Q & A w/Sammee Piette, LOLHS’s Athletic Trainer ~ Tips for Student-Athletes

 Q: What are some things that can help the success of an athlete/prevent injuries?

A:

•  Staying hydrated throughout the day is a HUGE factor to reduce muscle cramps and heat-related illnesses/injuries. It is recommended to have 17-20oz of water/sports drink/electrolyte drink 2-3 hours prior to exercise and 7-10oz of fluids 10-20 minutes prior to exercises.
• Student-athletes should be sleeping 7-8 hours for optimal performance
• Eating nutritious foods is beneficial for performance and healing. Below is an article from the National Athletic Training Association’s (NATA) website: https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/nutrition-for-injury-recovery-and-rehabilitation.pdf
• Stretching, warm-ups and cool downs are vital for student-athletes muscles’ health.

Q: Where is your office located? 

A:

• My office is located in the HS next to the weight room. Room 165

 Q: What do you do as an athletic trainer?

A:

•  Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals that have a bachelors or masters degree to prevent, examine, treat, diagnose and rehabilitate emergent, acute, chronic injuries or medical conditions (nata.org)
• Every  two years I need to complete 50 continuing education units to keep my certification current.
• Fun fact: the only medical condition I can diagnose is a concussion!

Q: When should a student-athlete come see you?

A:

• I am at the school from 1pm to the end of practices/games during the weekdays. Saturdays and vacations are based on game schedules. 
• Student-athletes should stay in their academic classes and visit me after school unless they have an early dismissal or study hall at the end of the day. 

Q: What does a student-athlete need in order to return to play after an injury?

 A: With athletic trainer (ATC) supervision:

• ***Student-athletes who have been injured are encouraged to seek care from ATC.***
• ATC will create a return-to-play (RTP) for the injured student-athlete to improve their signs/symptoms.
• If signs/symptoms have not improved and the student athlete has missed 7 participation days (or more), referral to another health care provider may be recommended.
• If medical referral is recommended and medical clearance is provided, the student-athlete will be evaluated by the ATC prior to returning to participation to make sure the student-athlete is able to perform necessary skills and drills for their sport.
  • Minimal pain
  • Full range of motion
  • Full motor and sensory strength
  • Normal gait
  • Ability to perform sport specific movements

Without athletic trainer (ATC) supervision:

• If a student-athlete has not been seen by the ATC and/or has sat out for 7 participation days (or more) without improving signs/symptoms, a medical clearance note is necessary prior to return-to-play. 
• Once a medical clearance note is obtained, the student-athlete will be evaluated by the ATC prior to returning to participation to make sure the student-athlete is able to perform necessary skills and drills for their sport.
  • Minimal pain
  • Full range of motion
  • Full motor and sensory strength
  • Normal gait
  • Ability to perform sport specific movements

Q: What does a student-athlete need to be eligible to compete?

A:

•  Student-athletes need:
  • To be registered on FinalForms,
  • An up-to-date physical (within 13 months),
  • An up-to-date imPACT test every two years or if you are a new transfer student or had a concussion the last season
  • No school fees/obligations,
  • And academics in good standings.

Q: What are some of the general policies that the athletic department has?

A:

• Many coaches have policies of student-athletes practicing the day before a competition.
• No wearing of cleats or spikes in school buildings
• Travel waivers need to be signed 24 hours prior to the away event
• 10 practices are required before you can compete in a competition (game/match/meet/etc.)
• Our education-based athletics philosophy enforces substance free sport programs. You can read about this in our athletic handbook in the link below.
• Reviewing the athletic handbook is necessary to understand all the athletic department’s policies 

Athletic Handbook:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gZjMso14F7vTwvjsP4zmcZTRG8V0NI2kY2wa9jhUIOY/edit?tab=t.0