YourHub.com \\ Briargate \\ Stories \\ Sports \\ High Schools

D-20 Athletes - Covered

e-mail to a friend | print this | link to this

Contributed by: P.J Gardner on 2/27/2007

March is National Athletic Training Month and there are about 400 Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) in our state. All Academy School District 20 high schools have an ATC in their school full-time. The ATCs are supplied by Colorado Sports and Spine Centers in conjunction with D-20. This is a unique situation and works very well for all involved. Ask most parents whose son or daughter has been injured.

You see, some schools do not have an ATC to provide their services to injured athletes. Maybe someday all schools will have this service. Air Academy, Pine Creek, Rampart and Liberty high schools have ATCs who are in the school from after classes until the last practice or game is complete. Athletes pile into the training rooms after school to get an evaluation for a current injury; be provided a rehab program for a specific injury; or be taped for an injury before practice. The ATCs also provide emergency medical care if needed and refer athletes to an M.D. if necessary. They know many of the athletes, which makes it easier and more personal for the athletic trainers.

Coaches, parents and administrators are informed of injuries that occur, how they were treated and if they can return to play. Each ATC works with an M.D. from Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group who can provide an evaluation through the "Bumps and Bruises" clinic -- if the ATC deems it necessary. This service alone saves time and money for parents, coaches and athletes. They can find out the diagnosis of an injury and if the athlete can return to play in a few days instead of having to wait longer for an appointment. This is a free service and certain conditions do apply before it can be utilized.

When an injury does occur, parents are notified of their son or daughter's injury and may take him or her to any medical professional they wish. The ATC then communicates with that M.D. to find out what needs to be done for the injury and when or if they can return to their sport. Feedback from parents is positive -- coaches too! The ATCs also refer out to local CSSC clinics to have physical therapists further evaluate injuries and the need for physical therapy. Even though this is insurance dependent, it is still convenient for the athlete and parents to help understand the extent of the injury.

The athletic trainers communicate to each other when athletes from other schools are injured too. This helps the other school's ATC follow up on the injury. The ATCs cover all home events and there is an M.D. on the sidelines for all home football games. Parents should contact any of these ATCs when they have questions about their athletes' injuries. It is good to know D-20 has it covered!

[Report this as objectionable content.]

SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story

Talk Back : submit comments to the story

*Note: you need to log-in to add a comment or rating.

Thank you! Your comment has been updated.

CONTRIBUTOR INFO

P.J Gardner

colorado springs , CO

P.J Gardner has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 2/27/2007. P.J Gardner 's average story rating is 0.

view profile » view other postings from P.J Gardner »