infectious lesions with an occlusive dressing is not acceptable. Primary outbreaks require 10-14 days of oral antiviral medications. Recurrent outbreaks require five days of treatment prior to returning to participation. “Non-contagious” lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge for 48 hours

 

 

This skin infection is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). The spreading of this virus is strictly skin-to-skin with the preponderance of the outbreaks developing on the head, face, and neck, reflecting the typical lock-up position. The initial outbreak is characterized by a raised rash with groupings of 6-10 vesicles (blisters). The skin findings are accompanied by sore throat, fever, malaise and swollen cervical lymph nodes. The infected individual should be removed from contact and treated with antiviral medications. They may return to contact only after all lesions are healed with well adherent scabs, no new vesicle formation, and no swollen lymph nodes near the affected area. As the HSV-1 may spread prior to vesicle formation, anyone in contact with the infected individual during the three days prior to the outbreak must be isolated from any contact activity for eight days and be examined daily for suspicious skin lesions. To be considered “non-contagious,” all lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge and no new lesions should have occurred in the preceding 48 hours.

 

 

Molluscum contagiosum and verruca are types of warts that are caused by viruses but are not considered highly contagious. Therefore, these lesions require no treatment or restrictions, but should be covered if prone to bleeding when abraded.

 

 

Any athlete that reports systemic problems (fever, malaise, productive cough, etc.) to the AT should be referred to a physician for further evaluation.

 

 

Any suspicious lesions should be reported, documented, and inspected by an AT. If further examination is required, the AT will refer the athlete to a physician. All return to competition decisions will be based on the physician recommendations.

 

 

C-MRSA is community acquires Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Approximately 30%-50% of the general population is colonized with staphylococcus aureus (carrying the bacteria on their skin or in nose.)

 

Due to the nature of competitive sports at the high school level, there is an increased risk for the spread of this infection along with other skin infections such as impetigo, herpes gladiatorum (a form of herpes causing skin lesions on the head, back and shoulders), and MRSA. These diseases are spread by skin-to-skin contact and contact with infected equipment shared by athletes, generally causing lesions of the skin.

 

Any athlete who is suspected to have MRSA or who has MRSA should be immediately isolated from the rest of the team and referred to a physician. As a precaution, the athletic training facility and locker room should be disinfected.

 

 

Hygiene

 

 

• Cleaning schedule should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities
• Hard surfaces within the facilities being used should be wiped down and sanitized prior to use of any individual or group of individuals
• Individuals should wash their hands before touching surfaces and participating in workouts (20 secs with warm water and soap)
• Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available in all transition locations
• Weight equipment should be wiped down before and after individual’s use of equipment
  
  • Any equipment that has hole or rips exposing foam should be covered
• Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room (minimize sweat transfer to equipment)
• Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home

• ALL individuals should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 upon entering the building, including temperature check (100.4 or greater cannot be permitted at workouts)
• Screening responses/temperature records should be recorded and stored with the Athletic Trainer
  
  • Positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts and sent home with suggestion to see PCP
    
    • Will not be able to participate without clearance note from PCP
• Vulnerable individuals should not oversee or participate in any workouts
• Athletes, coaches, and/or staff must sign “Assumption of Risk” form prior to participation
• PRE-WORKOUT SCREENINGS MUST BE CONDUCTED BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR DESIGNATED FULLTIME DISTRICT/SCHOOL EMPLOYEE

• No more than 10 individuals at a time (inside or outside)—INCLUDING COACHES AND STAFF
• No use of locker rooms
• Restrooms for emergency use only
  
  • when used only every other stall can be used
  • all stalls that are used MUST be cleaned after each workout session
• Use of “pods” consisting of 5-10 athletes always working out together
  
  • Smaller pods utilized for weight training
• ONLY one pod PER facility
• Minimum distance of 6 feet between individuals at all times
• No athlete allowed in athletic training room without the Athletic Trainer present—ONLY used for immediate care or emergency
• Priority of facilities should be given to fall sports if at all possible

• No shared athletic equipment (towels, shoes, clothes, etc.)
• NO balls or sports equipment for the first 10 days of workouts or 14 calendar days
• When permissible, ALL athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned before/after each use
• Individual drills requiring use of athletic equipment are permissible
  
  • Equipment must be cleaned prior to use by the next individual
• Resistance training should be emphasized as body weight, sub-maximal lifts and use of resistance bands
• Free weight exercises that require a spotter cannot be conducted while honoring social distancing norms—safety measures in all forms must be strictly enforced in the weight room
• appropriate time be given between use of facilities to allow for thorough cleaning of equipment and facility

• Face covering MUST be worn by athletes when not participating in the sports activity
  
  • Clarification for student-athlete face covering:
    
    • Athletes are to wear a face covering when arriving to campus, in classrooms for film, and during walkthroughs
    • NO face covering required when heart rate or respiratory rate is elevated
  • Face covering should not be shared
  • Non-disposable face coverings should be cleaned and disinfected daily
• Coaches and staff MUST wear cloth face coverings AT ALL TIMES during the workout sessions
  
  • Artificial noisemakers can take place of a traditional whistle
• Plastic shields are NOT permitted

• Athletes must bring their own water bottles
  
  • Water bottles are NOT to be shared
• Hydration stations should not be utilized

• Follow WBGT guidelines
• Have EAP in place for each facility

• ALL individuals should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 upon entering the building, including temperature check (100.4 or greater cannot be permitted at workouts)
• Screening responses/temperature records should be recorded and stored with the Athletic Trainer
  
  • Positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts and sent home with suggestion to see PCP
    
    • Will not be able to participate without clearance note from PCP
• Vulnerable individuals should not oversee or participate in any workouts
• Athletes, coaches, and/or staff must sign “Assumption of Risk” form prior to participation
• PRE-WORKOUT SCREENINGS MUST BE CONDUCTED BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR DESIGNATED FULLTIME DISTRICT/SCHOOL EMPLOYEE

• No more than 16 individuals at a time (inside or outside)—INCLUDING COACHES AND STAFF
• No use of locker rooms
• Restrooms for emergency use only
  
  • when used only every other stall can be used
  • all stalls that are used MUST be cleaned after each workout session
• Use of “pods” consisting of < 16 individuals working out together
  
  • Smaller pods utilized for weight training
• ONLY one pod PER facility
• Minimum distance of 6 feet between individuals when NOT wearing a face covering during drills **FACE COVERING MUST BE WORN BY ATHLETES WHEN PARTICIPATING IN A DRILL THAT REQUIRES LESS THAN THE MINIMUM 6 FT SOCIAL DISTANCING**
• No athlete allowed in athletic training room without the Athletic Trainer present—ONLY used for immediate care or emergency
• Priority of facilities should be given to fall sports if at all possible

• No shared athletic apparel (towels, shoes, clothes, etc.)
• Individual drills requiring use of athletic equipment are permissible
  
  • Equipment must be cleaned prior to use by the next pod
• Properly cleaned and sanitized balls and sports equipment may be used
• All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned after each pod
• Free weight exercises that require a spotter CAN be conducted while honoring social distancing norms—safety measures in all forms must be strictly enforced in the weight room
  
  • Spotters MUST stand at the end of the bar and MUST wear a face covering
• Appropriate time MUST be given between use of facilities to allow for thorough cleaning of equipment and facility
• Protective equipment is PROHIBITED

• Face covering MUST be worn by athletes when not participating in the sports activity
  
  • Clarification for student-athlete face covering:
    
    • Athletes are to wear a face covering when arriving to campus, in classrooms for film, and during walkthroughs
    • NO face covering required when heart rate or respiratory rate is elevated **FACEMASK MUST BE WORN DURING DRILLS THAT ATHLETES ARE WITHIN 6 FEET OF EACHOTHER**
  • Face covering should not be shared
  • Non-disposable face coverings should be cleaned and disinfected daily
• Coaches and staff MUST wear cloth face coverings AT ALL TIMES during the workout sessions
  
  • Artificial noisemakers can take place of a traditional whistle
• Plastic shields are NOT permitted

• Athletes must bring their own water bottles
  
  • Water bottles are NOT to be shared
• Hydration stations should not be utilized

• Follow WBGT guidelines
• Have EAP in place for each facility

• ALL individuals should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 upon entering the building, including temperature check (100.4 or greater cannot be permitted at workouts)
• Screening responses/temperature records should be recorded and stored with the Athletic Trainer
  • Positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts and sent home with suggestion to see PCP
    • Will not be able to participate without clearance note from PCP
• Vulnerable individuals should not oversee or participate in any workouts
• Athletes, coaches, and/or staff must sign “Assumption of Risk” form prior to participation

• ONLY one sport PER facility
  • Building occupancy should not exceed 20% of the number of people allotted by the fire marshal
• Use of locker rooms should be coordinated to allow for physical distancing when using lockers
• Restroom access should be limited to every other stall, with no more people allowed inside then the number of stalls in use
• Minimum distance of 6 feet between individuals when NOT wearing a face covering during drills **FACE COVERING MUST BE WORN BY ATHLETES WHEN PARTICIPATING IN A DRILL THAT REQUIRES LESS THAN THE MINIMUM 6 FT SOCIAL DISTANCING**
• No athlete allowed in athletic training room without the Athletic Trainer present—OPEN FOR FULL USE
  • Limited numbers and proper PPE worn AT ALL TIMES

• No shared athletic apparel (towels, shoes, clothes, etc.)
• Individual drills requiring use of athletic equipment are permissible
• Properly cleaned and sanitized balls and sports equipment may be used
• All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned after each practice
• Free weight exercises that require a spotter CAN be conducted while honoring social distancing norms—safety measures in all forms must be strictly enforced in the weight room
  • Spotters MUST stand at the end of the bar and MUST wear a face covering
• Protective equipment is permissible – dates provided by SCHSL
  • Helmets: August 17th
  • Helmets & shoulder pads: September 8th
  • Full pads: September 10th

• Face covering MUST be worn by athletes when not participating in the sports activity
  • Clarification for student-athlete face covering:
    • Athletes are to wear a face covering when arriving to campus, in classrooms for film, and during walkthroughs
    • NO face covering required when heart rate or respiratory rate is elevated** FACEMASK MUST BE WORN DURING DRILLS THAT ATHLETES ARE WITHIN 6 FEET OF EACHOTHER**
  • Face covering should not be shared
  • Non-disposable face coverings should be cleaned and disinfected daily
• Coaches and staff MUST wear cloth face coverings AT ALL TIMES during the workout sessions
  • Artificial noisemakers can take place of a traditional whistle

• Athletes must bring their own water bottles
  • Water bottles are NOT to be shared
• Hydration stations should not be utilized

• Follow WBGT guidelines
• Have EAP in place for each facility

• No siblings, parents, or any other guests allowed in the vicinity of practices
• Athletes and coaches of the same sport ONLY during designated practice time
• ONLY athletes that are actively participating in workouts are to be admitted into workout sessions
• Cleaning of lockers will be scheduled and implemented per sport after restrictions are lifted
• No excess clothing to be kept in lockers
• Same sport groups must allow 15 mins for cleaning between practice groups
• Different sport groups must allow 30 mins between practices for cleaning
• After conditioning/practice session the athletes must leave campus and are NOT to hang out in parking lots during transition times between workout sessions

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your face
• Sneezing and coughing into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow
• Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible

• Do not go to work or school
• Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider

1. Cloth face covering—the purpose is to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets. CDC is additionally “advising the use of simple cloth face covering to slow the spread of the virus and help people who many have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
   
   1. State, local, and school district guidelines should be strictly followed
   2. Cloth facemasks should be considered acceptable. There is NO need to require or recommend “medical grade” masks for athletic activity
2. Due to near certainty of recurrent outbreak during fall/winter of 2020 there needs to be preparation for periodic school closures and the possibility of some sports teams having to be isolate for 2 to 3 weeks while in-season. See Communicable Disease Policy.
3. The principle of this document can be applied to practices, rehearsals, and events for the performing arts except for singing and the playing of wind instruments. The extent of the spread of respiratory droplets during these activities is currently under investigation. Further guidance will be issued as it becomes available.
4. “vulnerable Individuals” are defined by the CDC as people age 65 years and older and others with serious underlying health conditions.
   
   1. Conditions include high BP, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised.
5. Until a cure, vaccine, or effective treatment is readily available, or “herd immunity” is confidently reached, social distancing and other preventative measures such as face covering will be a “new normal” if workouts, practices, and contests are to continue.

• The individual(s) will be referred to their PCP, if the athlete does not have a PCP then the ATC can refer them to the team physician.
  
  • The team(s) of the effected individual will postpone workouts and facilities will undergo additional cleaning.
• If the athlete(s) needs to be transported proper PPE, such as a mask, must be placed on the athlete(s) prior to transport.
• Any athlete(s) that are tested positive for Covid-19 must present the COVID RTP paperwork from a physician stating that they are cleared to return to athletic activity prior to initiation of the Gradual Return to Play Plan.
• The following flowchart shows the COVID-19 RTP algorithm based off test results

 

A potential exposure as defined by the CDC as a person who has had close contact (within 6 ft. for accumulated > 15 mins over a 24 hr period) to a positive COVID-19 person or person exhibiting symptoms.

 

Quarantine timelines for close contacts will be determined on a case by case basis by the Athletic Trainer and School Nurse per DHEC guidelines.

MHS athletics will follow the above criteria for exposures PLUS those set by CCSD

 

The Gradual Return to Play Plan is aimed at athletes with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19. Athletes who have more complicated infections or required hospital support should have an advanced medical assessment before commencing GRTP.

 

 
The GRTP protocol is detailed in the following chart

 

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

 

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

 

If a student-athlete is injured outside of an MHS sanctioned sport (ex: travel or club team), he/she are encouraged to report to the ATC for evaluation, physician referral, and/or treatment.

 

If a student-athlete will miss school because of an injury, he/she should contact the MHS ATC with an update.

 

 

The ATC will be available for injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation daily after school, beginning at 2:00pm, game schedule permitting. Student-athletes are NOT allowed to miss class for injury treatment and should only report early if there is NO academic class during that time.

 

Student-athletes will be evaluated or treated in the following order:

 

 

 

Any student-athlete that is seen by a physician for an injury MUST submit a clearance note to the ATC.

 

Acceptable physician notes MUST include:

 

In cases that the injury is a concussion, the ONLY acceptable return to play form is the Concussion RTP form obtained from ATC.

 

If a student-athlete sees a physician for an injury, he/she WILL NOT be allowed to return to play (practice or games) until a clearance note is received by the ATC, NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

 

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 the physician. See the above list for criteria for acceptable clearance notes. Student-athletes WILL NOT be allowed to return to play (practice or games) until a clearance note is received by the ATC, NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

 

Any student-athlete with an injury or illness that requires transport to or treatment in an emergency department must make a follow up appointment with their primary care physician or appropriate specialist, and be cleared, by that physician. Student-athlete WILL NOT be allowed to return to play (practice or games) until a clearance note is received by the ATC, NO EXCEPTIONS. Emergency department discharge papers will NOT be accepted for 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.