Training Program
Section 1
CPR/AED
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
NonInherited (not passed on from the family, but still present at birth) conditions:
Coronary Artery Abnormalities abnormality of the blood vessels that supply blood to the
heart muscle. The second most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes in the
U.S.
Aortic valve abnormalities failure of the aortic valve (the valve between the heart and
the aorta) to develop properly; usually causes a loud heart murmur.
Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy a condition where the heart muscle does not develop
normally.
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome an extra conducting fiber is present in the hearts
electrical system and can increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Idiopathic: Sometimes the underlying cause of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest is unknown,
even after autopsy.
Section 2
Head and Neck Injuries
Concussions
Coaches and officials should discourage the players from using their heads
as battering rams. The rules prohibiting spearing and helmet-to-helmet
contact should be enforced in practice and in games. The players should be
taught to respect the helmet as a protective device and that the helmet
should not be used as a weapon.
All coaches, physicians, and trainers should take special care to see that
each player's equipment is properly fitted, particularly the helmet.
Strict enforcement of the rules of the game by both coaches and officials
may help reduce serious injuries.
Definition of Concussion
There are numerous definitions of concussion available in medical literature as
well as in the previously noted guidelines developed by the various state
organizations.
The feature universally expressed across definitions is that concussion 1) is the
result of a physical, traumatic force to the head and 2) that force is sufficient to
produce altered brain function which may last for a variable duration of time.
For the purpose of this program the definition presented in Chapter 38, Sub
Chapter D of the Texas Education Code is considered appropriate:
"Concussion" means a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain
caused by a traumatic physical force or impact to the head or body, which may:
(A) include temporary or prolonged altered brain function resulting in physical,
cognitive, or emotional symptoms or altered sleep patterns; and
(B) involve loss of consciousness.
Concussion Symptoms/Signs
Concussion can produce a wide variety of symptoms that should be familiar to
those having responsibility for the well being of student-athletes engaged in
competitive sports in Texas.
Symptoms reported by athletes may include: headache; nausea; balance
problems or dizziness; double or fuzzy vision; sensitivity to light or noise;
feeling sluggish; feeling foggy or groggy; concentration or memory problems;
confusion.
Signs observed by parents, friends, teachers or coaches may include: appears
dazed or stunned; is confused about what to do; forgets plays; is unsure of
game, score or opponent; moves clumsily; answers questions slowly; loses
consciousness; shows behavior or personality changes; cant recall events
prior to hit; cant recall events after hit.
Any one or group of symptoms may appear immediately and be temporary, or
delayed and long lasting. The appearance of any one of these symptoms
should alert the responsible personnel to the possibility of concussion.
TEC section 38.155 requires the UIL to provide guidelines for safely resuming
participation in an athletic activity following a concussion. TEC 38.153 indicates
that: Each concussion oversight team shall establish a return-to-play protocol,
based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence, for a student's return to interscholastic
athletics practice or competition following the force or impact believed to have
caused a concussion.
A student athlete, if it is believed that they might have sustained a concussion, shall
not return to practice or competition until the student athlete has been evaluated
and cleared in writing by his or her treating physician and all other notice and
consent requirements have been met. From that point, the student athlete must
satisfactorily complete the protocol established by the school districts or charter
schools Concussion Oversight Team.
The current peer reviewed scientific evidence suggests that, after complying with
the clearance, notice and consent requirements noted above, a step-by-step return
to play protocol that includes a progressive exercise component is indicated for high
school participants.
Responsible Individual
At every activity under the jurisdiction of the UIL in which the activity involved
carries a potential risk for concussion, there should be a designated individual who
is responsible for identifying student-athletes with symptoms of concussion
injuries.
That individual should be a physician or an advanced practice nurse, athletic
trainer, neuropsychologist, or physician assistant, as defined in TEC section
38.151, with appropriate training in the recognition and management of concussion
in athletes. In the event that such an individual is not available, a supervising adult
approved by the school district with appropriate training in the recognition of the
signs and symptoms of a concussion in athletes could serve in that capacity.
When a licensed athletic trainer is available such an individual would be the
appropriate designated person to assume this role. The individual responsible for
determining the presence of the symptoms of a concussion is also responsible for
creating the appropriate documentation related to the injury event.
Section 3
Heat, Hydration and Asthma
These stimulants may increase the risk of heat illness and/or heart problems with exercise.
They can also cause anxiety, jitteriness, nausea, and upset stomach or diarrhea.
Many of these drinks are being produced by traditional water, soft drink and sports drink
companies which can cause confusion in the sports community. As is true with other forms
of supplements, these "power drinks, energy drinks, or fluid supplements" are not
regulated by the FDA. Thus, the purity and accuracy of contents on the label is not
guaranteed.
Many of these beverages which claim to increase power, energy, and endurance, among
other claims, may have additional ingredients that are not listed. Such ingredients may be
harmful and may be banned by governing bodies like the NCAA, USOC, or individual state
athletic associations.
Section 4
Anabolic Steroids and
Nutritional Supplements
Texas state law also provides that bodybuilding, muscle enhancement or the
increase in muscle bulk or strength through the use of a steroid by a person who
is in good health is not a valid medical purpose.
Texas state law requires that only a medical doctor may prescribe a steroid for a
person.
The National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc. has partnered with the UIL to
provide an easily accessible resource designed to answer questions about
its drug-testing program, banned substances and inquiries about dietary
supplements.
The REC is available 24 hours a day seven days a week by calling the UIL
hotline or going online and entering the assigned password. All
correspondence with the REC can be done so anonymously, and will be
kept confidential.
The web address for The Resource Exchange Center (REC) is:
www.drugfreesport.com/rec
The password to the REC for the Texas State High Schools: texashs
The toll free number to the REC for the UIL: 877-733-1135
Section 5
Lightning Safety
Establish a chain of command that identifies who is to make the call to remove
individuals from the field.
Name a designated weather watcher (A person who actively looks for the signs of
threatening weather and notifies the chain of command if severe weather becomes
dangerous).
When thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a visible lightning strike, or a cloud-toground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location
with lightning. Suspend play for thirty minutes and take shelter immediately.
Once activities have been suspended, wait at least thirty minutes following the last
sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming an activity or returning outdoors.
Avoid being the highest point in an open field, in contact with, or proximity to the
highest point, as well as being on the open water. Do not take shelter under or near
trees, flagpoles, or light poles.
Assume that lightning safe position (crouched on the ground weight on the balls of
the feet, feet together, head lowered, and ears covered) for individuals who feel their
hair stand on end, skin tingle, or hear "crackling" noises. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning
strike:
* Activate local EMS
* Lightning victims do not "carry a charge" and are safe to touch.
* If necessary, move the victim with care to a safer location.
* Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary.
* Evaluate and treat for hypothermia, shock, fractures, and/or burns.
All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure
if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear of
repercussions or penalty from anyone.
The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle
with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. It is important to not touch any part of the
metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms.
It is not safe to shower, bathe, or talk on landline phones while inside of a safe shelter during
thunderstorms (cell phones are ok).
Section 6
Communicable Diseases
Sources