Sports Medicine
Student-athletes at Rio Mesa High School must be academically eligible with a GPA of at least 2.0 and passing at least 20 semester credits. They must be well-behaved at all times and realize that athletic participation is a privilege, not a right. They are to be always respectful to teachers, coaches, officials, opponents, and classmates. In addition, Rio Mesa High School’s student-athletes are expected to be drug and alcohol free.
WHAT IS AN ATHLETIC TRAINER?
A certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly skilled healthcare professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and medical conditions. They play a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of athletes and physically active individuals. Certified athletic trainers work under five primary domains:
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Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion: This involves creating and implementing strategies to reduce the risk of injuries and promoting overall wellness among athletes.
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Examination, Assessment, and Diagnosis: ATCs are trained to evaluate and diagnose injuries accurately, which includes conducting physical examinations and using various diagnostic tools.
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Immediate and Emergency Care: They provide first aid and emergency care in the event of acute injuries or medical conditions, ensuring quick and effective on-site treatment.
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Therapeutic Intervention: This encompasses developing and overseeing rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover from injuries and return to their sport safely.
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Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility: ATCs manage healthcare facilities, maintain medical records, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, while also engaging in continued professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in sports medicine.
Certified athletic trainers typically work in various settings, including schools, colleges, professional sports teams, clinics, hospitals, and even corporate environments. Their comprehensive skill set and dedication make them invaluable in promoting athletic safety and performance.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and even temporary loss of consciousness.
California State Law AB 2127, enacted in 2014, aims to protect student-athletes from the dangers of returning to play too soon after sustaining a concussion. This law mandates that any student suspected of having a concussion during an athletic activity must be immediately removed from play and cannot return until they have been evaluated and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
Injuries/Return to Sport
Student athletes that have sustained any injury that requires a referral to any physician, whether referred by athletic trainer or self-referred will require written clearance via physician's note to return to any activity. Diagnosis, clearance status (must be specific), and physician’s name (printed) and contact information (providers stamp) must be provided if written clearance was obtained by a separate physician’s note
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Athletes known to be under the care of a physician are required to have a physician's note stating any physical limitations allowed.
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If at any time an athlete is seen by a physician, the athlete is not cleared to participate in practice or competitions until he/she returns a medical clearance note to the certified athletic trainer releasing them for clearance to participate safely in athletics. The preferred method is the Physician Referral Form.
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No verbal clearance stating physician’s instructions will be allowed.
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Clearance notes may be faxed or emailed to the athletic trainer.
Emergency Action Plan
Policies and procedures in an athletic training room are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the care provided to athletes. These guidelines are designed to standardize operations and promote a high standard of care, covering everything from injury assessment and treatment protocols to the use of equipment and emergency response plans. Following these policies and procedures is critical for several reasons. Firstly, they help prevent injuries by providing clear instructions on safe practice. Secondly, they ensure that all athletes receive consistent and high-quality care, which is vital for their health and performance. Thirdly, adherence to these guidelines is crucial for legal and ethical reasons, protecting both the athletes and the medical staff from liability. Finally, well-defined policies and procedures facilitate effective communication and coordination among the athletic training team, enhancing overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures in an athletic training room are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the care provided to athletes. These guidelines are designed to standardize operations and promote a high standard of care, covering everything from injury assessment and treatment protocols to the use of equipment and emergency response plans. Following these policies and procedures is critical for several reasons. Firstly, they help prevent injuries by providing clear instructions on safe practice. Secondly, they ensure that all athletes receive consistent and high-quality care, which is vital for their health and performance. Thirdly, adherence to these guidelines is crucial for legal and ethical reasons, protecting both the athletes and the medical staff from liability. Finally, well-defined policies and procedures facilitate effective communication and coordination among the athletic training team, enhancing overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Sports Medicine Staff
Jasmine Anguiano, MS, ATC, CES
Head Athletic Trainer
Office: 805.385.5256
Fax: 602.512.6594
HealthCare Partners
Dignity Health
St. Johns Regional Medical Center
Mark J. Ghilarducci, MD
Ventura Orthopedics
Laura Murphy, D.O., CAQSM
VCMC Family & Sports Medicine Physician