Timberline High School Athletics

Because the nature and extent of each injury is different and unknown, it is necessary for the certified athletic trainer to take the time to assess each injury to determine the coarse of action needed.  The following guidelines are used when evaluating on-field injuries.

ON THE FIELD ASSESSMENT

The purpose of an on-the-field assessment is to determine the severity of the injury via an abbreviated exam.  This initial assessment is used to determine whether or not the athlete should be moved to the sideline for a more complete injury evaluation or if the injury requires immobilization and warrants transfer to a medical facility.

THE SIDELINE ASSESSMENT

If the athlete does not need to be immobilized and transferred to a medical facility, further evaluation on the sideline will be performed.  The purpose of the sideline assessment is to complete a more thorough exam and to get a solid impression of the injury.  The sideline assessment is also used to determine whether or not the athlete can safely return to play or possibly be referred for further medical evaluation.  If not the certified athletic trainer must decide when and if the athlete should be referred.  The sideline evaluation may involve the evaluation by the team physician.

RETURN TO PLAY CRITERIA

1. An athlete must exhibit PAIN FREE RANGE OF MOTION.
2. An athlete must exhibit EQUAL STRENGTH IN BOTH  EXTREMITIES.
3. An athlete must perform with relative ease, AGILITY DRILLS  AND SPORT SPECIFIC DRILLS.
4. An athlete must be MENTALLY COMFORTABLE WITH RETURNING TO PLAY.

• For concussions, a separate return to play criteria is used, but simply the athlete must be asymptomatic.

Ø      If Parents are present at the game, they will be conferred with after the assessment process and informed of what the certified athletic trainer learned of the injury and what course of action should be taken.

Ø      If Parents are absent from the game, they will be notified when an athlete has been removed from play and informed of the nature of the injury, why the athlete is not returning to play and whether or not further medical evaluation is needed and to what extent.

Ø      It must be remembered that each injury is different and unique to each athlete.  There are NO SET TIMETABLES for return to play!